Minnesota's consistently high ranking in child well being masks the problems that lie just beneath the surface: 149,000 children living in poverty, 80,000 without health insurance and less than 50% enrollment in pre-kindergarten programs. These were the facts that the Every Child Matters in Minnesota campaign sought to highlight and bring to the attention of candidates, lawmakers and voters.

Our strategies were varied, but the message was consistent, even top ranked states such as Minnesota are failing our children. We spread the word through attending festivals, fairs and conferences; holding a very successful Children and Youth Convention; and distributing materials through child serving sites, congregations and our partner organizations in the Children's Platform Coalition. 

As ECM's slogan is "Vote for Kids," one of our main goals was to Get Out the Vote for Kids. With the help of an expanded staff, we distributed over 70,000 Pumpkin Bags, Stickers and Voter Engagement fliers to all corners of the state. We also called over 4,000 households with children to encourage them to go to the polls on Election Day. On Election Day itself, we worked with the Election Day Community Coalition, a group of over 30 non-profits, to encourage voting in the North and South Minneapolis communities.

Overall, the campaign in Minnesota was very successful; but the fight continues. Although the Every Child Matters in Minnesota campaign has ended, there are still many ways to stay involved.  Make sure to check our homepage for national updates.  For state information, contact Sue Fust, Chair of the Minnesota Children's Platform Coalition at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (651) 645-3271.