After the overwhelming success of last year’s events, we’ve decided to make Step Up for Kids a weeklong, nationwide event! »See the national co-sponsors.

Step up in your state:             

To volunteer in your state, »sign up here.

See who's leading in your state, »visit our event leaders page.

To learn more about the event in your state, choose your state from the list below:

Resources                             

» Sign up to help in your state
» Read our Step Up '09 planning checklist
» Sample Letter to the Editor
» PR overview
» News advisory
» Grassroots daybook

FAQ's:                                     

Why do a Step Up for Kids Week?

Because millions of American children live in poverty…millions are alone every day after school…millions are without health insurance…millions have no early learning opportunities….millions are abused and neglected.
Because the U.S. ranks 20th in child well-being among 21 rich democracies.
Because federal spending on children is declining sharply as a percentage of the federal budget.

What is Step Up for Kids Week?

This is the second annual special, non-partisan, nationwide event, sponsored by the Every Child Matters Education Fund (ECMEF) and co-sponsored by many other national, state, and local organizations (such as VOICES, Prevent Child Abuse America, the Afterschool Alliance, the National Association of Social Workers). It will bring thousands of people together during the week of October 5-9, to show widespread public support for a shift in spending priorities towards children and families. It will call upon the Administration, Congress, State Legislatures, Governors, Mayors, and local officials to make our nation’s children a top priority. Events will take place on the steps of the state capitols and other appropriate venues as well as in Washington, DC.
           »Read more FAQ's

Step Up for Kids '08              

America stepped up for kids on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Social workers, child advocates, politicians, and kids joined together across the country to rally for children’s issues including health care, poverty, early childhood education, and after-school programs.

The Every Child Matters DC staff kicked off the event with Dr. T. Berry Brazelton at an evening reception the night before on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. National cosponsors, staff, and friends turned out to celebrate the beginning of what has become an annual event.
           »Read more highlights from last year