The Children Thrive Action Network is a new network of advocates and service providers at the national, state, and local levels who work directly with or on behalf of children in immigrant families.
Our mission is to defend and support children in the United States in mixed-status immigrant families. We work in support of all children of immigrants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, language, ability, income, or nationality.
Our vision is of a society where all children have equal opportunity, including the resources and protections they need to grow and thrive; where diversity is embraced and celebrated; and where all children are valued and cared for regardless of where they or their parents were born.
Our goal is to center children in mixed-status immigrant families in advocacy on immigration and other intersecting policies. We seek to mitigate the harm of anti-immigrant policies and actions on children in mixed-status families in the short-term, while advancing positive policy outcomes in the long-term.
Our approach is guided by a comprehensive focus on healthy child development: good nutrition; high-quality health care; emotional well-being; a safe living environment; high-quality care and education; economic security; and stable, nurturing caregivers.
Join us! Organizations and leaders can join our network in one of two ways:
Active members support the purpose, values, and long-term goals of the campaign and commit to active engagement, such as participating in working groups. Currently, there are working groups on Federal Advocacy; State Advocacy; Communications; and Research.
Allies are interested in lending their support and capacity in key moments but are unable to commit to being active members.
A note about collaboration. Our network is guided by a coordinating committee of the Children’s Defense Fund-TX, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), First Focus on Children, HANA Center, Justice for Migrant Women, MomsRising, National Education Association (NEA), Share Our Strength, The Children’s Partnership, The UndocuBlack Network, and UnidosUS.
The Children Thrive Action Network works with like-minded coalitions, such as the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign, to uplift each other’s work and collaborate when opportunities arise. With a specific focus on child wellbeing, the network advocates for a comprehensive set of policies that impact children of immigrants, including freedom from the fear of deportation and detention for their parents, education access, and other needs.
Our membership of over 70 active members and allies represents a wide variety of local, state, and national organizations. With representation in at least 20 states and expertise in a variety of policy areas—including immigration, education, children, health care, nutrition, housing, labor, and environmental justice—our membership strives to encompass the voices that can best represent and advocate for children living in immigrant families.
