National Child Day, celebrated annually on November 20th, is a day dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and youth.
Celebrated since 1993, National Child Day commemorates the United Nations’ adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989. The UNCRC spells out the basic human rights to which all children under the age of 18 are entitled, including the right to health, the right to play and the right to participate and have a voice in matters that affect them. By ratifying the Convention in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that children are treated with dignity and respect, and are protected from harm both in Canada and abroad. Children’s rights aim to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Respect for the rights of the child can only be fully achieved when everyone, including children themselves, recognize that every person has the same rights, and then adopts attitudes and behaviours of respect, inclusion and acceptance.
OUR NEW 2015 NATIONAL CHILD DAY #PlayItFair ACTIVITIES
Play It Fair! is an innovative program implemented in day camps and after school programs across Canada that increases children aged 6-12 understanding of human rights, respect for diversity and peaceful conflict resolution. The games and activities provide a starting point for children to discuss issues such as bullying, and work together to find ways to promote inclusion, respect, fairness, acceptance and cooperation. Learn more about the impact of the Play It Fair! program here > Thanks to the support of the TD Bank Group over 100,000 children each year learn about their rights and promote respect for diversity through the award-winning Equitas Play it Fair! program.
1. Our Annual Postcard to Parliament Campaign
Celebrate National Child Day (November 20th) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by sending a postcard to parliament! NEW this year, the #PlayItFair campaign focuses on Article 3 of the Convention that states that the best interest of the child must be the primary consideration when adults make decisions that affect children. More than 20,000 postcards will be filled out by children all across Canada. By sending a postcard to parliament, children get to share their own ideas with the Prime Minister of Canada and other national decision-makers. Want to participate? Learn more about the NEW 2015 Play It Fair! postcard and activities here (PDF) > You can find the postcard here (PDF) > Three activities you can do with children : a) From Saturn to Jupiter (Get the PDF here ) b) Looking for Similarities and Discover Differences (Get the PDF here ) c) Autograph Bingo (Get the PDF here ) +++ Order your postcards today (until November 13, 2015)! Postcards are available free of charge (quantities are limited). Please contact pif@equitas.org +++ Help us make a splash on social media too! Read our tipsheet (PDF) for ideas and sample messages you can use! 
2. National Child Day in the Senate – November 19th
On November 19th, 2015, Equitas will host a special activity in the Senate to celebrate National Child Day. The event will take place from 10-11am. 300 children (grade 4, 5 and 6 – 10-12 years old) from Ottawa schools will take over the Senate for this hour of celebration and will learn about their rights through two Equitas Play It Fair! activities. The activities will give children the opportunity to explore why diversity is important to them and ways they can share their ideas and opinions so they can be heard. Read the press release here > “We are thrilled to welcome Equitas to the Senate Chamber for this special event,” says Senator Jim Munson. “Teaching children about their rights is central to National Child Day and Play It Fair! offers a fun and engaging way to educate them.” “The 2015 National Child Day celebrations in the Senate represent a great opportunity for children from schools in the Ottawa area to share their ideas with the Senators and other decision-makers on Parliament Hill,” says Ian Hamilton, Executive Director of Equitas. “By participating in Play It Fair! activities, children learn the skills they need to understand their rights and be part of positive change in their communities.” “We are proud to support this initiative that encourages young generations to express their ideas on the importance of diversity and human rights values. It empowers them to find creative ways to promote inclusion, respect and cooperation within their community, and shows them that their voice counts.” Jane Duchscher, Senior Vice President, Ontario North and East Region, TD Bank Group.
3. The 7 Play it Fair! Children’s Rights Values
This National Child Day, the TD Community Relations Team will be wearing temporary tattoos presenting the 7 Play It Fair! children’s rights values. These positive values come from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UNCRC. These 7 values are: cooperation, respect, fairness, inclusion, respect for diversity, responsibility, and acceptance. By promoting these values and incorporating them in our everyday behavior, we can demonstrate respect for human rights.
4. Local partner events across Canada
Looking to participate in your community? Equitas is working in 34 communities across Canada. Write to Adrianna to know about activities taking place in your area!
5. 2015 Play It Fair! Award
Every year, Equitas recognizes local innovation, creativity and exceptional contributions made in the field of children’s rights using Play it Fair!, an Equitas program that increases children’s understanding of human rights, respect of diversity and peaceful conflict resolution. The winner of the 2015 award will be announced on November 20th. Play It Fair! is made possible thanks to the active participation of Equitas partners across Canada and the generous financial support of The TD Bank Group, the City of Montreal, le Ministère d`Immigration, Diversité et Inclusion Québec, The Canada Post Community Foundation and the MK Social Justice Fund at the Foundation of Greater Montreal. 