Children’s Campaign, Inc.’s upcoming Pasta with a Purpose was featured today on the front page of the Tallahassee Democrat. 
The article features quotes from Roy Miller, president, Linda Alexionok, executive director, Martha Barnett, citizen volunteer and panelist member, and Bob Gabordi, executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat, and moderator of the Pasta with a Purpose town hall meeting.
This Tallahassee town hall follows meetings across the state. Meetings are being planned for several more cities in the upcoming months.
From the Tallahassee Democrat:
Town hall meeting to focus on welfare of children
By Iricka Berlinger
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Residents in Miami, Orlando, Melbourne and Jacksonville have had their opportunity to speak up on children's issues. Now it's Tallahassee's turn.
The Children's Campaign's Pasta With a Purpose dinner and town hall meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 501 W. Orange Ave.
Roy Miller, president and founder of Children's Campaign Inc., an organization devoted to making children's issues a legislative priority, has held events like this around the state to raise awareness on important concerns.
He said people often have high interest — but lack information — in issues about children.
"We are trying to raise those content levels. We want to let voters know what information they are and are not getting," Miller said.
At the town hall meeting moderated by Tallahassee Democrat Executive Editor Bob Gabordi, featured speakers and panelists will be leading the discussion on issues such as child health, protection, early learning, before- and after-school programs and juvenile justice.
"We have a unique, special responsibility in Tallahassee to have our voices heard," Gabordi said. "People need to hear voices of parents."
The speakers are engaged citizens, said Miller, with a variety of backgrounds.
"They know their community and have demonstrated a history of seeing the big picture," Miller added.
The goal is to educate the public, not merely the "children's choir," who will then go to policymakers to make a change on important issues.
"As a mother, woman and citizen I think it's time for a broader community to speak about issues," attorney and panelist Martha Barnett said.
"The action or lack of action impacts a lot," said Linda Alexionok, executive director of the Children's Campaign. "This event will bring people together and hear each others' point of view."
"People think all is well out there, but there are a whole lot of kids not faring so well," Miller said. "Those people need a reality check."
Additional Facts:
IF YOU GO
What: Pasta With a Purpose dinner and town hall meeting.
When: Dinner at 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Town hall meeting starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 6.
Where: Bethel AME Church, 501 W. Orange Ave.
More info and to register on-line (helps to know how many are coming to the dinner): Visit www.iamforkids.org