John,

When I stepped into my role as President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund on December 7, the challenges facing our nation’s 74 million children were urgent and persistent. So we didn’t waste time — we got to work.

Now I’m calling on our leaders to do the same. On Thursday, the Washington Post published my op-ed calling on the incoming Biden administration to live up to their promise to “build back better” by shifting our policy dialogue to child-centered, equity-informed priorities that create conditions for young people to thrive. Our incoming leaders need to hear this message loud and clear, and I’m proud to share it with you.

The well-being of children has rarely received the kind of attention reserved for priorities like national security, health care, or stock market growth. But to truly build back better, we must begin measuring our nation’s success by the flourishing of the largest, most diverse generation: children.

I am honored to be in this work and in this community with you. I hope you will join the Children’s Defense Fund as we recommit to the fight for our children’s futures in this new year.

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