Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is coordinating and facilitating this diverse group of advocates and religious leaders committed to approaching advocacy with an eye towards the formation of a common agenda that will truly "Leave No Child Behind". The Leave No Child Behind Coalition meets monthly, supports the One Rhode Island platform, and other legislation that will help children and families thrive. The legislation that the Coalition is tracking is reflected in the Legislative Information section of the Rhode Island KIDS COUNT website.

In addition, The Leave No Child Behind Coalition supports the national legislation endorsed by the Children's Defense Fund. Link here for more information on "The Act To Leave No Child Behind."

Leave No Child Behind Coalition / One RI Press Conference
The Leave No Child Behind Coalition & One RI  held its annual press conference on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 in the House Lounge of the State House to advocate for children's Health, Education, Safety, Economic Well-Being and to urge passage of the 2005 One RI platform. Read about the rally in the Warwick Beacon.

A diverese group of leaders, including members of the General Assembly, religious leaders and advocates spoke at the press conference, including: Senators Juan Pichardo and June Gibbs, Representative Slater, Kate Brewster, Rev. John Holt, Father Bernard Healey, Rev. Matthew Kai, Rabbi Alan Flam and Waleed Muhammad. Natalie Cole, a parent and a member of Parents For Progress, spoke about how these programs helped her when she was homeless and continue to help her now. Terese Curtin, Executive Director of Connecting for Children, spoke about the needs and issues facing the low-income people in Woonsocket that Connecting for Children serves.

Previous Leave No Child Behind Coaltion Events:

Rhode Island Leave No Child Behind Coalition / One Rhode Island Press Conference: On May 13, 2004, a diverse group of religious leaders from all around the state joined the Rhode Island Leave No Child Behind Coalition and One Rhode Island at the State House to advocate for children’s health, education, economic well-being and safety, and to urge passage of the One Rhode Island Platform. A number of leaders from the community including religious leaders, advocates and parents spoke at the rally, including Representative Thomas Slater, Nancy Gewirtz, Ph.D., Poverty Institute at Rhode Island College, Reverend John Holt, Rhode Island State Council of Churches, The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf, Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, Rev. Bernard Healey, Diocese of Providence, Rabbi Alan Flam, Brown University Senior Fellow and Associate University Chaplain, April Brophy, Parent, Dennis Murphy, United Way of Rhode Island and Benedict Lessing, Family Resources Community Action.