Wednesdays4Kids April 4
Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.
-- W. E. B. DuBois
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity to shine a light on an issue that not only leaves scars on the lives of its victims, but also on our society as a whole. It has been found that when children are abused and neglected, especially in the early years of their lives, their brain development is inhibited by what is now known as toxic stress syndrome. The effect of toxic stress puts kids at a developmental disadvantage that can cause a myriad of problems down the road. KEEP READING HERE
Take Action in Your Congregation to Prevent Child abuse and Neglect
This year, help raise awareness in your faith community about the importance of addressing child abuse and neglect in our communities and through our legislation. Visit our website to find important free resources, like:
- What is Child Abuse Brochure
- Child Maltreatment Statistics
- Parenting Survival Tips Brochure
- Bulletin Inserts
- Strategies for Faith Based Community Handout
We also have a limited stock of Parenting Tip Cards and Blue Ribbon Stickers that you can order for your congregation free of charge. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place your order by the 15th, first come first serve!
2012 Legislative Session Begins to Wind Down
This legislative session we worked to draft the Family Economic Security Act, enacting key provisions of the Commission to End Poverty's report (fully funding child care assistance, raising the minimum wage, and increasing child tax credits for low-income families). As the session wraps up, we can remind our legislators that this legislation would be a first step in changing toxic environments for many of our children.
We are heading into an important campaign season. While our public leaders are campaigning this summer and fall, we can weigh candidates' positions on issues affecting children and challenge candidates to be strong advocates for the prevention of abuse and neglect. Click here for information about how congregations can be involved in the election process.
THANK YOU to all the child advocates who came to Day on the Hill! We had around 750 participants on the day, and about 100 people attended the first ever iCAN Children's Caucus Meeting, where Rep. Carlos Mariani offered an inspiring message, and iCAN Advisory Council Members Alicia Frosch and Kathleen Blake discussed how we can be an even strong voice for Minnesota's children in the coming year. Click here to see pictures of the day!
