A new survey by the National League of Cities shows that child care and early childhood education are high on the agenda for city leaders. That heightened attention to the early years also has some mayors worried about Bush administration efforts to change Head Start.

In some police departments, cops are told to get tougher on crimes like graffiti. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, Officer Mike Gosha is taking a different approach to reducing vandalism. His nonprofit United Youth Arts Partnership brings "taggers" and local artists together to sharpen skills and help break barriers between kids and the community.

Using marketing, business, and lobbying techniques relatively new to the field of child advocacy, Connecticut's Promise is breaking new ground for a generation of statewide, citizen-based children's campaigns.

An experienced political advisor shares his insights on helping Connecticut's Promise communicate its message effectively while staying true to its cause.

Connecticut's Promise commissions surveys by the University of Connecticut to document the fact that citizens want candidates to make children and families top priority.

Connecticut's Promise works in a proactive manner to educate voters about candidates' platforms and encourage a sense of accountability all year long.

The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund advocates by convening children's organizations and supporting programs that ensure the well-being of all Connecticut's children.