Another State of the Union address is happening tomorrow (2.12.13). President Obama will be talking about many topics, including his proposal to curb gun violence.
While I don’t want to get too political on this blog, I do want to make my readers aware of a campaign from Save the Children.
Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. Their vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation.
Though they endorse President Obama’s proposal to curb gun violence and expand mental health services, they believe the issue is extremely complex and that steps need to be taken to ensure the well-being and safety of all children. As they state on their website, “every child deserves a happy and safe childhood. But for too many, including the 20 young lives lost in Newtown, CT, that isn’t a reality.”
Save the Children believes that we need a national conversation to find “bold, new ideas” to address the violence, poverty and other threats that are affecting childhood in the US. To do this, they are proposing a National Commission on Children and are aiming to send a signed call for action to the White House prior to the President’s State of the Union address on February 12th. The petition was launched with other organizations, including Children’s Health Fund, Every Child Matters, First Focus, Harlem Children’s Zone and Share Our Strength.
Here is what the petition states:
On behalf of America’s children, we call on President Obama and Congress to establish a new National Commission on Children to:
- Create a national policy on children;
- Set goals for protecting children’s well-being, including reducing poverty and violence; and
- Monitor progress on stated goals.
Kids are growing up in a different world – it’s time for bold, new ideas. We can safeguard our children from violence at home and in school. We can ensure that all kids, especially those living in poverty, reach their full potential. We can do more.
If we can, we must.
What can you do to help? Here are some simple action steps:
- Sign the petition online or Text KIDS to 69866
- Tell your friends, family members and colleagues
Will you sign the petition today?
I wrote this post as part of the Global Team of 200, a highly specialized group of Mom Bloggers for Social Good members who focus on maternal health, children, hunger, and women and girls.
