Thanks to SCAN’s Volunteers and Advocates, Child Care and Child Hunger Emerge as Key Issues in the 2024 Presidential Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Louisa Spofford (lspofford@savechildren.org) 

WASHINGTON (November 5, 2024) – Throughout the 2024 election cycle, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) prioritized children’s needs by hosting 115 voter education and turnout events, reaching over 258,000 voters through text, postcards and personal outreach, while engaging candidates over 130 times to make it clear that voters expect action on critical issues impacting kids and families. Thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers and advocates across the county, child care and child hunger emerged as central issues in the 2024 presidential elections.

Through SCAN’s nonpartisan High 5 for Kids campaign, community advocates engaged directly with candidates – from the White House to state houses to elevate the need for affordable child care and solutions to child hunger, ensuring these issues could no longer be overlooked.

“Our volunteers have been at the forefront, raising their voices to make sure that the needs of children are front and center in this election. Their work is changing the conversation and making sure that candidates address the cost of quality child care, and the importance of food security for our nation’s children,” said Christy Gleason, Executive Director of SCAN. “High 5 for Kids empowers voters to make sure these needs can’t be ignored and lays the groundwork for ongoing accountability with elected leaders to drive real policy change for children and families.”

As candidates campaigned across key battleground states, SCAN volunteers were on the front lines, engaging with presidential hopefuls in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, as well as gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative candidates nationwide.

What We Did:

• Voter Attitude Polling: SCAN conducted a national poll revealing strong bipartisan support for increased funding for child care and nutrition programs. Voters across the political spectrum expressed a preference for candidates committed to addressing these pressing issues.
• Convention Presence and Media Reach: Through in-person events and digital advertising campaigns at the presidential nominating conventions, SCAN amplified the voices of families nationwide calling for attention to child care and hunger relief.
• Volunteer Training and Engagement: SCAN offered both online and in-person trainings for volunteers on candidate engagement and voter turnout to prepare volunteers for impactful advocacy.

As the election results come in, SCAN is optimistic that its High 5 for Kids campaign has made a lasting impact. From engaging candidates to reaching voters across the country, SCAN’s work has ensured that children’s needs are no longer overlooked. Now, our advocates will work to hold newly elected lawmakers accountable to promises on the campaign trail.  

About Save the Children Action Network (SCAN):
Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life. 

Learn more about SCAN here: https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org. 

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For press inquiries, please contact: Louisa Spofford (lspofford@savechildren.org), DC 20002