TIPS for making and keeping children an important issue in upcoming elections!

• Register to vote – and vote on Election Day!
• Volunteer at events that raise the visibility of children’s issues.
• Show your support. Let candidates and their staff know that you care about issues affecting children.
• Get candidates on the record regarding their views on children’s issues. Ask them questions.
• Write letters to the editor and otherwise publicly show your support for family-friendly public policy. Put a bumper sticker on your car or a sign in your yard.
• Enlist others. Talk to people about your concern for children. Ask them to do the same.

Thinking of holding a similar event to the "Step Up For Kids" Panel discussion that was held in Charleston? Here are some tips that might be helpful:

• Think about location. Consider a location that is comfortable, and large enough for the number of people you expect to attend.
• Think about moderation. It’s important to have a “neutral” moderator. If an organization for children moderates, it may be seen by attendees as though the organization is acting only in its’ self-interest.
• Think about getting the word out. How will people know this is taking place?
• Think about the discussion. What questions will you ask? Here are some to start your thinking:

• What do the rapid changes of our time mean for children in West Virginia?
• Looking ahead, how can we help children prepare to meet the challenges and take advantage of 21st century opportunities so they can survive and thrive in this new era?
• What kind of commitments will we need to make (with each other, our students, and our community) to move forward?