Advocacy

A strong, bipartisan, statewide advocacy organization, a major corporation, or strong foundation has made pre-k a priority.

Rationale: Children are a political constituency without a voice and, as such, need resourceful, determined advocates to protect their interests and secure the services they need. Effective activists create credible, grassroots efforts and compel government action. Successful advocacy requires a focused strategy, access to lawmakers, and, ideally, a record of legislative success. Many foundations and corporations are supporting efforts either directly or indirectly through support of non-profit organizations to obtain strong, effective public policies for children. The most influential pre-k promoters educate the public, the media, and policymakers about the urgent need for high-quality pre-k and build broad-based bipartisan support.

Examples: Strategies for Children, Inc., which directs the Early Education for All Campaign in Massachusetts, has created one of the strongest grassroots pre-k/early-childhood campaigns in the country. Their coalition numbers 132 legislators, 47 advisory committee members, 19 policy committee members, and over 500 field volunteers. Across the country foundations such as The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development and the Joyce Foundation have made pre-k a priority and have bolstered the efforts of child advocates and funded major educational efforts to inform the public and policy makers about the benefits of pre-k.