Breaking News

Betty Castor and Bill Sublette, both with long histories of distinguished public service, will co-chair the Five Promises to Parents Campaign.

Five Promises is sponsored by the Children's Campaign and provides a unifying vision for children's issues, spanning maternal and children's health, child welfare and child protection, early learning and quality Pre-K, after school services, and juvenile justice reform. Five Promises links community leaders, citizens, providers, experts and advocates across the state.

Betty Castor served as the Florida Commissioner of Education (1986-93) and was the first woman elected to the Florida Cabinet. She initiated the state's first pre-kindergarten program and formed the Children's Coalition, a support group of business leaders. Betty is a former county commissioner, served three terms in the Florida Senate, and was the President of the University of South Florida. Click here for Betty Castor's biographical summary

Bill Sublette won a seat in 1992 in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served for eight years. He was Chairman of the Education Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the House Public Responsibility Council, and Chairman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation. Throughout his tenure he was consistently ranked as one of the most effective legislators by the media. His local public service spans juvenile justice, child welfare and education issues. Click here for Bill Sublette's biographical summary

Betty and Bill recognize that this is a most pivotal year in Florida. In November 2006 a new governor will be elected. Based on past results, this new governor may hold office for eight years, mid-way into the next decade. Similarly, new leaders will assume top positions in the Florida Senate and Florida House and several new members will be elected to serve in the Florida Legislature. It's important that all adopt a proactive children's agenda.

"The Children's Campaign is leading the charge for advocacy and I'm proud to be part of it," said Ms. Castor. "Five Promises is building a statewide support network that will grow its influence as citizens become engaged."

Those sentiments were echoed by Mr. Sublette. "We must come together across the political spectrum and meet the pressing needs of children. I'm excited to get started."

A wide range of highly visible activities is planned for the co-chairs, including direct mail to opinion leaders, media, public appearances, television, radio, meet-and-greets, and community listening events.

"We're confident, by the end of the year, our state's elected leaders will be aware that a growing children's movement exists and expects to be heard in the development of policy and appropriations," said Roy Miller, President of Children's Campaign, Inc.

The kick-off of the election year outreach is an educational event known as Picture the Future. Florida's four-year-olds are putting crayons to paper, answering the age-old question of "what do I want to be when I grow up?" Its purpose is to improve the quality of Florida's Pre-K program, raising it to the expectations of voters who passed it easily at the ballot box in 2002.

Other activities will span the 5 Promises, reaching voters in unprecedented numbers with an accurate picture of the state of Florida's children, from the newborn to children aging out of foster care. Candidates for office will receive educational briefings from citizens and children's experts and will be encouraged to make children's issues a major part of their platform.

Opportunities exist to become involved immediately in the Five Promises Campaign. If your organization is interested in hosting an event for Betty Castor and Bill Sublette, please contact Naomi Maingot, Campaign Coordinator, Children's Campaign, Inc., at nmaingot@iamforkids.org. Also, watch for future campaign announcements through Breaking News.