Numbers Are Power

By Becky Newell, State Coordinator (West FL) on 07/12/2011 @ 10:10 AM

Tags: West

The discussion at the Polk County Listening Tour meeting in Lakeland on Monday touched on many topics, including how to effectively engage individuals in The Movement, how to motivate state leaders to become passionate about children’s issues, and how to reach out to groups that have not yet become involved on a large scale. But the conversation continually came back to one issue: increasing the number of Children’s Movement supporters statewide. As Lakeland business owner Steve Moore said, “Numbers are power.” 

The diverse group of participants represented local government, area businesses, social service agencies, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations. All seemed to agree that the most effective way to increase the influence of The Movement is to reach our goal of having one million supporters by the end of next year. It’s difficult to ignore a million people who are all urging our state leaders to make caring for our children our top priority!

One of several concrete suggestions about how individuals can help The Movement reach that goal of one million members came from Pam Craven, Executive Director of the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. She suggested that if individual supporters talk to all the groups of people they’re connected with – professional organizations, parent groups, church groups, civic organization, etc. – our numbers grow rapidly. And Steve Moore added that if we make it easy for these new contacts to immediately join and contribute to The Movement, before they even leave the room, we’ll be even more successful.

Children’s Movement Vice Chair and Publix Super Markets Charities President and Board Chair Carol Jenkins Barnett ended the meeting on an inspirational note when she eloquently shared her own longstanding personal commitment to improving the lives of children.

Don't forget: If you're not already, help us build the Movement and become a member today!