Wednesdays4Kids January 5

"The economic benefits of investing in children have been extensively documented. Investing fully in children today will ensure the well-being and productivity of future generations for decades to come. By contrast, the physical, emotional and intellectual impairment that poverty inflicts on children can mean a lifetime of suffering and want – and a legacy of poverty for the next generation…" 


-- Carol Bellamy

Looking ahead to the New Year: iCAN Legislative Agenda for 2010
The iCAN Advisory Council recently passed our 2010 Legislative Agenda, which outlines the issues that we will be focusing on for 2010. We will be working to ensure that Minnesota’s children have Healthy Bodies, Strong Minds, and Strong Foundations.

With a large budget deficit going into session, we will be working to protect the gains made in the 2009 session, like an $8 million increase in child care funding, due in part to federal stimulus. However, in the face of the budget crisis, funding is in jeopardy.

We will also work to demand health care access for all children, and ensure that children’s needs are not overlooked in the current conversations around health care reform. Making sure that parents have jobs that pay a living wage will also be a priority for the 2010 legislative session.

Read more about our iCAN New Year’s resolutions on our Blog, click here to read the full post and post an iCAN New Year’s resolution of your own in the comments.

Nominate a Young Adult: Panel Discussion on Connecting Faith and Social Justice
In order to provide a space both for networking among young, religious, justice-oriented individuals, as well as to highlight the leadership capacities of young people in Minnesota, JRLC is hosting a panel discussion of young activists on the topic of faith-based social justice from religious perspectives.

The event will be held the evening of February 11, 2010, at the Augsburg College Chapel. Panelists will discuss the connection between their personal faiths and how they approach social justice work. There will be a time for question and answers with the audience. The panel will be moderated by Brian Rusche Executive Director at JRLC, and there will be time for networking and fellowship after the panel.

DO YOU KNOW a young adult working for social justice in Minnesota? CLICK HERE to download a Nomination Form, and PLEASE NOMINATE someone from your community!

Thank You Donors and Facebook Fans!
iCAN would like to thank everyone who donated in 2009! Our work is possible through our members’ support and involvement. If you would still like to make a contribution to iCAN, you can donate on our website, click here.

Thank you to our Facebook fans who helped us meet our goal of 50 fans by New Years. If you have not become a fan, we encourage you to do so. Our Facebook page is a great way to stay current on children’s issues in Minnesota and iCAN events and advocacy opportunities.