Children ask the world of us. Let’s start there. With all the differences among us (different beliefs, different attitudes toward our place on this planet, different choices about everything from government to dish soap), remembering that children ask the world of us may be the best place for finding common ground.

If children ask the world of us, then don’t we need to give some careful thought to what that means for the choices we make? Can we, in fact, make choices that will build a world in which all children can thrive? Not just yours and mine but everyone’s children all over this amazing globe. The answer may be more questions:

If we set out to be conscious of how our choices help or hinder such a world, then how shall we protect the planet for the children? How shall we feed them? How shall we provide for their health? How shall we keep them safe from war and violence? How shall we teach them? And how shall we ensure a compassionate society for them to thrive in and carry on for the next generations?

These are the six questions we hope you’ll explore with us at the 11th Annual Peace Fair, from 10 a.m.-3p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, on the Brunswick Mall. Changing the culture we live in for the sake of our children, and theirs, is serious business; but it needs, also, to be a fun time with lots of laughter and a-ha moments. Six big tents will be set up in a circle on the green, one for each of the questions. In each tent will be games and activities for all ages led by groups whose work is with food or health, education, social justice, or environmental issues. In the center of the circle will be a smaller tent where we can ask questions, look at new ideas and consider some approaches to action.

And there will be music all day, and this year there will be a tribute to Woody Guthrie who, along with his friend Pete Seeger, introduced grass roots and protest folk music to urban audiences from the ‘40s to the ‘60s. “This Land is Our Land” is one of those, and there are hundreds of others. Join us for some hearty singing along.

The spirit of the Peace Fair lies in seeing the realities of this culture where we find ourselves and, at the same time, working together to envision and create a future we believe is possible.

Community members coming together to dream and then to act — is this, perhaps, just what our children need and deserve?

Please save the date and spread the word. It will be a wonderful event and having you there will make a difference!

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Rosalie Paul is a member of PeaceWorks. She lives in Brunswick.