My friend and colleague Jack Levine, of Voices for Florida's Children, says the world runs on relationships. If you want power to change policies, work on your relationships -- make sure you get on a first-name basis with your local reporters and your state representatives.

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.