For many people in the U.S. and around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge – and scary – disruption in their lives. Many families are struggling to pay the rent, care for their children and stay healthy. When the whole world is struggling, what can we as individuals do to make a difference?
Well, actually, there’s a lot we can do! Though we may be confined to our homes, we are still able to make a big difference by advocating for those in need. With that in mind, Save the Children Action Network and Save the Children are excited to host an innovative Virtual Advocacy Summit.
The Advocacy Summit, which we’ve typically held in-person in Washington D.C., will be a collection of 4 online sessions that will focus on an array of topics related to advocating for children and families during this unsettling time. Each session will feature dynamic and inspiring speakers who are “walking the walk” when it comes to advocacy on behalf of vulnerable kids. Participants will gain a better understanding of critical kids’ issues and learn how to talk about them, learn how to advocate (remotely!) to their local, state and national lawmakers, gain some ideas for how to activate their communities and much more!
Here’s the best part: It’s free and open to anyone!
So, just what will we be talking about during each session? Check out the schedule to learn more:
APRIL 30: Fireside Chat with Mark K. Shriver and José Andrés
Join Mark K. Shriver, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Advocacy for Save the Children, for a fireside chat with José Andrés, New York Times best-selling author, educator, humanitarian and chef. We’ll talk with Andrés about his humanitarian work through his charity, World Central Kitchen, and how they plan to feed the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 7: Protecting a Generation from COVID-19 Globally
Coronavirus knows no borders. It is a global threat and demands a global response. The virus is already having devastating consequences for children. With the pandemic now spreading into some of the world’s poorest countries, there is a real danger that progress made on improving children’s lives will see a reversal, especially for girls and children affected by conflict.
May 14: Child Care in Crisis
Child care providers and teachers are the forgotten heroes of the COVID-19 crisis, providing an essential service for frontline workers with children during the pandemic. But child care programs as a whole are facing a much larger funding crisis that may lead to programs across the country closing their doors for good. Join our panelists as they discuss how the pandemic is impacting child care programs and what can be done to make sure there is enough child care when America gets back to work.
May 21: How to Advocate for Kids from Home
The Virtual Advocacy Summit culminates with a Week of Action where advocates from across the country will take collective action to urge members of Congress to prioritize kids during the COVID 19 crisis! Join us to hear from inspiring speakers and to learn how you can participate in our Week of Action.
This will be my third Advocacy Summit with Save the Children Action Network, and I have to say, I’m so excited to explore this new way of connecting with all of you – our amazing supporters – and learn more about how I can be an advocate during this time. I hope you will join me! Together, we can prove that no matter the circumstances, we remain a powerful voice for kids.