2023 Children's Agenda: Closing Gaps and Providing Opportunities for All Children to Thrive

Portland, OR - Despite progress made in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic and long-standing inequities have highlighted the reality that not all children in Oregon have the same opportunities to thrive. Challenges related to health and well-being have a greater impact on children from diverse backgrounds, including children of color and those with disabilities..
To address these challenges, a powerful coalition of 127 organizations statewide, led by Our Children Oregon, has developed a comprehensive 2023 legislative agenda, focusing on community-based solutions to provide access and opportunities for all children and families. The 2023 Children's Agenda is a comprehensive set of policies focusing on the needs of children and youth, including:
- Expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and care
- Creating safe and healthy learning environments
- Ensuring access to healthcare and mental health services
- Promoting economic stability
- Supporting student success
-Ensuring all children have access to food

"It is our responsibility to take action and bridge these gaps, so that every child in Oregon has the chance to reach their fullest potential," said Jenifer Wagley, Executive Director of Our Children Oregon. "By working together, we can create a better today and a brighter future for everyone in our state."
The 2023 Children's Agenda is developed with input from our community partner organizations and elevates the policy solutions that will have the most significant impact on the well-being of children, families, and communities throughout the state.

"By uniting advocates and prioritizing the policy proposals of the 2023 Children's Agenda, we can impact the lives of children and families in Oregon. Together, we can create a state where all children thrive," said Ivy Major-McDowall, Policy and Advocacy Director of Our Children Oregon.
For more information on the 2023 Children's Agenda and how you can support its efforts to provide opportunities for all children in Oregon, please visit https://ourchildrenoregon.org/2023-childrens-agenda.

Oregonians are encouraged to join our All Children Thrive Collective (ACT) to learn more and to get involved in ensuring all children across our state have what they need to thrive.

Our Children Oregon
PO BOX 14694 Portland, OR 97293-0694

Contact: Sonakshi Dhimal
Communications Director

ABOUT OUR CHILDREN OREGON
Our Children Oregon activates meaningful change statewide to ensure children statewide have what they need to thrive, regardless of their race, their ability, or where they live. We do this through policy, advocacy, research and engagement activities. Our Children Oregon is part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's network of KIDS COUNT state organizations.

ABOUT THE ALL CHILDREN THRIVE COLLECTIVE
A program of Our Children Oregon, brings together youth, individuals, and families, alongside committed organizations and advocates, to improve child well-being in Oregon through civic engagement, education, and advocacy opportunities.

This release was published on openPR.