When the lives and the rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses.

-- Carol Bellamy

FREE Key Advocate Webinar: Tuesday Jan. 17
Our first Key Advocate Webinar of the year will be next Tuesday, January 17, offered twice — first at noon and again at 7 pm. This webinar (for Key Advocates and those interested in being Key Advocates) will prepare participants for the upcoming legislative session and offer information about what we will be working on this year. Please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and mark your calendars now for all upcoming Key Advocate Webinars!

• Tuesday, January 17, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm 
• Tuesday, February 14, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm 
• Tuesday, March 13, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm 
• Tuesday, April 10, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm 
• Tuesday, May 8, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

NEW! iCAN Children's Caucus at Day on the Hill
This year we are pleased to announce a special iCAN Children's Caucus meeting at JRLC's Day on the Hill. After your meeting with legislators, there will be an additional opportunity to meet with policy makers who are particularly concerned with children's issues. The Caucus meeting will be at 2:00pm at the Capitol (room to be determined). Please RSVP for the meeting when you register for Day on the Hill. Be sure to register soon to take advantage of the early bird pricing!  

The 2012 Legislative Session Begins January 24th
Now is a great time to introduce yourself to you legislator and make sure that they know the issues you care about. Send them a link to our 2012 iCAN Legislative Agenda and highlight an issue that you are particularly concerned about. Click here to find out who represents you and get their contact information. 

There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.

-- Kofi Annan

Help Keep iCAN Strong in 2012: Sponsor iCAN Today!
Because of sponsorships from individuals and congregations around Minnesota, iCAN is a strong, faithful voice for children at the state Capitol. We still need $12,000 to make our fundraising goal for the year and balance our budget. 

Please make a gift today and become an iCAN sponsor. Click here to give online!

2012 iCAN Legislative Agenda and Priorities
2011 did not provide the best policy outcomes for children in Minnesota. Under the stress of a $5 billion budget deficit, we saw cuts to child care assistance funding, child protective services and more. This year, without the stress of a current budget deficit, we have an opportunity to speak up about creating a better environment for our children. We need your help this year!

To get ready for the session (which starts January 24th), take a look at our 2012 iCAN Legislative Agenda which outlines our priorities for the year. Along with our broad goals, we will be focusing on passing legislation that enhances family economic security by raising the minimum wage, expanding income tax credits for low-income families, and increasing child care assistance funding. This strategy is a proven method for ending poverty, and, in a time of economic uncertainty, more important than ever for families living in poverty. 

2012 will certainly be challenging, but with your advocacy work we can make positive social change!

Day on the Hill 2012: Register Today!
Online registration for Day on the Hill 2012 is now open. Join us on Tuesday March 20th at the RiverCentre and the Capitol in St. Paul to lobby for just legislation along with hundreds of others from across the state. Sign up for the NEW iCAN Children's Caucus in the afternoon!