How often do you hear politicians talking about kids?

Rarely.

In fact, a recent report found that in the 10 primary presidential debates held last year, just 2 percent of questions centered on children’s issues. The presidential candidates’ websites weren’t much better. Most of them never mentioned anything about education, early learning, child abuse, supporting working families and other critical issues that affect children and families.

Why is this important?

Because on Nov. 6 we will head to the polls to elect our president, a U.S. Senator and the 12 members of Congress who represent New Jersey in Washington. To make informed decisions, we need to know where the candidates stand on critical children’s issues.

So please join us in asking the candidates: What About the Kids?
 

What can you do?

■ Take a minute to pledge to make kids a priority for politicians.

■ Find your candidates and their contact info, websites and Facebook pages and send them a message or question about where they stand on children’s issues.

Questions for candidates.

Senate candidates.

Congressional candidates.

■ Use the fact sheets on the side of this web page to educate and inform your neighbors, networks and the candidates about issues that affect our kids.

■ Attend a candidate forum or event and ask questions about kids. As we learn about events we will post on this page, so visit often.

■ Submit a letter to the editor. Here’s a sample.

The more people raise their voices for children, the better the chances that our politicians will pay attention to the needs of our children and families. So please act today!