The Young Leaders of Children’s Defense Fund—MN are organizing a march and rally to speak out for the children and youth of Minnesota and put their needs on the election campaign agenda as a priority.

The marchers will converge on the state capitol from multiple directions beginning at 2:00 p.m., carrying banners, placards and signs to give 10 specific messages to civic leaders, policy makers, and candidates running in the upcoming state elections.

There will be justice music by locally known groups, a celebrity keynote, short speeches by civic leaders, clergy and children and ten information tents addressing ten issues: childhood poverty, early childhood development, child welfare, youth violence, children of immigrant families, K-12 education, healthy development, stable, healthy housing, out of school time, and juvenile justice. Gubernatorial candidates will be invited and given a few minutes to say how they would address one of the 10 focus issues.

The rally will end with a challenge for change to give ALL Minnesota children a fair start in life. Citizens will be asked to vote for candidates who know the issues that impact children and promise to address them. There will be commitment cards and/or stickers for participants to use to expand the movement.

For more information contact Norma Bourland at (651) 866-1186 or Nicole Hernandez at (651) 855-1174.