Our Policy Priorities
Budget and Legislative Advocacy
We advocate for equity, emphasizing the need to combat racism before we can address broader inequalities. Through our budget and legislative advocacy, we push for policy change and investments in education, health, and economic justice, ensuring young adults are on productive pathways to adulthood.
Early Childhood
We work to eliminate disparities in our early childhood system and empower communities to advocate for change. The Under 3 DC Coalition pushes for increased public investments in early care and education, while the DC Home Visiting Council works to improve access to home visiting services for positive child and family outcomes.
Read MoreEducation
Flourishing communities rely on quality education, yet inadequate schooling constrains many young people. Through policy analysis, advocacy, and the DC Out-of-School Time Coalition, we uplift student outcomes, addressing the opportunity gap by improving access to high-quality afterschool and out-of-school time programs, while also calling for equity, transparency, and accountability from our elected and educational leaders.
Read MoreHealth and Safety
High-quality and culturally appropriate health care, mental health services, and nutritious food are essential for the well-being of children and youth. We work to improve access to vital health supports, including School-Based Health Services, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, DC Healthy Families, the Immigrant Children’s Program, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.
Read MoreVoting and Democracy
In order to achieve our policy goals and budget recommendations, it is essential that we choose elected officials who will advocate for children and families. In recent years, the District of Columbia has taken some important steps to engage voters and ensure that policymakers reflect the values of community members.
Read MoreYouth Economic Justice
In order to achieve economic justice, we must ensure that young adults and their families can enter their desired profession, earn a living wage, have good physical and mental health, and obtain secure, discrimination-free housing. We advocate for policies and programs that address the economic impacts of structural racism and support youth in their transition to adulthood.
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