As we shared last week, the census plays a critical role in determining the allocation of billions of federal dollars that promote healthy growth and development during early childhood. Unfortunately, the undercounting of children under the age of five has been a pervasive issue in decennial censuses. In 2020, it is predicted that young children are at high risk of being undercounted yet again.
This week the U.S. Census Bureau released a public service announcement (PSA) toolkit for partners and stakeholders to utilize when encouraging individuals and families to participate in the 2020 Census. The toolkit includes free guidelines, fact sheets, scripts, radio segments, and videos to share in 13 different languages. Access the toolkit here for resources to share with colleagues and families.
If you haven't already, we also encourage you to reach out to members of Ohio's Complete Count Commission to share your concerns about the undercount of young children in Ohio. Don't know what to say? Use our template letter!
Ohio Policymakers Focused on the Impact of Lead on Young Children
This week, the Ohio Children's Caucus hosted a panel discussion for legislators on the impact of lead on children's development and the ways in which the state can invest in efforts to improve lead screenings and abatement of properties where children are living and learning. Panelists included Gabriella Celeste (Ohio Lead-Free Kids Coalition), Ron Rees (Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development), and Gina Wilt (COHHIO).
Governor Mike DeWine also hosted a roundtable discussion with Columbus Public Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts on lead poisoning and ways communities can work to prevent children's exposure to lead. Among work highlighted in Columbus was community efforts to increase lead screenings in early learning facilities. Read more.
Spots are filling up for the SCAN Advocacy Training in Columbus
Have you noticed that only a few presidential candidates are talking about issues that affect children?
As the competition heats up, so should the conversation about kids.
Together we can make it clear that voters expect candidates, no matter their party, to support bold policies for children. Because, let’s face it: kids can’t vote and they need us to give them a voice on the campaign trail.
So, how can we do that?
Let’s learn how to be the most effective advocates we can be! You’re invited to a special advocacy training in Columbus on Tuesday, November 12 with Save the Children Action Network.
The training will include:
An overview of what Save the Children Action Network is up to in Ohio
Skills to engage elected leaders
State and federal policy updates from Groundwork Ohio
Networking and dinner with others who are passionate about helping kids in Ohio and around the world
Date: Tuesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. (dinner provided) Where: The Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association Address: 2760 Airport Drive, Suite 160, Columbus, OH 43219Spots are filling up for the SCAN Advocacy Training in Columbus
We've Moved to a New Office!
At the beginning of this week Groundwork moved to a new office in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus! We are excited to be in a new space that is more conducive to our collaborative work environment and growing staff. We hope you'll come visit us soon!
Our new address: 4041 N. High St., Suite 204 Columbus, OH 43214
Note: For funding/financial purposes our fiscal sponsor's address is still the same.