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The ABCs Of Movement BuildingAdapted from Stand For Children for the Start ME Right Coalition These ABCs were adapted from the national Stand For Children organization as they are working across the country to build and support a network of Children's Action Teams (CATs) strengthening the movement for children by taking local action based on the ABCs of Movement Building. Start ME Right can help give assistance to support coalition supporters provide the grassroots leadership our children need to build a similar movement in Maine, based on similar principles. These suggestions are based on the assumption that members already have existing relationships that they might now call on. It is never too late to cultivate new relationships, but time is of the essence, so think about friends and supporters you might already have. ABCs: What It Means/How To Accomplish Them 1. Attracting supporters Build your support through public education activities, public relation (media) events, and other community-based initiatives. Another way to attract supporters is to talk about your area's plans and accomplishments around child care and parenting support at public events or meetings. 2. Business involvement Encouraging local businesses to adopt family-friendly positions by having them support local children's initiatives and the Start ME Right package. Partner with local businesses to spread our message. 3. Congregational participation Get congregations to take a stand both in word and deed. Recruit congregations to participate in the hearings, support the coalition's agenda, and spread the word. More concretely, encourage congregations to open their doors to children after school, on weekends, and during the summer. 4. Direct service Conduct campaigns that identify the immediate needs of children in the community. Talk about programs that provide quality child care, parenting support and education, and home visiting for children and families. Don't forget programs such as Headstart, early kindergarten and literacy programs, public health nursing, etc. Other direct service examples might include how many family day care homes are in the county, how many businesses help parents find child care, or how many working parents there are who need child care. 5. Elected Officials Persuade policymakers to support Start ME Right and monitor their votes and actions, not just on this agenda, but other important children's legislation. Visit elected officials at every level to make the coalitions positions known and persuade policymakers to take a stand on our agenda. Do not limit this to legislatorsÛexpand your scope to city counselors, town managers, etc. 6. Fundraising Raising enough money to get quick action and the word out is difficult. Encourage individuals, community businesses, civic groups and congregations to "adopt" your efforts for the coalition by making a donation. 7. Generating media coverage Get children's needs on the front pages of the newspapers and the top of news broadcasts. Write an opinion editorial (op-ed) or a letter to the editor informing the community of the coalition's perspective about children, and of our agenda. Persuade press outlets to establish a Children's Beat or more regular coverage of children's issues. Use this session, and the momentum we have created, to really gain credibility with the legislature. Prepared by: Lucky Hollander Youth Alternatives, Inc. and the Cumberland County Child Abuse & Neglect Council P.O. Box 912, Portland, ME 04104(207) 874-1120 FAX 874-1181 lhollander@youthalternatives.org Updated: Jun 3rd, 2008 - 13:09:25 |
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A Strong and Powerful Voice to Improve the Lives of All Maine's Children, Youth and Families
© 2002 Maine Children's Alliance, 303 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 v. (207) 623-1868 f. (207) 626-3302 e. Mainekids@mekids.org Section 508/Bobby Approved. www.mekids.org |