Wednesdays4Kids January 13

"The solution of adult problems tomorrow depends in large measure upon the way our children grow up today. There is no greater insight into the future than recognizing that, when we save children, we save ourselves."


-- Margaret Mead

With a $5.4 billion projected budget deficit in Minnesota, necessary and needed programs will be on the chopping block. Children are hardly the cause of the recession and state budget problems, but they will feel the effect.

A report recently released by Every Child Matters and their partners, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), and Voices for America's Children, State Budget Cuts: America's Kids Pay the Price, describes the impact on children that the cuts that states will have.

The report finds that Minnesota “cut funding by 25 percent for the Children and Community Services Block grant, which provides resources for social service programs for children, adolescents and other individuals.”

Take action today by letting your representatives know that cutting programs that support our children are unacceptable and not a budget solution, and we won’t allow the budget to be balanced on the backs of our children. Click here to find your representatives contact information.

Three Easy Ways to be More Involved with iCAN
Here are a few easy ways that you can be more involved with iCAN in 2010!

1. Join us on Facebook: If you have a Facebook account, be a fan of iCAN. We regularly update our page with information on children’s issues in Minnesota, and iCAN events and advocacy opportunities. Just go to www.facebook.com/icanmn and click the “Become a Fan” button at the top.
2. Be a Key Advocate for your Congregation: Throughout the state we have nearly 400 Key Advocates who are dedicated to highlighting children’s issues in their congregations. Go to the Key Advocate Page on our website for more information and a to sign up.
3. Get ready for our April Campaign: Every April iCAN works with Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota to increase awareness and prevent child abuse and neglect in Minnesota. For more information check out our website. Stay tuned for more information from us!

Upcoming Event: Voice’s for Children Advocacy Day in St. Paul
On March 1, 2010 at 10am nearly 1,000 parents, legislators, business leaders, early childhood educators, children, and early care and education advocacy groups will unite at the State Capitol for the ninth annual “Voices for Children” rally.

This group will gather to urge the Legislature and Governor to make greater investments in early childhood care and education. A morning of activities including the rally, performances by the Teddy Bear Band and interactive music and story time are planned to engage attendees of all ages.

Check out our iCAN 2010 Legislative Agenda to learn about the issues that iCAN is working on for 2010. Register for the event at the Voices website: www.voicesforchildrenmn.org.