Every Child Matters took children's issues to the debates. Our supporters joined rallies at the debate sites, hosted kids conventions, and emailed the debate moderators with questions for the candidates. As
John McCain and Barack Obama and their VPs debated the issues, we were outside the university buildings raising our voices to ensure that the media and the public remember children. Thanks to our diverse coalition of children and youth,
and their adult supporters, for helping organize these transformative events in Oxford, St. Louis, Nashville, and Hempstead.
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Hofstra University was host to the final debate focused on domestic policy concerns on October 15 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York
Candidates Address Kids' Issues
The candidates talked about
kids' issues in the final minutes, mirroring the theme of Every Child Matters' Homeland Insecurity report. Debate moderator Bob Schieffer asked a question that linked our national security to our failure to do right by our kids. »Video & transcript
Advocates speak at a rally in the "free speech area" outside
the Hofstra campus.
Town Hall Meeting: Putting Children on the Political Agenda
On Tuesday, the day before the debate, Every Child Matters sponsored a town hall meeting of its own on children's issues. Starting in the morning with a press conference, advocates gathered in the afternoon at the Long Island Children's Museum to discuss social, educational, and health problems facing children and the programs and policies to alleviate them.
»Learn More
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Belmont University hosted a town hall style debate on a variety of issues on October 7
in Nashville, TN.
Debate for Kids Rally: Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
On Monday, October 6th at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall in Nashville, children
and parents gathered for an afternoon of information, games, music,
jugglers, and theater groups—all designed to raise public awareness of
issues facing children, youth and families in the
2008 elections.
Speakers take center stage at the Debate for Kids Rally.
»Learn More
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Washington University hosted the Vice-Presidential debate on October 2
in St. Louis, MO. The debate covered a range of issues.
With a chorus of children, parents, and advocates, Every Child Matters held a rally before the debate to encourage the candidates to provide clear details on how they will help children and
families, and asked the media to pay attention to children's issues. We met at a public viewing area at the intramural field on the Washington University campus. Nathan Ross, a former foster youth, and Michael Petit, President of Every Child Matters, addressed the crowd who were waving "Invest in Kids" signs.
Supporters raise their signs at the campus field.
»Learn More
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The University of Mississippi hosted the first debate September 26 in Oxford, MS. The debate focused on foreign affairs issues.
On Thursday, September 25th, Every Child Matters held "The Kids and Youth Convention" at Oxford University United
Methodist Church. There was an opening session and press conference, two caucuses, and a closing session. During the caucuses, youth delegates
discussed and voted on a Priority Ballot, developed from lists of issues collected from all of the
schools in the state.
»See Priority Ballot Findings.
Youth delegates from around the state were greeted by
state
officials, the Mayor of Oxford, and University of MS
athletic staff and
players.
»Learn More
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