Four easy things to support young children

There are many challenges facing our state and our nation today, including a significant state budget deficit that must be resolved by June. As our new President told us in his inauguration speech, we must all work together in order to meet these challenges. To help Minnesota move through this time of budget deficits and changing priorities, it is important that we all take part in advocating for our youngest Minnesotans. Legislators need to hear from each of us that we value prioritizing our state dollars and investing in programs that help children be ready to learn when they start kindergarten. We know that this is the best economic and educational investment that we can make. It’s important that legislators know that, too.

So, here are four things you can do to make a difference for our youngest Minnesotans:

1. Know your legislators

If you don’t know who represents you, visit the District Finder and get contact information for your legislators.

2. Download and use Ready 4 K's advocacy toolkit

Ready 4 K has a variety of resources for learning how to communicate with elected officials. We have an advocacy toolkit available for download that includes how to write a letter, make a phone call, or set up a visit with your legislators.

3. Sign up for Ready 4 K Action Alerts

Ready 4 K also sends out Action Alerts during the legislative session giving specific messages and timely actions to take with your policy makers. Sign up to be part of our Action Alert network here.

4. Spread the word

Tell your friends and neighbors that now, more than ever, elected officials need to hear from us. Take a moment and write a quick note to your legislators. Thank them for the work they are doing serving our state and encourage them to continue to make early care and education a top funding priority.

photo by a.drian