July 2024 Newsletter
Greetings! In this addition of UNICEF USA’s Communities for Every Child newsletter, we share some exciting updates and resources on ways local governments, youth and partners have been joining forces towards a better future for all. This spring, Growing Up Boulder and the City of Boulder engaged over 900 community members - of all ages and backgrounds - in meaningful conversations to shape Boulder's youth action plan. In celebration of Earth Day, UNICEF USA, UNICEF Bolivia, municipal leaders and youth contributed to a global virtual exchange on youth climate action. Additionally, communities worldwide celebrated the first International Day of Play, a critical milestone in efforts to promote and protect a child's right to play as essential to their development. Wishing you and your communities a safe, healthy and playful summer 2024!
In partnership,
Danielle Goldberg Managing Director Community Alliance for Child Rights
UNICEF USA
Children participate in fun activities at Boston's first International Day of Play event. Photo Credit: UNICEF USA
Boulder Holds Community Conversations with Hundreds of Young People
Building on over 14 years of child-friendly programming, Growing Up Boulder (GUB) is leading the implementation of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) alongside the City of Boulder. They engaged 900 children, teens, caregivers and service providers in 33 community conversations, primarily from underserved communities. GUB and city staff created a dashboard of quantitative local data on the situation of children, and are preparing workshops among youth and decision makers to examine the data and select prorities for their youth action plan. Check out the new Let's Talk Boulder Podcast Episode 8: A Child Friendly Boulder to learn more about their journey
Youth share their dreams for a more child-friendly Boulder at the CFCI launch event in April 2023
Photo credit: Darcy Kitching
UNICEF, Municipalities and Youth Unite around Climate Action
When it comes to climate change, children experience its impact more acutely than adults; yet, oftentimes they have little to no voice in climate and environmental policies. In recognition of Earth Day, UNICEF USA and UNICEF Bolivia staff, municipal partners and youth climate activists from Bolivia and the U.S.–including representatives from the cities of Boulder, Decatur and Houston–participated in a virtual exchange on local community actions and the role of youth leaders addressing climate change as critical child rights issue. These experiences affirm guidance by Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Committee recognizing the urgent need to protect children's right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable world. Watch the recording to learn more about the inspiring exchange (Passcode: 7yUaX%#p).
Screenshot from virtual youth climate action exchange between U S and Bolivia in celebration of Earth Day April 2024
Communities Celebrate the First International Day of Play
Playtime isn’t just fun – it’s essential to a child’s development. On June 11, communities accross the world, including the city of Boston, celebrated the first International Day of Play, a day dedicated by the United Nations to safeguard children's right to play. Additionally, UNICEF and UNESCO called on governments around the world to prioritize actions most likely to fulfill children's right to safe and inclusive play.
The city of Boston and friends celebrate and experience the power of play at its first International Day of Play event June 11, 2024
"Child Friendly World" mural curated by Street Art for Mankind and created by artist Detour in Houston, Texas
Art for Mankind Curates "Child Friendly World" Mural in Houston
Public art not only beautifies neighborhoods; it enhances a community's well-being and can tell powerful stories. Inspired by Houston's recognition as the first UNICEF Child Friendly City in the U.S., the non-profit organization Street Art for Mankind (SAM) helps tell the story of Houston's committment to protect children's rights to advance well-being by curating a new mural entitled "Child Friendly World". Learn more about how SAM produces large murals around the world to bond communitiesand generations around human rights and well-being here
unless otherwise noted.