for kids who care

about the world

What if changing the world started with play, curiosity, and courage?

CHANGEMAKERS is a monthly series in Chicago/Evanston, IL designed for kids 6-9yrs who are full of big questions, big hearts, and big imaginations. Rooted in the values of empathy, justice, and community care, each session invites young changemakers to explore what it means to speak up, take care of each other, and create a better world—one small act at a time.

Through story circles, movement games, nature-based activities, and art-as-activism projects, children will build emotional awareness, practice collaboration, develop leadership skills, and begin to understand the power they hold—at home, in their friendships, and beyond.

But why is changemakers important, and how is it different?

Because the world is loud—and it’s already telling your child who to be.
Too sensitive. Too much. Not enough.

Children aren’t just navigating school and friendships; they're carrying anxiety at unprecedented levels, absorbing messages from screens, social media, and global events that often leave their developing nervous systems overwhelmed, unseen, and sometimes isolated. Recent studies show anxiety and depression rates among young children are higher than ever, with younger and younger children grappling with serious emotional distress and even suicidal ideation as young as six years.

CHANGEMAKERS exists to interrupt that.

At CHANGEMAKERS, your child will learn how to lead with their heart and hold boundaries. They’ll begin to understand their wide range of feelings without shame, practice empathy without losing themselves, build resilience in the face of life’s complexities, and cause “good trouble” when injustice arises in the classroom or on the playground.

Because the children who learn how to lead with intention and care today?
They’re the ones who grow into adults capable of building a better tomorrow.

kids get cool things

  • ✺ 2-Hour Session

    Each session includes a thoughtfully curated 2-hour experience with hands-on, themed activities, all art supplies or materials provided, and one snack + drink option. All your kiddo needs to bring is their imagination (and maybe a little curiosity too).

  • ✺Changemaker's Guidebook

    A digital companion that grows with them. This emailed guide includes pre-workshop prompts to spark reflection and post-workshop activities to deepen learning—perfect for new changemakers or returning ones building their movement, one page at a time.

  • ✺changemaker's certificate

    A printed moment of pride. Every child receives a Certificate of Completion at the close of the workshop—a tangible reminder that their voice matters, and their actions can change the world.

It’s Not Just for the Kids — Grown-Ups are included Too!

For the adults

  • ✺Convo Starters for Home

    A digital set of prompts for grown-ups and kids to explore together—perfect for the dinner table, the car ride, or those rare quiet moments before bed. These questions spark the kind of connection that helps both generations grow.

  • ✺digital group for adults

    Change doesn’t happen alone. Join our optional caregiver group for ongoing connection, shared wins, and support from a community of grown-ups raising the next generation of big-hearted rebels.

  • ✺Coaching Discounts

    Let’s be real—raising a Changemaker is no small task. Caregivers get exclusive discounts on KAINIX coaching (Alchemy Sessions) to tackle parenting challenges with empathy, strategy, and support.

Summer 2025 sessions for 6-9yrs

the spark within me

DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Explore identity, belonging, and brave self-expression through story, art, and movement. Kids will celebrate what makes them unique—and how that spark connects us all.

Location: Catharine W. McCullock Park Playground, Jenks St, Evanston, IL 60201

the power
of feelings

DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Through story, play, and reflection, kids will learn to name emotions, build empathy, and support others—because big feelings aren’t bad, they’re powerful tools for connection.

Location: Penny Park - Evanston, IL

the world
we dream

DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Kids will imagine a kinder world—and take real steps to build it. Through story, chalk art, and movement, we’ll explore care, justice, and the change one small voice can spark.

Location: Larimer Park, Evanston, IL

**registration ends 24 hours before each session

Interested in a program for a child outside of the 6-9 age range? Check out the FAQ below to submit your interest!

 FAQs

  • We believe in the importance of accessible programs for children and families. Pricing is a sliding fee scale (see below).

    You are trusted to choose the pricing that best reflects your financial situation.

