Advocacy events coming up!

Here are some great ways to get active this fall on children's issues -- and stay tuned for our November issue which will cover Step up for kids day as part of the Parent Voices feature!

Sep 16: Step Up For Kids Day is an opportunity to call on policymakers to make children a national political priority. Sacramento. For more information, contact Parent Voices, Mary Ignatius, (415) 882-0234


Oct 16: Lights on Afterschool! is an opportunity to call attention to the importance of after-school programs and the need for more programs. For event information and activity ideas, contact the Afterschool Alliance, (866) KIDS-TODAY


Oct 17-19: National Observance of Children's Sabbaths is an opportunity for congregations to learn more about children's issues and work to improve the lives of children. For more information or resources specific to different faiths, contact the Children's Defense Fund, (800) CDF-1200

September-October Children's Advocate

Check out our September-October Children's Advocate issue -- now available and online in English, Spanish, and Chinese! This is our special election issue, with information on presidential candidates and ballot measures that affect kids. We also kick off a new series in this issue for early care and education teachers and providers on learning through play.

Election 2008:

• Candidates for President: Find out where candidates for president (Democratic, Republican, Green, and Libertarian) stand on children's issues
• Ballot measures: Summaries of key propositions affecting children, with pro and con arguments.
• Election resources: "Why should I vote" a reproducible cartoon flyer about why parents and others should vote, as well as nonpartisan resources.
  

Also in this issue:

• Grassroots Snapshot: Parents preserve affordable housing for low-income families
• Early Care and Education: Learning through play: Taking ownership of language
• Raising kids: Families and parent educators share tips for helping children stay motivated in school
• California Child Development Coprs: Corps group nurtures new leaders
• Parent Voices: Parent Voices member helps draft family-issues platform

In English at http://www.4children.org/current.htm
In Spanish at http://www.4children.org/current.htm#esp
In Chinese at http://www.4children.org/current.htm#chn