Every day, lawmakers take action that affects our children. But children can’t vote, write an op-ed for their local paper or call their legislators to demand action on the issues that affect them most. So, who is working to protect their interests? Over the past 26 years, that crucial role has been played by the Colorado Children’s Campaign.
At the Children’s Campaign, we work to create hope and opportunity for all of Colorado’s more than 1.2 million children, especially those most vulnerable. Using compelling, solid data derived from our annual KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report and other research, we influence and encourage lawmakers and other decision makers to invest in and support policies and programs that benefit children and their families. Specifically, we work to ensure that all Colorado’s kids have access to:
• High-quality early childhood care and education, so they can start school ready to learn
• The education they need to graduate from high school, prepared for success in college, the workforce, and life.
• High-quality health care services, nutritious food, and access to physical activity so they grow up healthy and strong.
The Children’s Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that does not benefit financially from any of the programs for which we advocate. That means we can be guided on every issue by the question, “What’s best for kids?” Some days we’re on the conservative side of the aisle, some days we are on the liberal side, but every day, first and foremost, we’re on the kids’ side. Among the most critical programs we have helped establish:
Child Health Plan Plus
Colorado Preschool Program
Tony Grampas Youth Services Fund
Denver Preschool Program
Our history of success and our data-driven approach has made us the state’s most trusted leader on children’s health, education and early childhood development issues. But to most effectively serve Colorado’s children, we need input from those who know them best – moms and parents. Parents are the experts on the challenges their kids face every day and can have the greatest impact when speaking out to decision makers. That’s why the Children’s Campaign recently launched a campaign to engage moms and parents to work in partnership with us. As part of this effort, we are proud to unveil a monthly guest blog for Mile High Mamas to keep moms informed of the status of Colorado’s kids and the issues they face.
Your voice matters because decisions about your child’s education, health, and overall well-being are too important to be left to politicians alone. Join with the Colorado Children’s Campaign to stand up for children and make your voice heard on their behalves. Together we can create hope and opportunity in Colorado, more than 1.2 million kids at a time.
What are the most pressing issues facing your children and the children in your community? What solutions do you think could make the biggest impact on their lives? We look forward to hearing from you and making sure that kids’ voices count.
Chris Watney is the President and CEO of the Colorado Children’s Campaign. She has worked on the passage of Amendment 35, the tax on tobacco products that has made millions of dollars available for health programs and services for children and families, expansion of the Colorado Preschool Program and other policy initiatives to improve the lives of children across the state.
Photo credit: Colorado Children’s Campaign.
Author: Mile High Mamas
Cody
Thanks for all you guys are doing to ensure ALL kids and families have the support they need to be successful. It is so important that in the midst of all the political bickering and partisanship, someone is focused on what is best for children.
Amber Johnson
A year ago, I didn’t even know the Colorado Children’s Campaign existed. Since that time, I have been so impressed with all the policy initiatives you do on behalf of kids.