Every year, hundreds of advocates from across Colorado come together for Speak Up for Kids Day. And behind every conversation at the State Capitol, every email to a legislator, and every sticker proudly worn in support of kids, is a personal story.
That’s why The Campaign launched “Voices of Speak Up,” a series highlighting the individuals who make this movement possible. From parents advocating for affordable child care, to educators championing equitable school funding, to health care professionals working to ensure every child can access care, the series shines a light on the many reasons Coloradans choose to speak up for kids.
Name: Ashley Pomales
Organization: Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families
Title: Foundations Outreach Specialist
How many Speak Up for Kids days have you attended? About 6
City/region: Colorado Springs
Why do you speak up for kids? I speak up for children because they deserve strong support. I advocate for early child care. I stand for those who do not yet have the opportunity or ability to use their own voice.
What change do you hope will happen because of today? I hope it ensures my voice is heard – and that the families and community I represent are heard. The area we’re in is a child care desert with 5 military bases. The influx of families needing to find child care is overwhelming.
Name: Shay Almonte
Organization: Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families
Title: Vice President of Foundations
How many Speak Up for Kids days have you attended? 2
City/region: Colorado Springs
Why do you speak up for kids? I have had the privilege of being an early childhood teacher working in affluent schools and in Head Start programs that serve children with the most needs and families who need the most support. Seeing the differences in how those programs are funded and the supports and resources families have – I truly believe everyone should have access to equitable resources. Access to high-quality child care is important.
What change do you hope will happen because of today? I hope that those representatives and senators we spoke to come to the understanding that we need to invest more in early childhood. Brain development from 0–5 accounts for 90% of brain development, and so much social development happens when you’re young – children are learning so much about how to be a good person. This is a time for ensuring children get the tools they need to be good citizens for our community and our economy. I also learned that at the federal level, only 1.8% of our budget goes to children at the early childhood level, while they are more than 20% of the population. We should align that.
