 |
 |
|
|
|
|
In the late 1990s, the Agenda for Children was launched in Cambridge, Mass., under the auspices of the Kids' Council, a policy advisory committee comprised of city officials, human service providers, parents, academic advisors, and community foundations.
To determine what residents believed were the most important issues facing Cambridge children, some 643 community members participated in over 50 meetings.
What emerged from these meetings were nine Priority Goals for improving the lives of the city's young citizens. The Kids' Council decided to invest city resources in two of these goals, while acknowledging that work must continue on the remaining seven. The two goals were:
- Children and youth need access to out-of-school time activities in nurturing and safe environments at all times.
- Children and their families will be able to read.
Two-blue ribbon taskforces developed action plans to achieve these goals. A steering committee was formed to oversee the implementation of these plans, and two program coordinators were hired.
Under the leadership of the two coordinators, significant progress has been made in developing and implementing innovative programs aimed at ensuring children enter school ready to learn and have stimulating out-of-school time programs.
The level of sustained collaboration involved in carrying out the Agenda for Children is unprecedented in Cambridge. Leadership for the Agenda has been unwavering among the City's Health, Human Services, Police, Library, and School departments, together with non-profit providers and the Cambridge Community Foundation. With this commitment, the City is making a significant difference in the lives of Cambridge children and families.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
