Colorado Children’s Campaign: Every Chance for Every Child

The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization committed since 1985 to realizing every chance for every child in Colorado.

We advocate for the development and implementation of data-driven public policies that improve child well-being in health, education, early childhood, and family economic prosperity. By providing Coloradans with trusted data and research, and organizing an extensive state-wide network of dedicated child advocates, we work to achieve the following: 

• Eliminate gaps in student achievement and health outcomes between children of color and children in low-income households and their peers. 
• Provide all of Colorado’s young children with high quality early learning and development experiences so they are ready for school and on track for success in life. 
• Secure quality, affordable health care and create healthy communities for all Colorado children. 
• Ensure all students in Colorado have access to the quality K-12 education they need to graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and life. 

As the leading voice for Colorado’s children at the state Capitol and in communities across the state, the Children’s Campaign has been at the forefront of hundreds of policy wins for kids. Among the numerous laws and programs we’ve helped establish are the Colorado Preschool Program, Child Health Plan Plus, the Great Teachers and Leaders Law, and the creation of the new state Department of Early Childhood. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a research, policy, and advocacy organization focused on ensuring every child in Colorado has the opportunity to succeed. We understand that every child has assets and needs specific to their circumstances, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, geography, and religion, as well as immigration, economic, and family status. 

To effectively fight for what is right for every child—especially for those facing the most barriers to equitable access and resources in their development and education—we recognize that our work must be guided by values of diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are committed to integrating these values into our daily work with intention, action, and humility. Improving in these areas begins with defining the “who, what, and how” at the center of our efforts. We acknowledge the importance of all types of diversity, but are beginning with a focus on race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status because research shows these factors are some of the strongest determinants of child outcomes. 

Diversity = WHO 

We are committed to building racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity among our staff, board, partners, and networks of advocates and ambassadors. 

Inclusion = HOW 

We are committed to an inclusive organizational culture in which people from different backgrounds are able to speak authentically, impact decisions, and make meaningful contributions to the work of the organization. Additionally, we ask that our staff expand their understanding of issues and relationships by seeking out and valuing the voices and perspectives of diverse groups, and by meeting these individuals where they are—physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Equity = WHAT 

In our work on behalf of kids across the state, we strive to create a Colorado in which a child’s advantages or disadvantages can no longer be predicted by race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. As part of this effort, we are working toward racial and economic equity within our own organization, networks, and partnerships. We will know that we are successful when being a full and contributing member of the Colorado Children’s Campaign staff and volunteer network is not correlated with race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Engaging in this work will help ensure that we pursue effective and equitable policies to better achieve every chance for every child in Colorado. 

A few examples of how we are approaching this work include:  

• working to increase the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of our networks, staff, and board;  
• exploring equity issues as a staff and board, including a standing staff Equity Team; 
• reaching out to diverse communities to better understand their hopes and goals; 
• committing our financial resources to these efforts and seeking long-term support for them; and 
• forging or improving networks, coalitions, and relationships with individuals and organizations representing diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic populations.