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 & Publications
Virtual Event, 9/4: Workers Speak
The State of Working Wisconsin & Policy Priorities Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 12pm CT Black, Brown, Indigenous, and rural communities face significant economic challenges like low wages, wage theft, and exploitative labor practices. Despite legislative...
“I Speak” Cards
Language access services are a shared responsibility among various entities, including state agencies, local governments, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other organizations that receive federal funding. “I Speak” cards or posters help individuals...
Eight Wisconsin Awardees To Receive Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub Grants
Eight Wisconsin organizations will receive funding from the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub to create more local, nourishing, and loved school meals.
Info Session: Opportunity Youth in the Fox Valley
Join us for a virtual listening session to learn more about Opportunity Youth Initiative. If you can’t make the session, we’d still love to connect!
Statement: Prosecuting 10-year old child as an adult is inhumane.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Every child in Wisconsin, regardless of race or place, deserves a stable foundation as well as the opportunity to forge their own path in life. However, due to decades of systemic barriers and disinvestment in our youth justice system, Wisconsin...
Statement: Raise the Age in Wisconsin
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 At Kids Forward, we firmly believe that every child in Wisconsin deserves to be treated like a child. Yet, our state continues to tragically lag almost every other state in the country when it comes to youth justice reform. In the wake of the...
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.
Stories
Thoughts from a Child Care Center Administrator
Linda Kudrna, Cottage Grove (WI) I’ve always believed that caring for the youngest children in our communities is important. My “a-ha moment” happened years ago when my first child was four years old. I walked in the front door of what is now the Learning Ladder child...
“Not right now. Daddy’s on a work phone call.”
Alex Bean, New Glarus (WI) My name is Alex Bean. I’m a father of two boys; Isaac 6, and Dimitri 3. I work full-time, remotely since COVID started. My wife Kaylee is a cafe owner. We live in New Glarus, Wisconsin During the Pandemic Kaylee and I worked remotely...
“They’re Safe. They Love Going. I don’t worry.”
Melissa Biel, Beaver Dam (WI) When my oldest was born, we didn't even think about childcare because we couldn't afford it. It was me staying home a couple of days a week, and my parents taking care of him when I had to work. After a couple of years, I needed to go...
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.
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