    PRICING TIERS - per child

    • Seed $35 – A supported rate made possible by collective generosity

    • Sustainer $50 – Covers the full cost of this offering

    • Nurturer $65 – Helps others access this space while fueling future programming

    Full & Partial Scholarships Available — Just follow the steps in this form and your child is in!

  • Complete the form linked here! There’s no need to justify financial support, simply follow the steps in the form and your child is in!

  • All sessions are led by Gabriela Starr, founder of KAINIX—trauma-conscious educator, parent coach, and cyclebreaker with 15+ years of experience supporting children and families. As a mother of four, Gabriela understands firsthand the challenges and beauty of nurturing the next generation of changemakers in today’s climate. You can learn more about their credentials here!

    Guest facilitators and volunteers may also join for specific sessions.

    Learn more below to volunteer or contact me at gabriela@kainix.org

  • Yes! CHANGEMAKERS is a drop-off-friendly program. Each child must be signed in and out by their grown-up, but once they’re settled, you’re welcome to head out—or stay! Some parents take solo time at the park, others hang out and chat with fellow caregivers. Whatever feels good for you, we’ve got you.

  • Yes. Always. Whether your child is being raised by a single parent, two moms, two dads, grandparents, a trans parent, a chosen family, polyam parents, adoptive parents, foster care, or anything in between—you are welcome here. We celebrate the beautifully diverse ways families are formed. If there is any way CHANGEMAKERS can improve, please contact Gabriela at gabriela@kainix.org

  • That’s part of the learning. We hold space for respectful curiosity, teach age-appropriate language around identity, and guide children to honor differences with empathy and kindness.

  • Whether it’s a surprise fever, a family emergency, or just one of those days—we totally understand. While we don’t offer refunds, you’re welcome to email Gabriela at gabriela@kainix.org and we’ll happily roll your payment over to a future session. Life’s unpredictable. We’re flexible.

  • Let’s talk! We know age doesn’t always reflect developmental fit—some 5-year-olds are ready for big conversations, and some 10-year-olds still thrive in imaginative play (honestly, same). If you think CHANGEMAKERS is a good match for your child, send us a message and we’ll see what’s possible.

    Also, if you're hoping for a similar program for a different age group, we’d love to hear from you. With enough interest, we plan to expand CHANGEMAKERS to welcome more ages. Just email Gabriela at gabriela@kainix.org and let us know!

  • We teach kids how to name their feelings, listen deeply, honor differences, and take action in small, powerful ways. It’s about planting seeds for lifelong courage, compassion, and justice.

  • If your child isn’t in the 6–9 age range or you’re looking for support that isn’t listed here, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. KAINIX is growing, and your input helps shape what comes next. Fill out the interest form to let us know what challenges you’re facing and what kind of offerings would actually support your family. We’re listening.

  • “He came home asking big questions—and teaching me about empathy. This isn’t just a kids’ program, it’s a ripple effect.”

    Sara, Mom of Noah

  • "The way she weaves healing into play is magic—and the supportive coaching along the way has been just as transformative for me. Every family needs this kind of support.”

    Marcus, Father of Adonis

  • "As a queer family, it means everything to find a space that truly sees and celebrates us."

    Jess & Mica, Moms of Remi

  • "She is incredibly insightful, intuitive, compassionate, & knowledgeable about parenting from an empowered and joyful place."

    Laurea Lea N., Coaching Client

want to volunteer?

We love when grown-ups want to be part of the magic.

If you're a parent, caregiver, or community member who wants to support CHANGEMAKERS behind the scenes, we’re inviting a small number of volunteers to help during each session. Volunteer roles include:

  • Helping ensure safety and smooth transitions

  • Offering extra hands during activities or movement games

  • Supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and families

There will be a required 45-minute virtual orientation and training the week of the session, designed to give you the tools and confidence to show up in alignment with the CHANGEMAKERS values of empathy, inclusion, and trauma-conscious care.

Spots are limited and based on enrollment numbers, so if you're interested, please email Gabriela at gabriela@kainix.org.