Voices’ Blog

Stepping Up for Kids in the 2012 Elections!

Posted:  -  By: Voices for VA's Kids

Child advocates rallied at the Children’s Museum of Richmond on Friday, September 21 to raise the profile of children’s issues in the upcoming 2012 federal elections. Voices for Virginia’s Children organized the rally, an annual, non-partisan event hosted in conjunction with national advocacy organization Every Child Matters. More than 20 partner organizations — including Campaign partners NAMI Virginia and Virginia Association of Community Services Boards members RBHA and Henrico Area Mental Health — participated by setting up information tables and joining us at the event.

WCVE public radio covered this event, and you can listen to the story from Craig Carper: Step Up for Kids Story on WCVE

Geraldine Johnson, director of St. James’s Children’s Center, spoke eloquently about the need for us to nurture the youngest children in Virginia and address their social and emotional health needs before they become serious mental health problems. Alex Gulotta, executive director of the Legal Aid Justice Center, spoke about the need for elected officials to work together in a spirit of compromise to address issues facing Virginia’s children and families.

Voices’ policy director and Campaign Coordinator Margaret Nimmo Crowe explained the Campaign’s efforts and encouraged those in attendance to speak up for the 1 in 5 children who have a mental health disorder. Voices’ executive director John Morgan asked all participants to question candidates for office about their stances on children’s issues, research their positions on kids’ issues that matter, and then vote!

You, too, can step up for kids by learning more about the upcoming elections and what questions you can be asking candidates: Visit the electoral advocacy page on Voices’ website to learn more!

 

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