Nearly a decade ago, the National League of Cities founded the Institute for Youth, Education and Family. Since then, IYEF has helped municipal officials take action on behalf of children, education and families in the community. IYEF focuses on five main principles: education and afterschool, youth development, early care, safety, and family economic success.
It was with those missions in mind, that 26 mayors launched a new IYEF initiative to promote city leadership on behalf of children and families.
The initiative is called the Mayors’ Action Challenge for Children and Families and asks mayors around the country to set, "bold, measurable, locally defined goals" that speak to each of IYEF’s five main principles.
"This is a way for mayors to shape their voices into a common agenda," said Michael Karpman of NLC, "as well as an opportunity for mayors to learn from one another, to see what innovations their peers are putting in place."
Mayor Joe Riley of Charleston, a founding member of the challenge, set goals to improve education environments and opportunities for Charleston children.
"It is vitally important that we mayors find our collective voice and urge the new Administration and Congress to join us in charting a new course that prioritizes investments in children and families," said Riley.
Mayor Knox White established goals to make the City of Greenville a better place for families. Among his goals are implementing an Authentic Youth Civic Engagement Initiative, a committee of young people improving the city through service in schools, neighborhoods and local organizations. White has also committed to constructing active parks within a half mile of all residences.
Mayors around the nation are stepping up to the challenge—more than 100 have signed on.
In Meridian, MS, Mayor John Robert Smith pledged to help his local schools reach the national average on the national assessment test by encouraging more parent participation in the Parent Resource Center and after school tutoring programs for students.
In Sahuarita, AZ, Mayor Lynne Skelton is aiming to implement 20 neighborhood watch programs this year and staff 20 meetings of the Sahuarita Teen Advisory Council.
The mayor of Louisville, KY, Jerry Abramson, is working to reduce violent crime at least 10 percent by the end of 2010.
"It has mobilized mayors from all over the country," said Karpman, "they are holding themselves accountable."
At its October 2009 National Summit on Your City’s Families, NLC will host a series of workshops and training sessions that will focus on the Challenge and provide a forum for exchanging ideas.