Mission

Voices for Ohio's Children advocates for public policy that improves the well-being of Ohio's children and their families by building nonpartisan collaborations amongs the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

 

Vision

Our vision is for children’s interests to be at the top of every community’s agenda so all of Ohio’s children are poised for success.
 

Organizing principles

Meaningful collaborations – building relationships, strategic alliances and partnerships

Nonpartisan approach – operating independently and free from political party affiliation

Organizational integrity – demonstrating authenticity and accountability in organizational practices

Commitment to diversity – seeking, respecting and integrating a wide range of perspectives, people and idea

Leadership excellence – demonstrating best practices, utilizing innovative strategies and mobilizing others to achieve measurable results

Strategic urgency – recognizing that the needs of children can’t wait

How We Got Started

Voices for Ohio’s Children was originally created for exactly what it sounds like: to give the children of Ohio a voice. Originally called the Coalition for Greater Cleveland’s Children, we were formed in 1996 under the leadership of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and the Rainbow Board of Trustees. Seeing a void in advocacy and research for children’s issues in the state of Ohio, they formed the Coalition to speak up for kids and the issues that affect them. Over 20 years, our scope, our focus, and our impact have grown. In 2004, the Coalition became Voices for Children of Greater Cleveland, and in 2007 became Voices for Ohio’s Children. As our name changed, so did our work – starting out as a small voter forum, we grew into a comprehensive and hands-on advocacy organization, focused on educating, influencing, and improving policies that impact children in our state. Today, we’re Ohio’s most effective children’s advocacy organization.

We accomplish our goals through:

• Analysis of research that impacts public policy on children’s issues;
• Direct communications and provision of educational materials for policy partners;
• Partnering with other organizations to raise their respective voices;
• Meeting with elected and appointed officials to impact change for children; and
• Raising media awareness.