Thank you for your help in making Step Up for Kids Week '09 a success! A big thank you also goes out to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , director of Every Child Matters in New Hampshire. The event received coverage in the Foster's Daily Democrat. Scroll down for pictures!

Be sure to check back next year for more information about Step Up for Kids Week '10!

»Download the Step Up for Kids Week state statistics flier

Step Up for Kids Day

At 10:00 AM, we'll have a children’s parade and activities, such as a BJ Hickman magic show, tours of the State House, a kids activity table and a healthy snack. This will be followed by a press conference at 10:15 AM, with invited guests including Governor John Lynch, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Judd Gregg, Congressman Paul Hodes and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.

See you on the 5th!

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Step Up for Kids Day '08

As they passed through the Arch leading to the State House they received a round of applause from the audience. Although the sky kept playing tricks on us, we knew that nothing would stop the children from having fun.

MaryLou Beaver kicked off the rally with a brief introduction of Every Child Matters and why it was important to do a Step Up for Kids Day. With great urgency in her voice, State Senator Iris Estabrook spoke about the need to insure all kids, to fight for quality early care and after school programs for every child, and to work harder to address the thousands of children living in poverty in NH. She then introduced our guest speakers for the morning.

Dr. Suzanne Boulter, a local pediatrician for 35 years and Chair of the Board of Directors for NH Healthy Kids, addressed the needs of why children should have access to health care and the difference it makes in their lives. She said is was "unconscionable that 22,000 children in New Hampshire lack health insurance."

Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services Nick Toumpas spoke of why children are important to our state and the actions people need to take in order to make it a healthy and safe environment for children to live in. He said that he has invited the candidates running for Congress and the Senate to meet with him and his management team to talk about the issues facing the families and children in New Hampshire and what needs to be done in Washington to help those in our state.

Kathleen Murphy spoke on behalf of Commissioner Lionel Tracy, Department of Education. She addressed the needs of children and how important it is to step up for kids. She then led a group of kids in an animated rendition of "Going on a Bear Hunt."

As the speakers entertained our guests, the children were running back and forth from the audience to the Fisher Cats Mascot to give hugs and take pictures. While others were scurrying around the state house lawn looking for answers to the scavenger hunt questions. Arts and crafts were a big hit with all the children. They lined up to get their faces and hands painted while others signed their names and painted on a roll of white paper or wrote to the candidates about what kids need to grow up safe, healthy and well educated. (These candid kid suggestions will be sent to all candidates.)

The children did not have a moment of boredom. And the Subway sandwiches, brownies and juice boxes were a must have treat. After lunch, the children were fortunate enough to have a tour of the State House. Walking through the halls and sitting in Governor Lynch's chair, the children were amazed by the building. The excitement in their faces proved they were having a great time and wanted to learn more.

The event ended on a good note with people pledging to Vote on November 4th with children in mind. We did indeed make the statement that in New Hampshire.....Every Child Matters.