The relationship between kids and politics – and kids and politicians – is a tricky one. Kids make great props, flanking their candidate-parents in campaign flyers, standing on stage in their best clothes while the speechifying goes on, sitting on the classroom floor while a visiting pol reads a story. But they have a genius for behaving in unscripted ways, and for speaking truth to power. They don’t vote, they don’t pay taxes, and they’re big consumers of government services.

At this moment, there are over 500,000 children and youth in foster care. While most will be reunified with their families in a short period of time, many will spend months, or even years in foster care. Whether their time in care is long or short, each of these vulnerable children needs a safe, caring foster family home to ensure their well-being and positive development while they are in foster care.

If you think that good work speaks for itself, think again. Every community-based organization could use the funding, potential allies, Board members or fresh volunteers that good publicity can bring. But good publicity doesn't just happen—it takes careful planning and persistence.

Sometimes building a better world for kids takes more than good ideas and good intentions. Money does matter. That's why the first in Connect for Kids' new series of on-line discussions will give you a chance to ask Executive Director Cecilia Garcia for tips on how non-profits can find the funds to meet their goals.