Children's Agenda

About the Children's Agenda

The Children’s Agenda is Kids in Common’s (KiC’s) data‑driven, county‑wide framework designed to improve outcomes for children and youth by promoting equity, aligning action, and using shared data to guide policies and systems change.

The Children’s Agenda Network (CAN) is a cross‑sector coalition of leaders from government, nonprofits, education, health, and community organizations advancing this framework through shared learning, coordinated action, and collective decision‑making. CAN meets quarterly to align resources, review data and research, and inform program and policy improvement. At each meeting, partners examine indicators from KiC’s Annual Children’s Data Book—developed and selected by CAN’s cross‑system partners—through the lens of KiC’s four mission pillars: Safe and Stable, Healthy, Successful in Learning, and Thriving in Life. With a focus on communities experiencing the greatest disparities, this data drives shared priorities that advance KiC’s Policy Agenda and collective advocacy. Together, this structure turns data into coordinated action and lasting improvements for children and families across Santa Clara County.

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Annual Membership provides continuous enrollment and is valid each year from May through April. Annual Membership Dues are included with Children's Summit Sponsorship, but may be paid for separately below!

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The Children’s Agenda Pledge affirms a shared commitment among members of the Santa Clara County Children’s Agenda Network (CAN) to advance equity, improve outcomes, and strengthen systems that support children, youth, and families. Grounded in the values of the Children’s Agenda, it unites cross‑sector leaders in aligning strategies, coordinating resources, and using data to drive measurable improvement. Through quarterly convenings, members review trends from Kids in Common’s Annual Data Book and collaborate around the four mission pillars—Safe and Stable, Healthy, Successful in Learning, and Thriving in Life. By signing the pledge, members commit to continuous improvement, systems‑level change, and building a community where every child can flourish.

CAN Meetings FY 2025-26:

June 3 (1st Wed), 2026, 12pm-2pm - "Every Child Thriving in Life"
- Location: Zoom. RSVP HERE!
- Data: Graduation Rates, Enrollment in post-secondary education, Career and College readiness, Stable Employment and Positive Net Worth

Sept 8 (2nd Mon), 2025, 12pm-2pm – "Every Child Safe & Stable"
- Location: SSA Pioneer, Mt. Pleasant, & Prospect Rooms (353 W Julian St.)
- Data: Real Cost Measure, Food Security, Housing Stability
- Presentation Slides; SCC Impacts of Federal Budget Cuts; Community Feedback Form,

Nov 12 (2nd Wed), 2025, 12:30pm-2:30pm – "Every Child Healthy"
- Location: SSA Oak Grove and Gunderson Rooms (353 W Julian St.)
- Data: Anticipated and current impacts of the upcoming federal budget cuts on SCC youth and family health and basic needs, Latino youth health, Prenatal Care, Pediatric Access, Dental Health, and Social Emotional Wellbeing/ Youth mental health.
- Resources: Presentation Slides; Impacts of Federal Budget Cuts on Children and Families; Immigration FAQ from DFCS for Child Welfare; Community Feedback Form,

Feb 11 (2nd Wed), 2026, 12pm-2pm– "Every Child Successful in Learning"
- Location: SSA Pioneer, Mt. Pleasant, & Prospect Rooms (353 W Julian St.)
- Data: Kindergarten Readiness, Third Grade English Language Arts Standard, Eight Grade Math Standard, Chronic Absenteeism, School Suspension Rates
- Resources: Presentation Slides; Community Feedback Form ,

MISSION

Kids in Common advocates for education, healthcare, social-emotional wellbeing, and justice for all children in Santa Clara County by supporting policies, promoting data-driven action, and fostering collaborations of cross-systems leaders and experts.

VISION

Every Child...

Safe & Stable

Successful in Learning

Healthy

Thriving in Life

Values and Principles of Action

Our Values

Every Child Matters

Every child should have an equitable pathway to a healthy and successful life. We cannot allow race, poverty or zip code to be a barrier to success nor define opportunity. The potential of our children is a resource we cannot afford to waste.

Community

We focus on what connects us rather than what separates us and communicate to each other with transparency and integrity

Focus on Families

Children thrive in healthy families and our work should be focused on strengthening families to support the healthy development of their children. Healthy families build the next generation of healthy children and families.

Courage

We have the tough conversations that no one likes having and take risks in pursuit of improving outcomes for children, youth and their families.

Principles of Action

Targeted Universalism

We have common goals for all our children and recognize the need to redesign our structures to address the specific barriers to opportunity that exist between differently situated populations.

Continuous Improvement

Disciplined and relentless commitment to improved results and to narrowing racial and economic disparities.

Strategic Action

Aligning efforts and resources to magnify impact within my organization and in partnership with other organizations.

Equity

We must recognize and address structural and institutional racism, discrimination, harassment, and biases across systems that contribute to inequitable outcomes for children and their families.

Results Focused

Using data and evidence to tell us whether we are successful in our individual organizations’ work as well as at the community level.

Stakeholder Engagement

Ensuring those affected by the decisions are involved in making them.

Children's Agenda Network