NACCRRA is happy to be working with Every Child Matters Education Fund once again this year on a Step Up For Kids event. Thank you to all of the NACCRRA members who were involved in the campaign last year who had several successful events and advocacy initiatives in support of Step Up for Kids Day in September 2008 and the Children's Inaugural Ball in January of 2009. We are at it again! October 5-9, 2009 is STEP UP FOR KIDS WEEK! Below you will find more details and NACCRRA contact information to become involved.

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 LIKE US! 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.

What are the desired outcomes of Step Up for Kids Week?

• Raising public awareness of the needs of children and families in the U.S.
• Getting officials at every level of government to present their plans for shifting spending priorities towards families and children.
• Getting the media to cover children and family issues and how state and federal governments are making the policy decisions to meet their needs.
• Making America's children a national policy priority.
• Closing the investment gap that is growing ever larger when it comes to America's children.
• Encouraging non-voters to register and everyone to vote with kids' well-being in mind.

Must multiple events be held throughout the week?

No. One event is sufficient, but naming a Step Up week rather than a single Step Up day gives event planners more flexibility. Some groups in larger states last year decided to do an event at the state capitol and in additional locations throughout the state. Some local groups also hosted events, especially for people who couldn't travel to the main event.

What types of groups are involved?

All types of child-friendly groups have expressed interest, including:

• state affiliates or networks of the National Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
• state affiliates or networks of Prevent Child Abuse America
• state affiliates of Voices for America's Children
• state affiliates of the National Association of Social Workers
• state Head Start Associations
• after-school programs
• hospitals
• PTAs
• nurses associations
• universities
• youth groups
• United Ways
• counties, cities
• state human services departments
• interfaith organizations
• politicians
• businesses

What does ECM provide?

• Stipends to lead organizations tied to co-sponsor sign-ups
• Materials - banners, posters, rally signs, bumper stickers, flyers
• Technical assistance: conference calls, tool kits including "how-to's," time lines, talking points, sample event designs, etc.
• Media notification
• Mini web site on the ECM national web site which you can manage yourself or provide information for ECM staff to upload

How can NACCRRA help you?

• NACCRRA will work with our involved members to get op-eds placed and press releases of your work out to the media in your communities and on a national scale
• Up-to-date information can be found in NACCRRA Capitol Connections, NACCRRA E-mail blasts, and updates on NACCRRA's website

Will the event or its organizers be supporting candidates or political parties on this day?

No! ECM and NACCRRA are 501(c)(3) non-partisan organizations. Our mission is to help children and families. Candidates are welcome to attend the event, but there will be no partisan discussion or electioneering.

Who should interested organizations and individuals contact?

Rhonda J. Everdyke
State and Local Policy Associate
(703) 341-4108
rhonda.everdyke@naccrra.org

For more information about Every Child Matters Education Fund's work and events, please visit www.everychildmatters.org.