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CWLA Endorses Community School Initiative
Washington, DC - Shay Bilchik, President/CEO of the Child Welfare League of America, today endorsed a new campaign that will bring together parents and communities to support community schools. Mr. Bilchik noted that the concept of community schools is an excellent way to increase community involvement in protecting children. "Communities working in partnership with parents and child welfare agencies like the Children's Aid Society, are essential to improving the educational outlook for all children, but will also help to strengthen services and provide greater resources to children and families in need," commented Bilchik.
Mr. Bilchik participated in the launching of a campaign by the Children's Aid Society of New York, the Coalition for Community Schools and the Ad Council on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 at the National Press Club, in Washington, DC. Others participating in the launch of this campaign included: Hon. Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human services, Philip Coltoff, President/CEO of Children Aid Society, Sandra Feldman, President, American Federation of Teachers, Martin Blank, Staff Director, Coalition for Community Schools, and Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, the Ad Council.
This campaign is aimed at bringing greater awareness of community schools and to increase the number of school systems using this approach to improving academic performance and to keep families strong and healthy. CWLA strongly believes these types of programs are not only necessary, but are critical in order to prevent child abuse in America. A public education campaign such as this will help to inform citizens about what children need to grow up safe and thriving.
This nationwide initiative provides an opportunity for the more than 1,100 member agencies of the Child Welfare League of America to participate in local community-based efforts to improve schools and protect children from abuse and neglect. This type of campaign requires the support of families, government agencies, public officials, businesses, civic organizations and individuals to be successful.
For additional information or comments, see www.communityschools.org, or contact Joyce Johnson, CWLA Press Secretary at 202-942-0244 (E-mail jjohnson@cwla.org).
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