By Renee Anderson, CDF Minnesota intern

As the days grow longer, we feel spring right around the corner.  We’re eager to see the changes around us. We pick out seeds and envision the colorful flowers abloom. Investing in children is much like planting a garden, flower, or more so, a tree. We don’t see the true outcome of early investments until it’s too late to go back and make changes. Much like tending a garden or supporting a young tree, children need early investments to help ensure they bloom to their fullest potential.

You can help Minnesota’s children blossom. Join us at the State Capitol Rotunda for the ninth annual “Voices for Children” rally on Monday, March 1 at 10 am to urge our legislators and Governor to make greater investments in early childhood care and education. A morning of activities is planned including a rally, the engaging Teddy Bear Band, interactive music and story time for all ages. Click here for information about the event, how to volunteer, parking and directions, and fliers to share. 

We all benefit from the success and well-being of children. Healthy children grow into productive members of our society. Supported children grow into motivated leaders of our communities. Nurtured children grow into engaged and caring parents. Making a commitment to children and the areas that support their ability to grow in healthy and safe environments is crucial, now more than ever.

Anyway you can look at it, investing in economic and social supports that build strong foundations for children has positive and exponential gains for all of society. Ensuring quality early childhood care and education for kids is one of the best returns on our public dollar. We must provide adequate funding for child care assistance, to enable all Minnesota families access to affordable, quality early care.

Make your voice known on behalf of children. In your community, encourage children to create art and projects reflecting the theme, “Plant the Seeds, Help Children Bloom.”

At the legislature, sharing your experience in how early care and education programs have benefited you and your family is critical to helping policy makers understand the importance of early investment. Now is the time to invest in the lives of children to ensure that they are prepared for school and life. Contact your legislators and encourage them to invest in our children!  Learn more ways to advocate on behalf of children.

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