Kids Forward is a statewide antiracist policy center that inspires action and advocates for children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity in Wisconsin. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives.
Updates
Wisconsin Agriculture, Hunger Relief Groups Call for Action to Support FoodShare
Last year, Trump & his supporters in Congress passed the Republican megabill. This bill gutted funding for a bunch of essential services our communities rely on in order to give tax breaks to the rich. One of those services was SNAP/FoodShare, which ensures that...
Honoring the Life & Legacy of Anne Arnesen
We’re deeply saddened to hear of Anne’s passing. Anne Arnesen served as Kids Forward’s Executive Director for more than 20 years, from 1981-2004 (formerly the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families/WCCF). Anne was a pioneer in racial disparity analysis,...
Fighting to Keep Groceries on the Table
“Rise Up” song by Andra Day & Jennifer Decilveo; check out our full curated playlist here – handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! Andra Day’s “Rise Up” is a reminder that even in the face of hardship, communities find ways to stand together. Rising up, now...
Resistance Against the Harmful Megabill
“Talkin’ About a Revolution” song by Tracy Chapman; check out our full curated playlist here - handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! No matter where we live or what we look like, we all need access to quality, affordable health care. In a country that doesn’t...
The Launch of Kaleidoscope Wisconsin
“Rainbow Connection” song by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher; check out our full curated playlist here - handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! As 2025 draws to a close, we are celebrating the launch of Kaleidoscope WI, a new coalition dedicated to ensuring...
Dads Care for Child Care
“O-o-h Child” song by Stan Vincent; check out our full curated playlist here – handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! Papas, daddies, stepfathers, grandpas, pops, uncles all showed up in force at the Wisconsin State Capitol, just a few days before Father’s Day. Why?...
Beyond Borders
A Series on the Diversity of Immigrants and Refugees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been shaped by successive waves of newcomers seeking refuge, opportunity, and a place to call home. Our immigration and refugee series explores the significance and diversity of the immigrant narrative in shaping the past, present, and future of Wisconsin.
Publications
An Economy that Works for Us
Every parent and caregiver in Wisconsin deserves a secure foundation to raise their family. But, for decades, the wealthy and powerful few have rigged the system for their gain, stripping away worker protections and a basic foundation for families, all to pad their...
The Federal Government Has Shut Down. Now What?!?
Each year, Congress is in charge of creating a financial plan, or a budget, that lays out the funding for many government agencies and programs. This budget is approved by both arms of Congress, then forwarded to the President to be signed and enacted into law. The...
A Call to Action this Labor Day
The State of Working Wisconsin 2025 report from the High Road Strategy Center affirms what workers and their families across the state have been saying for years. Families are deeply struggling to make ends meet, workers don’t make a livable wage or get basic...
Race to Equity 10-Year Report: Dane County
The Race to Equity 10-Year Report unpacks how race, class, and, in some cases, gender impact Black Dane County residents.
Stories
“I Get to See the Growth in Her”
Tia L. Sanders, A Mother First LLC | Milwaukee, WI Many people don't know this, but children develop from zero to three more than any other part of life. During that time, it’s essential for kids to get those motor skills--for them to have cognitive, emotional, and...
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