Kids and Families Day Kick Off at Culture Center at 9:30 a.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Our Children, Our Future Campaign is convening the 2016 Kids and Families Day at the Legislature on Thursday, Jan. 28, to advocate for 10 policy proposals that the group believes will help fight child poverty in West Virginia.
The day will include 30+ meetings with legislators, exhibits and activities throughout the Capitol Rotunda, and remarks from Senate President Cole – all centered around the theme of unity. The Campaign has proven its ability to push a bi-partisan agenda in its first 3 years; last year, OCOF honored 39 legislators, both Democrats and Republicans (here’s the list), who played a lead role in one or more of its 18 victories – including Raising the Minimum Wage, Expanding School Breakfast, Juvenile Justice Reform, and saving Children’s Programs. Every one of the Campaign’s 18 victories passed with majority support from both parties.
Over 1,400 people have registered for the day on-line, which would make it the largest children’s day on record; the previous high being last year’s 815. (Some groups are unable to come because of the snow, or previous missed snow days, and they will be invited to a second Children’s Day to be held on Feb. 24. Organizers still expect crowds of more than 1,000.)
“We are coming, because we represent families that vote—and our voices must be heard,” said Marla Short, Nicholas County Starting Points Director, whose organization is bringing 215 children and families. “When it comes to ending child poverty, we need both parties working together.”
The Our Children, Our Future Campaign is a non-partisan alliance of 177+ churches, community organizations, businesses, unions, schools, and advocates – devoted to ending child poverty in West Virginia. The Campaign will share the 10 items on its 2016 Policy Platform with lawmakers during Kids and Families Day. More than 2550 West Virginians participated in a statewide vote to decide the top 10 issues, see attached.
WHAT: Kids and Families Day at the Legislature Kick-Off
WHO: Senate President, Bill Cole; Senate Minority Leader Kessler; Booth Goodwin, SOS Natalie Tennant
Leaders of the Our Children, Our Future Campaign
1400+ children, families and advocates from across West Virginia
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016
WHERE: State Culture Center, State Capitol Complex (Tentative)
The Our Children, Our Future campaign is made up of over 177 organizations and individuals committed to empowering West Virginia’s families and ending child poverty.