A Movement by Families, For Families

Story by Barbie Carmouche

Nothing matters more to me than giving my boys the best start in life.
 
Both of my sons should’ve experienced the full benefits of Head Start.
 
But low funding kept our Louisiana program running part-time, robbing my children – and so many others – of the learning opportunities they deserve. That’s a serious problem for small communities, where early childhood education options are already limited.
 
Our families need a voice. Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) helps me use mine.
 
I connected with Jasmine from SCAN’s Family Engagement team at a local Head Start meeting, where parents wrote postcards urging Congress to support early learning. Later that week, we met for coffee to discuss my kids, my passions and my power to make a difference.
 
Since then, a newspaper published my letter to the editor, I sent over 5,000 text messages inspiring Louisianans to fight for Head Start funding and I’ve even spoken with lawmakers at SCAN events, like State Senator Heather Cloud.

My Family Engagement team training taught me that advocacy is for everyone.
 
I didn’t realize organizations like this were so close to home – or that there was a place for parents like me. Now, I know our stories are what push policymakers to act.
 
At the end of the day, families make this movement work.
 
It’s my mission to help parents understand how laws shape their lives, especially those who don’t have the time or the tools to speak up. With support from my fellow Family Engagement volunteers, I’m determined to act at every opportunity – whether it’s protecting Head Start or fighting food insecurity.
 
SCAN shaped me into an advocate my community can always count on.
 
If you’re a Louisiana parent who’s interested in advocating for kids, contact Jasmine Harris at jharris@savechildren.org.