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: James Boyle
Organization: Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County
Title: Senior Area Director
How many Speak Up for Kids days have you attended? First!
City/region: Larimer County
Why do you speak up for kids? I’ve been in this work for nine years and have a 15-month-old. When I say the work is important to me – every single day I work with kids – I see them challenged by so many outside forces influencing them in so many ways. Social media feels like an obvious pull, as does just our discourse. When I work with kids and they see our leaders on both sides of the aisle treat each other with disrespect and use words of such vitriol, it’s a challenge.
I hope we can keep kids at the forefront – not just for funding but in our minds when we are talking with each other and how we’re modeling respectful discourse and conversation. Because kids are watching. This feels especially important to reiterate to people now more than ever, and speaks to their obligation as leaders.
What change do you hope will happen because of today? Broadly, I hope bringing kids to the Capitol shows leaders that the kids care and that they’re watching, and that there are eyes on them – not just of adults and their peers, but of young people too, who aspire to work like they do. I hope we can reach across the aisle and respect different opinions. Kids are challenged by that constantly.
Also – out-of-school-time funding. A variety of cuts to funding have impacted Boys and Girls Clubs. Even the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit is on the table, and that’s something we’d like to continue. It opens up an opportunity for businesses to support our organization and receive something in return. It’s a great incentive for individual donations – especially when federal funding is cut, we rely on individual donors for support.
