BACKGROUND and KEY MESSAGES:

Our nation’s children face multiple challenges to their well-being stemming from years of a declining share of federal investments in their future, the COVID-19 global pandemic, the ensuing economic recession, and racial injustice that begins at birth.

Every aspect of the lives of children is being negatively impacted by these factors. The kids are NOT alright, and we must do better.

This year’s 120 Champions and Defenders of Children include 40 senators and 80 representatives who have stepped forward to make “the best interests of children” a top priority in the Senate and House in 2019 and 2020. They have all taken affirmative steps to positively address the problems facing children.

What makes this group of 120 policymakers unique is that they have repeatedly used their legislative roles to raise, lift, and move to the forefront those issues that are important for America’s children. Champions consistently pursue policies and legislation that make children a priority across the full array of issue areas. Defenders more often than most consider and take action in support of the best interests of children in a number of votes and by sponsoring or cosponsoring of bills.

Others in Congress, who may just fall short in terms of points to qualify as a Champion or Defender, have also taken important votes or played a leadership role for children on some important aspects of policy for children that would either improve the lives of children or protect children from harm.

As Congress debates and sets the nation’s federal priorities on policy and budget matters, the Champions and Defenders honored this year make children a “first focus” of their work in making public policy decisions.

 Learn more and view the report at www.ffccscorecard.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA and HASHTAG USE:

Use #Champion4Children to participate in this promotional campaign for the report, available on www.ffccscorecard.org and the First Focus Campaign for Children site www.campaignforchildren.org.

Sample Language

Honored to be named as a Defender in the @Campaign4Kids scorecard. I’m going to continue fighting for policies and legislation that make children a priority in our nation. #InvestInKids

I am delighted to be named a Defender of Children by @Campaign4Kids. Time & again, research has proven that investing in our children makes them — and our nation — healthy, strong, & productive. I will continue to put our nation’s kids first at every opportunity.

I am proud to be a Defender of Children. Our kids face a multitude of challenges — the #COVID19 pandemic, an economic recession, racial injustice that begins at birth, a declining share of federal investments in their future. We need to do more to #InvestInKids.

Kids don’t vote & they don’t have political action committees. That’s why it’s up to lawmakers like us to make children a priority & protect their best interests. I am proud to be honored by @Campaign4kids this year.

2020 was a rough year for all of us — kids especially. Now, more than ever, we need policymakers to be #Champions4Children -- willing to add their voice & attach their name to policy that will #InvestInKids. I promise to continue that fight.

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SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE and BLOG POSTS:

If you would like assistance with placement or further customization, please contact First Focus VP of Media and Communications Michele Kayal at MicheleK@firstfocus.org