America's Promise

This morning I want to bring your attention to a great organization that is working to build the future of America. The America's Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest multi-sector collaborative dedicated to the well-being of children and youth, and is based on 5 Promises to the children of our country. Following is a summary of the 5 promises, excerpted from the Alliance website:
1) Caring Adults: Caring adults are the cornerstone of a child’s development, and One-third of teens and 20% of younger children lack quality relationships with their parents.
2) Safe Places: All children need to be physically and emotionally safe wherever they are, and Between one-fourth and one-third of all young people “never” or only “sometimes” feel safe at school and in their communities.
3) A Healthy Start: All children need and deserve healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthful habits. 65% of young people say they wish they knew of more stores and restaurants that sold more healthy foods and drinks.
4) An Effective Education: All children need the intellectual development, motivation and skills that equip them for successful work and lifelong learning. 60% of 10- to 21-year-olds say their schools should give them more preparation for the real world.
5) Opportunities to Help Others: All children need the chance to make a difference in their families, at schools and in their communities. Half of parents of young people say they rarely discuss current events with their children.

As we commemorate the 6th anniversary of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, I challenge each of you to take a moment to remember not just the tragedy of that day, but also the way we as Americans united together afterwards. Let us again join hands, reach out to a child, and make them a promise. Or five.

Please visit The America's Promise Alliance website at http://www.americaspromise.org/apa.aspx and see how you can help build our future. America's future.