TOOLKIT: End the Shutdown Day of Action – October 29th

As the shutdown continues with no end in sight, families with young children are facing mounting challenges with consequences that will only get worse the longer this goes on. And if Congress doesn’t act now, after November 1, tens of thousands of children could lose access to Head Start along with the care, education, nutrition, and stability it provides.

It’s time to act. And by uniting in a coordinated Day of Action on October 29, we can amplify our collective voice and make sure Congress hears our message.

Use the resources below to share loud and clear the Congress must protect Head Start and end this shutdown TODAY.

Activate Your Network

Below is a template message you can share with your network. We encourage you to customize this text to fit your organization’s messaging and calls to action.

he federal shutdown is hurting families and time is running out.

If Congress doesn’t act by November 1st, tens of thousands of children could lose access to Head Start and the care and services their families depend on. Now is the time for us to speak out.

For working families, quality child care isn’t optional. Parents need it to bring home a paycheck. It keeps our economy moving. And it gives thousands of children the strong start they deserve. Already, layoffs and uncertainty are disrupting services nationwide. We cannot allow political gridlock to take away opportunity from our youngest learners and their families.

Join me in taking action today: Tell your Members of Congress to end the shutdown and protect Head Start.

Social Content

Between 11am and 1pm on October 29th organizations from across the country will be calling for an end to the shutdown! Below are some template posts and a graphic, you’re welcome to customize to fit your organizational needs.

• The shutdown is hurting families. If Congress doesn’t act by Nov 1st, 134 Head Start programs in 41 states may lose funding—putting thousands of kids at risk. Congress: End the shutdown. Protect Head Start. #EndTheShutdown #StandForHeadStart
  
• Congress: End the shutdown. If Congress doesn’t act by the November deadline, tens of thousands of children are at risk of losing access to Head Start. It’s time to act. #EndTheShutdown #StandForHeadStart
  
• If the shutdown continues, Head Start programs across the country will not receive their funding on November 1st. Tell Congress: End the Shutdown. Protect Head Start. #EndTheShutdown #StandForHeadStart

Ways to Take Action

Below are the actions FFYF will be sharing for people to contact their members of congress, please feel free to use our Action Center or post your own organization’s Actions!