October 2023 Monthly Update
We’ve stepped into fall and we’re still keeping busy! This month, our founder, Melanie Bronfin, was honored as an Angel Award recipient from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. This award recognizes outstanding Louisianians who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to our state’s children. Watch Melanie’s Honoree video.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming a new member to the Policy Institute team, Kristy Chauvin. In her role as Operations Manager, Kristy will utilize her executive-level background to help implement enhancements to our internal operations as she contributes to our mission to advance policies to ensure our state’s youngest learners are ready for success for school and in life.
During the first week of October, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, along with 23 communities from 10 states, met in San Antonio, TX, for the fourth national Children’s Funding Institute. The Children’s Funding Institute, presented by Children’s Funding Project and Funding the Next Generation, is a training event for communities interested in establishing voter-approved children’s funds.
Later in the month, our team was invited to attend the 2023 Alliance CONNECT Summit in Charlotte, NC. This annual summit connects allies, investors, national experts, and researchers together to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build connections they can leverage as they pursue strong state early childhood policy.
Following the results of the October elections, we are in contact with our newly elected officials, offering them our data and research as they move into their new leadership roles. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Jeff Landry as well as all other new and veteran policymakers in the new year.
Lastly, a reminder on behalf of our partners, the Louisiana Department of Education and Agenda for Children, our annual Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll closes tomorrow, November 1st. The goal is to learn about the child care arrangements of Louisiana families with children under the age of 5. If you haven’t already taken it, please click here.
Thank you for remaining steadfast in your advocacy on behalf of young children and families in Louisiana. As we all know, in order for us to Geaux Far for Louisiana’s young children, we must geaux together.