Historic 10-10-10 March and Rally for Children and Youth

10,000 Marchers Put Forward 10 Children and Youth Issues for the Election Agenda

ST. PAUL, MN- Youth Advocate Leaders of Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)–Minnesota, along with partner organizations, will join thousands of Minnesota marchers at the Minnesota Capitol on October 10, 2010 to raise awareness among political candidates of 10 key issues that affect the lives of Minnesota’s children and youth. Organized by local youth leaders and dozens of community organizations, the rally will strengthen a commitment to issues that affect children and youth in the upcoming election and future policy decisions.

Speakers will include:

· Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of Children’s Defense Fund

· Garrison Keillor, Minnesota author and A Prairie Home Companion radio host

· All major gubernatorial candidates have been invited

· St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman

· Faith leaders, youth performers and children

WHAT: 10-10-10 March and Rally for Children and Youth

WHEN: October 10, 2010, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol

WHO: The Young Advocate Leadership Training (YALT) participants of CDF–Minnesota, Every Child Matters, Minnesota Children’s Platform and other partnering organizations as listed below

The 10 Key Issues and Participating Organizations:

Child Welfare: Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota

Children in Immigrant Families: Project for Pride in Living

Early Childhood Education: Child Care WORKS!

Juvenile Justice: Second Chance Coalition; Council on Crime and Justice

Healthy Development: TakeAction Minnesota; Hunger Solutions; MOAPPP

Out-of-School Time: Youth Community Connections

Poverty: Affirmative Options Coalition; Minnesota Without Poverty

K-12 Education: Parents United for Public Schools

Youth Violence and Safe Communities: Peace Foundation; Youthrive

Healthy, Stable Housing: Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless

For more information www.cdf-mn.org

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jim Koppel, CDF–Minnesota Director Nicole Hernandez, Program Associate

651-855-1171, wk 651-855-1174, wk

651-338-4099, cell 612-207-6095, cell

koppel@cdf-mn.org hernandez@cdf-mn.org