We all know the numbers: The Mayor is denying 47,000 children their after-school and child care programs this year. Working families will be forced to turn to poor alternatives for child care, or quit their jobs all together. Their kids will lose the enriching programs that keep them productive, active, social, and creative after the school day ends. They will lose the second home and sense of stability they have found through their counselors and friends. I called these cuts disgraceful, because simply put, they are.While the scale of these cuts is unlike anything we have seen before, the community rallies and marches to protest the Mayor's budget are also taking place on a scale we haven't seen before. It is an uplifting and inspiring response, and reminds me of the strength of the settlement house leaders, staff, and participants. The events that have taken place since the launch of the Campaign for Children in March have been well attended by elected officials, program staff, and parents. But most strikingly, there has been an outpouring of participation by children and youth.
These events culminated Wednesday in what has been the most coordinated City-wide activity to date: over 50 program cites in the UNH network across the City participated in "Lights Off After-School". During their regular after-school hours, children marched to demonstrated their personal feelings about the cuts. These fearless youth and child advocates held handmade signs and chanted. Throughout the Campaign, they have also shared their talents with performances, and their stories with personal testimony.
As we all fight against the proposed budget cuts through meetings with policy makers, call-in days, and letter-signing, we must give credit to the children and young people who have emerged as our most effective advocates. They have been a part of the Campaign since it started, and we thank them for sharing their time, their spirit, and their stories with the Campaign for Children.
As someone who has been doing this work for a long time, I am personally inspired and motivated by them.
See photos and read about kids in action from UNH members CAMBA, Henry Street Settlement, and New Settlement Apartments. In the end, it is the next generation that will save this one.
Credits: Photos 1 & 2: Kate Shaffer
