BACKGROUND and KEY MESSAGES:

This year’s 120 Champions and Defenders of Children include 40 senators and 80 representatives who have stepped forward to make “the best interest of the child” a top priority in the Senate and House in 2019. 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 interest of children in a number of votes and on sponsoring or cosponsoring of bills.

Others in Congress, who may fall just short of enough points to qualify as a Champion or Defender, also have taken supportive votes or played an important role for children and we applaud them for their work in those areas.

However, as Congress debates and sets the nation’s federal priorities on policy and budget matters, the lawmakers we are honoring as 2019 Champions and Defenders of Children have consistently made the “best interest of the child” their priority in making public policy decisions. As advocates for children, we want to spotlight their special leadership and express our gratitude and appreciation to them for their strong support for children.

 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 a Defender of Children in the @Campaign4Kids scorecard. I’m going to continue fighting for policies and legislation that make children a priority in our nation. #Champions4Children

I am delighted to be named a Defender of Children by @Campaign4Kids — as lawmakers, we must work to put American children at the center of our legislative priorities. #Champions4Children

graphics for use

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE and BLOG POSTS:

• Sample Press Release for Senate website

• Sample Press Release for House website

• Sample Op-Ed

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

This year’s 120 Champions and Defenders for Children include 40 senators and 80 representatives who have stepped forward to make “the best interest of the child” a top priority in the Senate and House in 2019. 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 that supports the best interest of children in a number of votes and by sponsoring or cosponsoring bills.

Others in Congress, who may fall just short of enough points to qualify as a Champion or Defender, also have taken supportive votes or played an important role for children and we applaud them for their work in those areas.

However, as Congress debates and sets the nation’s federal priorities on policy and budget matters, the lawmakers we are honoring as 2019 Champions and Defenders of Children have consistently made the “best interest of the child” their priority in making public policy decisions. As advocates for children, we want to spotlight their special leadership and express our gratitude and appreciation to them for their strong support for children.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN IN THE SENATE

If you would like to thank your hometown Champion, click on their photo below to send a message on Twitter.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

If you would like to thank your hometown Champion, click on their photo below to send a message on Twitter.

We would also like to recognize our 2019 Defenders of Children.
These members of Congress have supported efforts to advance policies to improve the well being of kids.

DEFENDERS OF CHILDREN IN THE SENATE

DEFENDERS OF CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES