Tell Congress to Support a White House Conference on Children!

Congress is back for a "lame duck" session, and they need to do what's best for children before they leave for good!

Tell your members of Congress to pass H.R. 5461/S. 2771 to hold a White House Conference on Children and Youth!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Pass the White House Conference on Children Bill

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a constituent and representative of my agency, I write to urge you to support and pass H.R. 5461/S. 2771, to hold a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010.

The fundamental purpose of the 2010 White House Conference on Children and Youth is to fulfill the nation's need for an overall vision in child welfare and to refocus an inspired understanding of the many facts we have at our disposal to put them into practice at this critical juncture. There has never before been the summation of knowledge and experience as what now lies before the 2010 conference. Now is the time to bring together the years of research and expertise that will make a difference in the lives of children if focused upon nationally.

The first step in the process would be for Congress to pass legislation authorizing spending federal funds and establishing policy committees to hold a White House Conference on Children. Funds would then need to be appropriated to establish a series of events and small conferences through the 50 states in 2009, the year before the national conference. The year 2009 will serve as an opportunity for all stakeholders to meet at the state and local levels regarding recommendations for the national event. Delegates would be sent to the White House event representing all states, tribes, territories, and Washington DC.

Previous conferences made significant contributions to establishing priorities for protecting and supporting children in need:

1909 - The conference for the first time committed the nation to oppose the institutionalization of dependent children.

1919 - The White House Conference on Standards of Child Welfare produced the first significant report on child health and welfare standards.

1920 - CWLA was creeated when White House Conference delegates cited an urgent need for a national child welfare agency.

1929 - This conference produced the most comprehensive report on the needs of children ever written, and resulted in the issuance of a national Children's Charter.

1939 - The Conference on Children in a Democracy highlighted the democratic values, services, and environment necessary for the welfare of children.

1950 - The Mid-Century White House Conference focused on healthy personality development.

1960 - The Golden Anniversary White House Conference on Children and Youth expanded upon this theme to examine ways for children to explore their potential in order to discover creative freedom.

1970 - The last White House Conference on Children and Youth strived to strengthen the individuality and identity of children through the support of healthy personality development.

A White House conference on Children and Youth is needed to focus the attention of the nation on the children who, after all, are our responsibility. The conference will examine the greatest needs and set the country on a path to reform. The commitment of the President and the power of the White House is needed to once again make vulnerable children a national priority and point the way to significant reform and improvements.

Please pass H.R. 5461/S. 2771 during the 110th Congress!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 28, 2007

Background Information

Bipartisan White House Conference legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate. If Congress does not pass this legislation, it will make it 40 years since the last White House Conference on Children and Youth was held. If Congress DOES pass this legislation, it will inform child welfare and health policy for the next decade.

There is not only a chance to hold a nation-wide conference on child welfare, but also an opportunity to gather stake holders for many months leading up to the conference. Also, there is an opportunity to influence the White House Conference agenda. Active and participating stakeholders leading up to the Conference will be consulted for suggestions.

From Congressman Fattah's press release:

Congressman Fattah said, “It’s time to renew America’s commitment to our children, our national treasure. The nation’s future is dependent on preparing them to face the myriad challenges that lie ahead. “As leaders,” Fattah said, “it’s our job to make sure their basic needs are met and the promise of their possibility is advanced.”

“I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to reestablish a White House Conference on Children and Youth,” Porter said. “By connecting state and local officials, service providers, tribal communities, families, courts, physical and mental health experts and academic researchers, this comprehensive summit will shape policy in Washington and improve the lives of children throughout the country.”

Leading up to the conference, nationwide events would be held focusing on the critical issues facing children. This is an incredible opportunity to bridge gaps in the community, and to come together for children!