This memo summarizes the findings of our interviews with “bellwether” leaders in federal policymaking or advocacy roles. It also provides an overview of the process we used to gather this information.
Findings
Our interviews confirm that leaders in national policymaking and advocacy roles see First Focus on Children as a prominent voice for children. Other key findings include:
- Because a wide range of issues matter for children, leaders cite a wide range of relevant advocacy organizations, but only a few consistently
- Leaders identify key attributes that differentiate First Focus on Children from other advocacy groups
- Despite contemporary political dysfunction, leaders identify a wide range of issues affecting children that are currently on the agenda in Washington
- Leaders say Washington is also failing to focus on urgent issues that matter to children
- First Focus on Children can strengthen its leadership role in the child advocacy space
- There is potential over the long run for substantial federal policy gains on critical children’s issues