by Shavonne Clarke
Last week we made our presence known at the Republican National Convention. When we went to the Democratic National Convention this week, we had one goal: to raise awareness about kids’ issues.
Over the course of four days, thousands visited our SCAN Lounge to learn more about what our next president must do to invest in kids to make sure kids at home and around the world survive and thrive.
From corn hole to our virtual reality experience to visits from some of the best minds in politics, we were a refuge for adults and kids to relax, to learn, to take action for children in the U.S. and around the world.
Throughout the week, we heard some amazing talks. Clockwise from top left: Washington Governor Jay Inslee (left), Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina (center), and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware.
Our president, Mark Shriver, introduced a PBS NewsHour discussion on early learning.
And we had a little fun, too.
Our interns got a special visit from Save the Children’s President & CEO, Carolyn Miles. “Early education,” she said, “makes all the difference in kids’ lives.”
Most importantly, in just four days, more than 1,200 Americans signed our pledge urging the presidential candidates to commit to investments that improve the quality of early childhood education and increase access to more kids.
Thanks, Philadelphia. We’ll take these pledges to the United States’ next president.