2010 Election Advocacy: Calling on candidates

2010 Election Advocacy: Calling on candidates to stand up for kids and families

Toolkit for candidates, advocates and the public now available

To help ensure that the well-being of children and families is a part of the public dialogue and at the top of candidates’ agendas, we invite candidates, advocates and the public to use our 2010 election-season toolkit, consisting of:

“Children as Priorities,” an issues briefing that provides a nonpartisan assessment of the challenges facing today’s children and families, an overview of effective programs, and an update on the current status of these programs in Illinois.
A list of related questions for candidates, a document we encourage voters to use in election-year activities with office-seekers.

These materials focus on state-level policy issues, which will be affected by elections of a governor and General Assembly. A new addition to the toolkit is this list of federal-level policy priorities, related to the congressional elections that also take place in November.

This election season, we have an opportunity to shape our state’s path forward and demand leadership that will prioritize children’s needs.

We hope these documents stimulate discussion and raise awareness about critical children’s issues during this election season. Possibilities include using them as the basis for discussions with candidates in public forums or one-on-one visits, or referring to them in your efforts to heighten media visibility of these topics and the public to use our 2010 election-season toolkit.

Click here for tips on contacting your legislators.

Click here to view local candidate and community forums.

Voices is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. We urge Illinoisans to vote Nov. 2 – and to make their own, well-informed determination about election choices.

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Voices for Illinois Children is a member of the CHANGE Illinois! coalition, which has asked candidates for Governor and the General Assembly to answer 20 straightforward questions about reforming elections and state government. Read the candidates' answers at www.ChangeIL.org.