Children don’t have voting power, but they do have a voice, thanks to the Children’s Advocacy Initiative at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. In September 2004, nine candidates and more than 170 people from the community gathered for the second Candidates’ Forum on Children’s Issues—a night devoted to questions and answers about issues affecting children. “Without question, a candidate’s vision for Michigan’s children is of top concern for our community,” says Patricia Warner, M.P.H., Associate Hospital Director and Chief Administrative Officer, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers. “As advocates for children, we want the public to know who is truly committed to knowing more about the needs of children to make a positive difference for children.”

Fifty community organizations co-sponsored the non-partisan event. Questions submitted by the co-sponsors covered the topics of stable families and economic security, education and child development, health and prevention, and the environment. The event’s organizer, Melissa Dyer, B.A., M.P.H., Advocacy Coordinator, says, “Candidates have since requested more information on children’s issues, which indicates they understand that children really are a priority in our community and are willing to learn more.”

For more information about the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Children’s Advocacy Initiative, visit www.med.umich.edu/mott/1about/advocacy.htm or call 734-615-5379.