Hi John – I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Save the Children Action Network (SCAN). I couldn’t be more excited to take leadership of this unique and powerful organization at such a critical moment for the future of children in the United States and around the world. I grew up with a passion for advocacy and politics that I learned from my Grandma Trippel. Grandma took me to my first protest – a women-led peace march held in Washington – and to my first activist training. She spent a decade organizing to build a new facility on the grounds of a prison to help incarcerated women, proving the power of strong-willed advocates to make change in challenging political climates. As I worked in local government, for state lawmakers, and in the U.S. Senate, I saw that same spirit in the work of advocates fighting for kids and communities. I saw it when mothers from SCAN and coalition partners visited to show their support for the Reach Every Mother and Child Act. I saw it in meetings with preschool providers fighting for funding to keep their doors open and in phone calls from shelter volunteers pressing for emergency housing options for homeless families. Advocacy works because the power of individual voices united to make change is real. It inspires people. It moves policymakers. It makes a difference for children and families. Millions of families in our country are struggling to get by. They’re holding down multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table. Or unable to work because they can’t find space for their child in a child care facility. We have such a great opportunity right now to change that. The American Families Plan that Congress is beginning to debate would make it much easier for millions of families to find and afford early learning and child care programs for their kids. Join me in sending a message to Congress - support the American Families Plan to create a brighter future for millions of children! I look forward to working with our amazing group of thousands of volunteer activists to help ensure that every child has a strong start in life. Thank you for helping us make a real difference in the life of kids, | 
