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 In the shadow of the Tennessee state capitol,
the intervening lawn was covered by 800 dramatic, life-sized "foster
kids" leading down to a beautiful outdoor amphitheater decked out with
ECM’s “Debate for Kids” banner. Flowers and festive bunting looped down the back lawn to display
booths of our partner organizations. All of these display booths were informative, and most of them
provided family fun activities ranging from face-painting to
cookie decorating to coloring and bean-bag tosses. They represented
everything from suicide prevention agencies to Head Start to scouts and
literacy groups. There was BBQ and music and opportunities to explore a
fire engine and a music touring bus. The event had something for everyone, as well
as terrific performances from local youth bands, choirs, dance troops
and baton twirlers!
Speakers Included:
Cindy Durham, TCCY Chair
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Scott Ridgway, Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
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Linda O’Neal, TCCY Executive Director
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Sherry Wilds, Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities |
| Angela Madnick, Every Child Matters |
Andy Spears, Stand for Children |
| Judge Betty Adams Green, Metropolitan Nashville Juvenile Court |
Brook Smith, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee |
| Sally Erny, Tennessee CASA |
Jessica Hooper, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee |
| Councilman Lonnell Matthews, YWCA Youth Read Letters and Awards |
Blaine Bishop, Big Brothers Big Sisters |
| Ron Pollack, Families USA |
Lowell Perry, Big Brothers Big Sisters |
| Earl Wiman, Tennessee Education Association |
Tierra French, Tennessee Youth Advisory Council |
| Becky Pringle, National Education Association |
Porsha McCracken, Tennessee Youth Advisory Council |
| Sheila Shackleford, Tennessee Voices for Children |
Diane Neighbors, Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children & Vice Mayor of Metro. Nashville |
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth and the
Every Child Matters Education Fund were pleased and honored to partner
with over fifty organizations in welcoming the candidates to debate in
Nashville. »View Partner List
 We would also like to extend a thank you to the talented performers:
Antioch High School Show Choir, Madison Creek Elementry School’s 5th Grade Choir , T.W. Hunter Middle School Chorus, Ridley School of Dance, Antioch High School Ensembl, Tennessee Twirlers, and the Davidson Academy Dance Company. The color guard, flag ceremony, and pledge of allegiance were lead by Boy Scouts of America and Hunter Lane’s High School Air Force ROTC.
On the day of the debate, Every Child Matters joined together with the Tennessee Youth Council and Tennessee Commission for Children and Youth for “Tennessee Children Welcome the Candidates – Youth Forum” at the legislative plaza. Brief presentation were made by youth on issues ranging from war, childhood obesity, college affordability and foster care. These presentations were made to representatives of the Republican and Democratic parties.
Congratulations to our friends in Tennessee for a terrific two days of welcoming the candidates and press to your beautiful city, and especially for bringing attention to the issues facing children!
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