Back in April in Denver at the Every Child Matters Training Institute, Michael Petit, the President of ECM, spoke to the group of attendees about a day in September that he envisioned where parents and grandparents, child advocates, politicians, media, and children would all gather on the steps of their state capitols and talk about the needs of the children in this country. Those of us who work with Michael know to expect big surprises and big thinking. And this was definitely big!

Almost everyone attending the training, from all across the country, signed up to host an event. We were off to a good start. Some state leaders already had children’s advocacy organizations up and running and willing to take the lead on an event.  Others were feeling that they could use this opportunity to start building a coalition in their state.  Some wanted to co-sponsor an event, but had no idea where to begin.

And so it began. This is what grassroots activism is all about!

I personally met with some state organizations. We had e-mails flying back and forth from coast to coast and border to border everyday, as events were being planned, contacts were being made, organizations and coalitions were being formed and some, (not too many), were having meltdowns! Excitement was building all over the country and as each week passed, more events were coming together, each with their own style and flavor, but all with one important goal: raising awareness of the needs of the children in the United States wherever they may live.

Finally in June, the event had a name: Step Up for Kids Day.

Now we are one week out until Step Up for Kids Day events take place in 48 states and the District of Columbia. This spectacular day of children and for children is about to become reality because of the many people who took Michael’s vision in Denver and devoted hours of networking, planning, and in some cases re-planning. My hat is off to Sarah and Terry, Kate, Aymie, Michelle, Dana, Jim, Greg, Lynda and Mark and all the others from across the country who have worked so hard to Step Up for Kids.

Now it is time for the candidates, the media and the voters to do the same. Find a Step Up for Kids event in your state and take the pledge to vote on November 4th with children in mind. Let’s show the children that in America…in every state...Every Child Matters.

—MaryLou Beaver, ECM in New Hampshire

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Step Up for Kids Day California
written by Rachel Minnick, September 17, 2008

We were fortunate to have about 15 community organizations come out with children's activities and voter registration along with speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds, including local youth, parents, non-profit leaders, community organizers and many others. The Kenelly School of Dance engaged the crowd with lively Irish dancing and the Sacramento School of Performing Arts tap danced and sang, delighting everyone. We have talented youth in our town. Community leader, and gifted singer Tony Washington of Stockton closed the event, singing "Flying Without Wings."

We had about 250 people come out to the State Capitol on a very challenging day. After a nearly 70-day stalemate, our legislature had finally come to an agreement on our state budget, only to hear that Governor Schwarzenegger would veto it. The news media was concentrated on the budget and our legislators were on high alert as well, so many were not able to take part in the event. Those coming out of the building expressed support for children and congratulated us on the rally.

Two of our youth speakers actually spoke to Governor Schwarzenegger as he passed them in the Capitol and he told them to "get pumped up"!

We were all pumped up yesterday and it was energizing to bring so many of our community leaders together.

Step Up for Kids Day was a great day for children in California!

prek teacher
written by nancy, September 17, 2008

While we couldn't go to Tallahassee, two of our kids walked to the UNF main campus from our center and created a step of for kids bulletin board. We are hoping to encourage many of the students on campus who can be politically apathetic while they are focused on their studies, to think about the needs of children and encourage them to vote.

...
written by Child Advocate, September 16, 2008

Well, it's September 16th, and events are taking and have taken place across the country. Advocates for children everywhere are asking people to step up and take notice of our nation's kids and the issues way too many have to deal with everyday. Let's hope the plea to strengthen our nation's human infrastructure doesn't fall on deaf ears. What could be more important!

Congratulations to all of you who worked long and hard and well beyond your regular work day to put together creative events. And hats off to you, MaryLou!

question
written by Cassia, September 16, 2008

Hi there- I'm wondering where the "step up for kids day" is held in the courthouse on 9-16-08. Thanks
Cassia

Growingearlyreadingskillsdelivered
written by Tom Wolfgram, September 11, 2008

Somehow we need to make it a new business model to deliver kids ready to kindergarten. If a ROI exists. We should be able to monetize some of it to create a new delivery to age 3-6 at-risk kidswith new money new industry. Lord knows it is not happening now and it is costing us.
Peak at this please and let me know what you think.
http://www.growingearlyreadingskills.com/

Community Organizer
written by Robert Sprague, September 11, 2008

What is SO great about these events is that kids are going to be there. It's one thing to know all the troubling statistics...like, for instance, that almost 9 million children are without health insurance in the U.S. But it's different when we look at a child, and at a group of children. And think about what is must be like to be a kid in need.

THANK YOU MARYLOU for making our Step Up for Kids Day in New Hampshire a reality!

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