Have a Heart: Invest in Kids!

Tell Lawmakers to Have a Heart for Kids!

Advocates like you are the true leaders behind all we do for kids.

Our annual Have a Heart Campaign tackles some of the most pressing challenges facing children. As Congress and state legislatures convene, they’ll have the opportunity to invest in kids’ futures — and they need to hear from YOU.

This Valentine’s Day, tell lawmakers to have a heart and fund early childhood education programs so more kids across your state — and the nation — grow up nourished and learning!

Learn More

The Basics of Early Childhood Education

In America, child care is unaffordable and inaccessible.Annual costs are rising faster than inflation. In 2021, the average was $10,600 per child — more than in-state tuition in most states!50% of families live in “child care deserts,” communities where there aren‘t enough open seats to meet the need.Annual costs are rising faster than inflation. In 2021, the average was $10,600 per child — more than in-state tuition in most states!50% of families live in “child care deserts,” communities where there aren‘t enough open seats to meet the need.In America, child care is unaffordable and inaccessible.
1 in 5 Americans says child care is a barrier to their well-being.Some parents are forced to stay home to watch their kids, leading to unemployment.When women have access to child care, they’re able to participate in the workforce.Some parents are forced to stay home to watch their kids, leading to unemployment.When women have access to child care, they’re able to participate in the workforce.1 in 5 Americans says child care is a barrier to their well-being.
Early education prepares kids for a lifetime of learning.High-quality care can be a ladder out of poverty, improving children’s health and growth.According to James Heckman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, investing in early learning yields a 13% annual return through better academic, economic, health and social outcomes.High-quality care can be a ladder out of poverty, improving children’s health and growth.According to James Heckman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, investing in early learning yields a 13% annual return through better academic, economic, health and social outcomes.Early education prepares kids for a lifetime of learning.

Four Fun Ways to Take Action

A girl stands in a classroom and makes the shape of a heart with her hands.

Step 1: Get Creative for Kids

 

Create your valentines with a student club, family and friends, at a community event or on your own — either way, you’re making a big impact.

To Use Ours

Reach out to your state’s SCAN staff to receive our pre-printed postcards — or download your own in English or in Bilingual. 

Decorate the front with markers and stickers, then leave a note for your lawmaker on the back. For inspiration, check out our sample message below.

To Make Your Own

Have a few extra minutes to make a difference?

Nothing says “have a heart” like some homemade valentines. Grab some markers, scissors, stickers and craft paper to make your own!

Don’t forget to include a message like:

  • Have a heart. Invest in kids!
  • Don’t break my heart — invest in kids!
  • Show kids you care this Valentine’s Day.
  • Roses are red, violets are blue. Invest in kids, and voters will love you!

Step 2: Send Your Valentine

You can mail your valentines or deliver them in person — don’t forget to take a picture first!

1. Check who your lawmakers are
2. Visit their websites to find addresses to their District/State or Washington, D.C. offices
3. Place a stamp on your postcards and stick them in the mail
4. Send homemade valentines in a large envelope — be sure to include enough postage

Step 3: Amplify Your Valentine

Your advocacy is inspiring. Share on social media with #InvestInKids to spread the message — and tag us, too!

Find SCAN on Facebook

Find SCAN on Twitter

For tips, check out our Social Media toolkit!

 

Step 4: Enter a Poll

Post photos of your favorite valentines with #InvestInKids to enter a friendly Instagram poll on Save the Children’s Instagram page. Voters will choose the ones that stand out — then, the winner will be featured in a special highlight post across our social media pages!

Find @savethechildren on Instagram.

 

 

Early Learning Builds Bright Futures

Little Kids with Big Dreams