Speaking of Kids...

• Kathryn Edwards Imagines a Better Economy for Kids!

  In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe sits down with economist Kathryn Edwards to unpack the economic challenges facing children and families, particularly in child care and education. Edwards is a labor economist and independent policy consultant whose research focuses on the intersection of labor markets and public policy. She joins us to break down complex economic ideas, connecting the dots between big-picture policy and everyday life. This conversation offers both practical knowledge and a sense of hope for those working to build a better economic future for children and families. To learn more about Kathryn Edwards’ work, visit kathrynanneedwards.com. You can follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Lastly, be sure to check out her podcast Optimist Economy.  Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: How H.R. 1 Will Harm Children Now and Far Into the Future Three Ways that the Reconciliation Bill’s School Voucher Program Hurts Public Schools How Funding Cuts Threaten the Future of Early Childhood Education To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments on thoughts via email: [email protected] Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

  --------  

  39:14

  --------

  39:14
• Jered Bruzas believes fatherhood is advocacy!

  In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe speaks with Jered Bruzas about the importance of engaging fathers as advocates and how their involvement can help build stronger systems for children and families. Bruzas is a father of four, a passionate community advocate, and the Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater Waterbury. He brings firsthand insight into the societal and systemic barriers families face, particularly in education, food insecurity, and access to opportunity. This conversation highlights the real-life impact of policy decisions — and the critical role fathers can play in creating meaningful change.  To learn more about Jered Bruzas’ work with United Way of Greater Waterbury, visit unitedwaygw.org. You can follow UWGW on Instagram and Facebook. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Privatizing Public School Funds: Threats to Equity, Access, and Educational Quality  H.R. 1 Puts Children Last: An Unprecedented Betrayal of America’s Future  How Funding Cuts Threaten the Future of Early Childhood Education To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments or thoughts via email: [email protected] Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

  --------  

  32:19

  --------

  32:19
• Messellech Abebe believes YOU are an ambassador for kids!

  Speaking of Kids is back for Season 2! Join host Messellech “Selley” Abebe as she explores what it means to be an ambassador for children — and why children’s voices, needs, and futures must be at the center of our policies and budgets. This season, you’ll hear from an inspiring lineup of guests: an economist, a librarian, a labor journalist, parents, teachers, and organizers. Together, Selley and her guests will explore their unique perspectives, name what’s broken, highlight what’s working, and share tools to help you speak up and take action. To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments or thoughts via email: [email protected] Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

  --------  

  11:18

  --------

  11:18
• #24 - Kids on The Ballot

  In this episode, hosts Bruce Lesley and Messellech Looby chat about the the importance of children’s issues in the upcoming election. Despite children making up over 20% of the population, children’s issues are often overlooked and ignored in policymaking. Lesley and Looby outline some of the major disparities in policies between the candidates, particularly focusing on the child tax credit, children’s health, and funding for public education.  Learn more about children’s issues in the election: Blog: Children on the 2024 Ballot: Where do Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance stand? By Bruce Lesley  Analysis: Project 2025, First Focus on Children staff To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments on thoughts via email: [email protected] Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids, @BruceLesley and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  43:02

  --------

  43:02
• #23 - The Importance of the First 1000 Days, with Miriam Calderón

  In this episode, hosts Bruce Lesley and Messellech Looby chat with Miriam Calderón, Chief Policy Officer of Zero to Three. Miriam has dedicated her life to ensuring that all children have access to essential resources such as child care, nutrition programs, and maternal health services. In today’s episode, Miriam addresses the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life and highlights the need for holistic approaches to early childhood policies, including policies that support mental health services, reproductive rights, and economic security. She also discusses the flaws of our current child care, health, and education systems, where opportunity and outcomes are often determined by zip codes.  Learn more about Zero to Three’s work: Resource: Building Strong Foundations:Advancing Comprehensive Policies for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, By Zero to Three and Center for Law and Social Policy’s (CLASP) Article: Why is child care so expensive? By Zero to Three  Follow Miriam Calderón on X and LinkedIn.  To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments on thoughts via email: [email protected] Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids, @BruceLesley and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  47:18

  --------

  47:18

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About Speaking of Kids...