How exciting it was to be involved with the national Step Up for Kids Day on September 16. Five sites in Idaho participated with a variety of celebration activities all centering on raising the awareness of issues facing our most vulnerable citizens — the children.

Report from Boise

Speakers on the City Hall steps in Boise reminded the audience that children have many needs — including voices of those in power who speak up for the concerns of our youngest citizens. The children did their part, STEPPING UP to stand with the policy makers and thanking everyone for keeping children’s issues in mind when they go to the polls in November. About 30 children performed; 75-100 adults attended. Check out this slide show of the event.

Report from Coeur d’Alene

The Coeur d’Alene Candidates’ Forum had 13 candidates participating. Both candidates for legislative positions and for Kootenai County commissioner positions attended. Our audience consisted of approximately 100 citizens who filtered questions through our panel, which represented various sponsors. It is hoped that all voters have the advantage of actually hearing what the positions in regard to children and family issues are before they cast their vote. Some of the candidates’ responses were astonishing.

Report from Eagle

In Eagle, over 130 young artists participated in the 1st annual Eagle Step Up For Kids family picnic and art contest, September 16th 2008. The contest participants and many other children from the area came to play, enjoy arts and crafts, listen to an awesome local youth band called “The Live Animals,” and view a demonstration of a new ladder truck by the Eagle Fire Department that took adults for a ride three stories high! The mayor and city council presented awards to the winners of the art contest winners for Mayor’s Choice, Community and Self Expression. The artwork was displayed inside City Hall and at the Eagle Public Library. A big thank you to volunteers from the City of Eagle, Eagle Public Library, The Landing Community Center, Art of Framing ~ Gallerie Belle Ame , The Eagle Art Commission, Eagle Seventh-day Adventist Church’s, and Primary Color’s in Eagle. Check out this slide show of the event.

Report from Idaho Falls

Preschool kids from all over our area met at Tautphaus Park September 16 for Step up for Kids Day. The purpose of this nationwide event is to draw attention to issues affecting America's children, such as health care, child abuse, and after school programs. "We're celebrating how we can do the best we can in our community to support children so they have successful, happy lives," says Julee Sidwell of IdahoSTARS.

Locally, Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman had lunch with nearly 200 kids and teachers.

Report from Pocatello

Pocatello marked the event on the Pocatello Court House steps. About 50 attendees, including some young children and their parents, heard from 4 speakers—3 of whom were state legislative candidates. There were several questions from the crowd and a lot of interest from passersby. Two legislators offered their take on child care issues and shared what their plans are to make things better. They also talked about state funded children’s programs such as Infant Toddler program, Head Start, and after school programs.