ChildFund Global Staff Convene at 2018 Advocacy Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ChildFund Global Staff Convene at 2018 Advocacy Summit
Celebrating 80 years of standing with children and amplifying their voices for change

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Youth and advocacy experts from seven ChildFund International countries will visit Capitol Hill today to tell stories of the children they serve and seek to protect. Representing India, Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda and the United States, they will draw leaders’ attention to the violence that children in their countries face, as well as to the importance of the international foreign assistance package. Thirty-two meetings with congressional offices are planned, culminating in an afternoon reception with remarks from keynote speaker Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, Va.

“Today, ChildFund colleagues from around the world are coming together to amplify the voices of children who endure violence, which prevents them from living at their full potential,” said Anne Lynam Goddard, ChildFund’s President and CEO.

ChildFund International, established 80 years ago in Richmond, works to improve the well-being of vulnerable infants, children and young people in 25 countries.

Conversations highlighted the importance of U.S. government funding for foreign assistance, which represents 1 percent of the federal budget. While most of ChildFund’s programs are funded through small-sum donations, U.S. government funding strengthens and sustains programs abroad. “By sharing firsthand experiences from all over the world, we will highlight the urgency of critical programs that help children,” said Goddard.

The closing reception of ChildFund’s third annual summit takes place today at 3:00 p.m. in the Russell Senate Office Building, where, in addition to Rep. McEachin’s remarks, Country Director Leslie Gamero will discuss the situation of children in Honduras, one of the world’s most violent countries.

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ChildFund International partners with communities throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas – including the United States – to create lasting, positive change for children. Our programs address the underlying conditions that prevent children and youth from achieving their full potential. Last year, we reached almost 18 million children and family members. Approximately 200,000 Americans support our work by sponsoring individual children or investing in ChildFund programs. Within the U.S. government, we advocate to elevate and advance the issues of international child protection and child well-being across U.S. foreign assistance policy and funding priorities. Find out more at www.ChildFund.org.