The Children’s Movement of Florida is a citizen-led, non-partisan movement to educate political, business and civic leaders – and all parents of the state – about the urgent need to make the well-being and education of infants, toddlers and all other children Florida's highest priority. The Children's Movement of Florida was launched August 9, 2010 in a four-city fly-around with press conferences in Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Tallahassee.[1]
Core advocacy issues edit
The Children's Movement of Florida has identified five areas for a first focus of special interest and action:
- Access to quality health care
- Screening and treatment for children with special needs
- Quality pre-kindergarten opportunities
- High-quality mentoring programs
- High-quality support and information for parents
"Milk Parties" edit
The movement has scheduled 15 "Milk Party" rallies from September 6 to 30, starting in Pensacola to Key West, to rally support for children as a priority. Participants will be treated to milk and cookies.[2] "Milk Parties" will feature notable speakers, local celebrities, an educational video, and a "call to action." The Children's Movement of Florida aims for a thousand or more citizens at each event.
Several Florida publications have referred to The Children's Movement of Florida as the "Milk Party."[3][4]
Leadership edit
The Children's Movement of Florida is led by a 27-member steering committee consisting of business, civic and political leaders from across Florida.[5] Some notable members of 27-member coalition are:
- Carol Jenkins Barnett: President of Publix Supermarket Charities and daughter of George W. Jenkins.
- Sam Bell: Former Florida legislator.
- Allan Bense: Former Florida House Speaker.
- Bob Butterworth: Former Florida attorney general and secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
- Betty Castor: Former Florida legislator and president of the University of South Florida.
- Scott Clemons: Former legislator and now mayor of Panama City, Florida.
- Manny Diaz: Twice elected mayor of Miami.
- Pegeen Hanrahan: Former mayor of Gainesville.
- Toni Jennings: Former lieutenant governor of Florida.
- David Lawrence Jr.: Former publisher of The Miami Herald.
- Roberto Martinez: Former U.S. attorney and now on the State Board of Education.
- Jon Mills: Former Florida House Speaker.
- Sandra Murman: Former Florida legislator from Hillsborough County
- John P. Quinones: Former Florida legislator and now member of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners.
- Nan Rich: Florida state senator.
- Burt Saunders: Former Florida legislator from Collier County.
- Bill Sublette: Former Florida legislator.
References edit
- ^ l (2010-08-08). "Child advocacy movement in works". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 2015-03-11.
- ^ [1] Archived December 4, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The Children's Movement of Florida: We're Sorry". Childrensmovementflorida.org. Retrieved 2015-03-11.
- ^ "The Children's Movement of Florida: We're Sorry". Childrensmovementflorida.org. Retrieved 2015-03-11.
- ^ "Children's Movement Puts Strategy Into Action | WFSU". Publicbroadcasting.net. 2010-08-15. Retrieved 2015-03-11.