Thread Vote for Kids Rally

I recently participated in Thread's Vote for Kids rally. This consisted of three simultaneous rallies in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks. My youngest daughter Ella and I were able to be a part of Anchorage's rally at the Success by 6 building in Mountain View. This event was part of the National Step Up for Kids initiative which encourages voters to vote for candidates who place children's issues as a high priority.

This is the third year of Step Up for Kids, and this October child advocates, politicians, parents, and kids are joining together across the country to rally for children. Events across the states will raise awareness among voters and political candidates regarding the issues American children face; among them are early childcare, after-school programs, poverty, child abuse and neglect, and health care. Spearheaded by Every Child Matters in Washington, D.C., this is the third annual Step Up event with events taking place in more than 25 states.

Step Up events range from rallies and family-friendly festivals, to candidate forums and press conferences. All include speakers who address the needs of children both nationwide and in their own state, and most of them are professionals who work with children on a regular basis – politicians, teachers, nurses, pediatricians, social workers, etc. The idea is to educate those in attendance (voters) about just how poorly American children fair when compared to other rich democracies, and how it is up to the government, both federal and state, to step up and invest in kids.

Despite the rainy weather, a good crowd gathered to waves signs to raise awareness among voters and speak with the media about our message. Children's issues (and their funding) should be an essential component of our State and National agenda and are often times dismissed because of their price tag. The fact is, research continually shows that the return on the investment in children and their families has some of f the greatest returns of any social program. Longitudinal data shows that investing in quality early care and education of children decreases grade retention, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, and welfare dependence, all thing that come with a huge cost to our Government.



Alaska ranks 35th in the Nation for its provision for the needs of children and their families. This election season I encourage you to talk with candidates and ask what they plan to do to help Alaska move up in the ranks. Help us keep children a priority by encouraging candidates to support programs and policies that meet the needs of our children and their families. And above all else, make your voice be heard; VOTE!
For more information on Step of for Kids visit: http://www.everychildmatters.org/national-campaigns/step-up-2010