ACTIVISM TODAY

We are kicking off a national effort to invest in children and invite you to join us and a large group of national organizations to support critical investments in children. We invite you to join us for this media event. The directions attached provide important information about parking for the press event. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Ellie


Maine and National Leaders Back Renewed Progress for Children
Coalition Calls for Greater Investments in Maine's Children and Youth to Help Prepare Them for School, Work and Life
Thousands of children in Maine live in poverty, have no health insurance and are abused or neglected. But these children have been largely invisible during these times of economic crisis. In response, the Children's Leadership Council (CLC) will launch its "Invest in Children, Strengthen America" campaign.

What: Press Conference

When: 11:00 a.m. on December 17, 2008

Where: Casey Family Services, 75 Washington Avenue, Portland.

Why: The CLC is calling on Members of Congress, and President-elect Obama to make a commitment to specific economic recovery measures as well as long term investments that can keep more children and youth from falling into poverty. Making this kind of investment now will go a long way toward securing our future, providing real solutions to our short and long-term economic challenges, and strengthening America.

Speakers will include:


· Chellie Pingree, US Representative - elect

· Tania Reed, working mother

· Elinor Goldberg, President/CEO Maine Children's Alliance

· Members of many national groups will speak and/or be available for interviews

The launch coincides with a week of similar events across the country and with the national launch on December 18th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.


BACKGROUND:
The CLC is a coalition of child advocates representing 36 leading national policy and advocacy organizations, with members and affiliates in every state in the nation. These groups are working everyday to improve the health, education and well-being of children and youth in order to prepare them for school, work, and life. For the first time, there is a strong, unified group of organizations speaking with one voice to achieve a singular mission - building the public awareness and creating the political will necessary to make greater investments in America's children and youth a reality. The "invest in Children, Strengthen America" campaign will focus on both short and long term investments that are proven effective and save taxpayers money in the long run, all while preparing children and youth for school, work and life by improving the health, education, and well-being of children across America.



DIRECTIONS TO CASEY FAMILY SERVICES:


From the South:
From Interstate 295 take Exit 7 (Franklin Arterial)
* Proceed straight through first set of lights.
* At second set of lights, take a left (Fox Street).
* Proceed straight up to the top of the hill and take a right onto Washington Ave.
Casey Family Services is a ½ block up on the left. We are located in the old J. J. Nissen Building. It is a large brick building with blue metal awnings. Entrance is on the bottom level.
* We are located on the 3rd floor. Please sign in.

From the North:

* From Interstate 295 take Exit 8 (Washington Avenue South)
* Proceed for about a ½ mile.
* Casey Family Services is on the left. We are located in the old J. J. Nissen Building. It is a large brick building with blue metal awnings. Entrance is on the bottom level.
* We are located on the 3rd floor. Please sign in.

Parking:

There is no on site parking. A satellite parking lot is available for Casey Family Services' visitors. This is located at 107 Washington Avenue (formerly 3 G's Garage). The parking lot is on the left hand side (driving towards Congress St.), diagonally across from Fasulo's Market and a pottery business and is approximately a ½ block before 75 Washington Avenue. Parking is available on either side of the building. Please disregard signs indicating parking by permit only.