The figures from the Year 2000 Census are central to how we divide our American pie—from funding for social programs to the size and shape of congressional districts. Connect For Kids' director, Cecilia Garcia, says the discovery that Hispanics now rival Blacks in terms of numbers should be seen as an a reason to cooperate, not compete, in the drive to improve education and support poor families.

Higher dropout rates indicate that America's schools are not meeting the educational needs of America's fastest-growing female minority population—Latinas&3151;according to a report released by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation.

Every year millions of students participate in the Do Something Kindness & Justice Challenge, which honors young people who take action to improve their communities. Learn more about the awards and the winners in this article by actor Andrew Shue, co-founder of the Do Something organization.

The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families offers child care training and referral services, youth services such as family counseling and after school care, and health education addressing AIDS/HIV, domestic violence prevention and education.

How can we tell which teens need help navigating the tricky terrain of adolescence? An important 2000 report warns that the ways we often sort teens into groups—race, income, family structure—actually aren't much help. Connect for Kids' Jan Richter says there's a clear lesson to be learned.

Faith communities around the country are joining a Call to Renewal to address the persistence of widespread poverty and racism by reducing the systemic causes of poverty and dismantling racism. Congregations are invited to learn more and to sign the Covenant to Overcome Poverty.

Coordinated by the Children's Defense Fund, the Black Community Crusade for Children works to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child has adequate child care and the support of caring parents and nurturing communities. Subscribe to the Child Care Advocacy E-mail Newsletter and find out how to take action.

This organization provides and supports programs, workshops and resources for African American children, their parents and communities in education, health, parenting and welfare reform.