A day of conscious fun and political awareness

(Long Island, N.Y.) On Saturday the 23rd, ECM-LI hosted a Kids Convention.  At this unique event the children made sure find out where the politicians stood on child abuse & neglect, child poverty, early education, funding for after school programs, and so much more. This free event was attended by over 400 people.   It created solidarity around kid’s issues throughout all of LI’s communities.  Children of all ages utilized this platform to have their voices heard by the politicians, and those who need to vote for them.

All Candidates running for office, and those already in office were invited to come and participate in this unique youth led political forum.  Candidates for NYS Assembly, James Conte district 10, Dermond Thomas district 14, Candidate for US Senate Carol Gordon district 8, Nassau county legislators Kevan Abrahams district 1, Wayne Wink district 11, Suffolk county legislators Vivian Villoria-Fisher district 5, DuWayne Gregory district 15, and Jon Cooper district 18, made it their priority to come out and tell Long Islanders where they stand on kids issues, and to listen to the children about what they want and need on Long Island. 

Some teens gathered research about LI’s issues and presented it to the politicians asking for their support to make these issues better.  The children lined up at the microphone to have these candidates and elected officials address their questions.

Organizations, schools and after school programs came out with their kids to make sure that politicians knew that children should be on their political agenda.  There were over 30 non profit organizations that not only distributed information about their services, but also provided free, fun and conscious activities for the day.  Many of these organizations are struggling to provide the necessary services our island needs.  These community organizations made sure that the kids who need their services, got a chance to have their issues heard.  Children were able to write letters to elected officials about issues that concerned them and their family. 

 “10 for 10”- Every Child Matters-LI Director Shea Levin asked each child to make children matter in 2010.  She suggested that they have a conversation with at least ten people before the upcoming election about voting for kids.  “With only a few days before the Nov. 2nd election, we need you to go out today, tomorrow, or the next day and let everyone know that, Every Child Matters

The Every Child Matters Education Fund is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization whose goal is to make children and youth a top political priority. ECM works with a wide assortment of children’s activists, leaders, media, academic and community organizations.  For more information about the statistics in the release, Every Child Matters on Long Island, or the parent organization the Every Child Matters Education Fund, go to www.everychildmatters.org or call 631-462-0303 ext.161.