Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s Post

In this piece, I explore 20 years of mayoral control in NYC - a system that has consistently diluted family/community voice and power. https://lnkd.in/eGhrSGX4

Happy Universal Children's Day! Today, as we celebrate this special occasion, let us take a moment to honor the innocence and potential of every child. It is essential that we create an environment where children feel safe and empowered to express their ideas, thoughts, and dreams. In Ethiopia, we have a rich cultural heritage that sometimes undermines the voices of our youngest members of society. Proverbs like "A child's bread is not enough for dinner" and "A child grows by luck" reflect a mindset that can diminish the importance of nurturing and valuing children's contributions. These sayings may suggest that children are not yet worthy of serious consideration or that their needs are secondary to those of adults. However, it is crucial for us to recognize that children are not just passive recipients of our wisdom; they are active participants in shaping our future. as we recognize that children are the future leaders of our communities and nations, it is vital that we show them the respect they deserve. This respect involves not only listening to their ideas but also involving them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. When children feel valued and heard, they are more likely to grow into responsible, compassionate leaders who contribute positively to society.

New OPRE and Child Trends case study brief spotlighting three state initiatives that successfully engaged families with young children in child care and early education (CCEE) strategies. The initiatives saw successes in recruiting diverse parents, creating parent-driven content, and fostering meaningful connections with policymakers. However, they also faced challenges such as recruitment difficulties, the impact of COVID-19, and tracking engagement results. Parents appreciated the training, new connections, ongoing communication, and stipends provided. Virtual meetings and flexible scheduling were crucial in overcoming participation barriers. This case study is a valuable resource for states looking to involve families in their CCEE work, check it out in the link below!

Today was not just an ordinary day. It was a profound reminder of how much work remains to be done and how far we can go when we choose to press forward, despite the challenges. As I think about the future, my heart is especially with my young Black sons, one of whom, at just seven years old, is already beginning to sense the complexities of our world. It’s painful to consider the impact that today’s decisions will have on his life for years to come. As a parent, I’m reflecting on the immense responsibility to guide and prepare our children—to help them understand the world without instilling unnecessary fear. In times like these, I urge all of us to be mindful that we are the first educators in our children’s lives. We cannot rely solely on schools, social media, or the outside world to shape their understanding. Staying informed, engaged, and intentional in what we teach at home is vital. Thinking back to my own upbringing, I see how much I was shaped by strong role models who were deeply committed to their communities and always stayed informed. My grandmother Joyce Mckethan was a powerful example—actively advocating for change, even petitioning city officials for safer streets, and filling her home with books and newspapers. Her commitment to knowledge and action has inspired my own journey to create positive change, particularly in policy and community-building. Whether you are feeling joy, grief, or mixed emotions after this election, let this be a moment to remember our own power to implement change. That change begins at home, extends to our local communities, and continues to grow on state and national levels. Today, I feel more strongly than ever that my children should grow up informed and empowered, with values rooted in both knowledge and compassion. Let’s use this time to remain informed, connected, and committed to shaping a better future—not just through policies but through the everyday influence we have on those around us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11 #Leadership #CommunityImpact #InformedCitizenship #EmpoweringYouth #BuildingBetterCommunities #FutureGenerations

These are challenging times for equity and inclusion (especially in higher education) and they call for collective effort and care. When I moved to Minneapolis immediately before the tragic murder of George Floyd, I felt an overwhelming responsibility to contribute meaningfully. I had the opportunity to build an equity and inclusion program for a nonprofit mental healthcare organization from the ground up—a collaborative effort to create a safe, supportive space for all. If equity and inclusion are the pilots navigating toward justice, then human resources are the flight crew: ensuring the passengers are protected and supported throughout these turbulent times. We must put our own oxygen mask on first before helping others. #EquityAndInclusion #HumanResources #Allyship #Altruism #DEILeadership #SelfCare

Grateful for the opportunity for First Focus on Children to participate in this important conversation. Our President Bruce Lesley discusses the need for ‘holistic’ thinking about kids, that is, thinking about all of their needs as interconnected rather than in silos. “How can all those things work better together?," he asks. "How can health care programs work in tandem with child care and nutrition and housing, so that we really do maximize the full potential of children and benefit families?” It's a good read.

We have an opportunity to empower children and open doors to new and inspiring opportunities for them, regardless if their parents can financially afford things or not. As adults, we have an obligation to invest in the development of children’s knowledge, skills, and talents, and in doing so, can transform the trajectory of their lives and the lives of the future families they will create. Let’s do this. Let’s invest in our children, and not just the ones who live in our homes. Let’s extend ourselves and be the village that provides for all of our children. My One City Schools Scholars have comprised the only public middle school teams in the Greater Madison (WI) region where you see more than one or two Black or Brown children playing a competitive sport for their school. Most of my children would not be playing the sports they do or engaging in unique and deep learning experiences like they do if they did not attend One City Schools. Their engagement, joy, and desire to grow, persists, and give back to others is something to celebrate, invest in, and expand. Children who feel included, valued, cared for, and invested in by their families and community during their childhood become great adults who do the same for others. Let’s give our children a healthy, inspiring, and enriched childhood, regardless of who our elected officials are. We should be able to partner with each other, regardless of who we vote for, do benefit our youth. Please don’t get lost in the political confusion of today. Our children need us to be resilient, engaged, and supportive of them now more than ever. We can empower the future of the world through them, if we make the right investments in them while they are young. Onward.

Did you know? September 15-October 15 was National Hispanic Heritage month! To celebrate, we partnered with our friends at the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative to build awareness of community identified challenges and encourage action to address these barriers through intentional program and policy design. The Hispanic/Latino state population in Michigan is 6% but makes up 9% of K-12 enrollment, reflecting a growing population within the state. Michiganders who identify as Hispanic/Latino are over-represented in low-paying, precarious industries in the state and under-represented in management and professional occupations. Bachelor’s degrees are an indicator for economic stability and power, but only 22% of Hispanic/Latinos in MI ages 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Half of the counties with the largest Hispanic/Latino communities have attainment rates below the Michigan average. Increasing postsecondary attainment across the Hispanic/Latino population could help close racial income gaps across the state, especially given that the current poverty rate for Hispanic/Latino Michiganders is 21%. You can read our fact sheet here:

https://lnkd.in/ev5zBj65 60 years after the Freedom Summer of 1964, the Freedom Schools spirit is alive and well! Read more about the history of this movement and the relevancy of today's programs to our society and the conditions our children, families, and communities face. #CDFFreedomSchools is the answer.

For AFC board member Tamar Williamson taking action is deeply personal. It's a commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, to evolve, and to become the best version of themselves. This belief fuels her dedication to the vital work being done by Action for Children. Child care professionals hold a multitude of roles to support the children in their care. It's more than just education; they are social workers, caregivers, mentors, and sometimes even janitors or accountants. It's a labor of love, driven by a profound sense of responsibility to ensure that every child has everything they need to succeed. Join Tamar in taking action for Early Childhood Education professionals and making a difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time. TAKE ACTION: https://bit.ly/4belX6v