On the 2014 Campaign Trail for Michigan Children

June 16, 2014 – I’d like to introduce you to the new Michigan’s Children Sandbox Party website. You’ll notice some significant changes to the Sandbox Party website. First, the Sandbox Party has joined efforts with Michigan’s Children to raise awareness on children’s issues and to ensure that public policies are made in the best interest of children. As a project of Michigan’s Children, the Sandbox Party will shift its focus from early childhood issues to a whole-child cradle-to-career approach. With this shift, you will be gaining a more comprehensive look at children, youth and families with the earliest years as a very important piece of that.

Also, between now and November, the Sandbox Party will be focusing all of its attention on the 2014 elections. This 2014 election season holds the potential for great change in Michigan and with it, the opportunities and possibilities for significantly improving the lives of Michigan’s greatest resource – our children. Our new website will provide a lot of opportunities for you to learn more about the upcoming elections. One page of the website is dedicated to statewide races – highlighting the Governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race – with a focus on what those candidates are saying about children and family issues. You can also find a list of all of the local candidates running for office in your community by visiting the local races section of our website, which also features highlights of some particularly competitive local races.

The What’s Happening section of the website will provide you with a calendar of events in your community as it relates to the elections – whether it be candidate town halls, local candidate forums, or other meet-and-greet opportunities for you to engage with those running for public office.

This entire website is meant to provide you with the information and tools you need to become engaged this election season and ensure that those you vote into office prioritize the needs of Michigan children and families.

Though the general elections are about five months away, many decisions will be made in the primary elections in early August because of the demographics of those districts. In districts where the majority of voters identify with one political party, the winner of the primaries will very likely go on to win the general elections. Thus, making sure that you go out and vote on August 5th is critical.

So, please take a look around our new website, share this resource with your friends and network, and visit us often.

-Matt Gillard