November and December 2011
As part of the Kids Are Priority One Coalition’s Quality Matters Campaign, Vermont citizens are invited to participate in a statewide effort to contact all 180 Vermont legislators and our members of Congress during November and December.
Why: The goal of Campaign 180 is to raise awareness among policymakers about the importance of quality in early care and education (child care, pre- kindergarten and after-school programs).
What: Before the 2012 legislative sessions begins, every legislator will have an opportunity to:
- Talk to one or more constituents (people who live in his/her district) about how critical quality early experiences are to children’s healthy development;
- Hear policy recommendations that would ensure quality experiences for every Vermont child; and,
- Learn how they can be more engaged in the issue of early care and education in their district.
Who and How: The Coalition has partnered with each Building Bright Futures or Early Childhood Regional Council in the design of local activities that will connect legislators with early childhood providers, business owners, parents, school administrators and other constituents from their district.
Click here to find an interactive map to learn about activities in your region and find contact information.
Click here for a Quality Matters Campaign toolkit of written materials and templates on the issue of quality early care and education.
- Messaging, data and issue information: Documents are useful in learning more about quality, finding online resources and statistics, as well as talking points for discussing the importance of quality with legislators and community leaders.
- Organizing tips and techniques: Outlines and suggestions are helpful in planning events and ensuring turn out by legislators and community members.
- Media templates: Find a timeline for planning local media outreach, as well as templates for calendar submissions, press advisories and press releases for early childhood events.
Questions: Contact Kelly Ault, Kids Are Priority One Coalition's Organizing Director and C180 Coordinator at 802-272-0795 or kault1@earthlink.net