Our Policy Priorities

Our Priorities

Our Priorities


We're making the District of Columbia a place where all kids grow up safe, resilient, powerful and heard.

With the support of individuals and private foundations, DC Action uses research, data, and a racial equity lens to break down barriers that stand in the way of all kids reaching their full potential.

Our collaborative advocacy initiatives bring the power of young people and all residents to raise their voices to create change.

Budget and Legislative Advocacy

We will be unable to address any kind of inequality, without addressing racism. The effects of COVID exacerbate inequalities and amplifies the District’s fragmented response to serving our residents.

DC Action leads the demand for Innovative and equitable investments like universal early education, preventive health care homes, trauma-informed education and community-based services, mental health care, and safer communities resulting from more community social workers and less over-policing.

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Early Childhood

Learning begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan. DC Action works to eliminate disparities and strengthen our early childhood system so it can support families with young children from birth through age 8.

Through our initiatives, Under 3 DC and the DC Home Visiting Council, we empower families and communities to raise their voices to create change.

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Economic Justice

We can’t address structural racism without addressing how it blocks economic opportunity for Black and brown children, youth and their families.

DC Action fights to ensure that young adults and all families can enter career fields of their choice, earn a living wage, and live in safe and secure housing, free from discrimination.

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Education

The strength of our families and communities depends on a quality  education. Far too many young people are unable to realize their potential or fully contribute to their communities and the economy because they are not receiving the education they need and deserve. 

Through policy analysis, advocacy, and our DC Out-of-School Time Coalition, we are working to strengthen student outcomes and ensure a successful transition from school to career. At the same time we demand equity, transparency and accountability from our Mayor and education leaders.

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Health and Safety

Children and youth deserve quality and culturally appropriate health care, mental health services, and nutritious food to learn, grow, and thrive.

DC Action supports strengthening access to critical health supports such as School-Based Health Services, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, DC Healthy Families, the Immigrant Children's Program, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.

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Voting and Democracy

The right to choose elected officials who will be champions for our children and youth is fundamental to achieving our policy goals and investments to support families. While the District of Columbia may not be a state (yet), we have taken important steps in recent years to make our democracy more inclusive and to engage more voters in the process.

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