As the conference participants examined the historical and social implications of organizing a movement for children, it was apparent that, to succeed, such a movement must build a broader public constituency for children and become more skilled at using the political process to achieve success. To do that, participants have sought to extend the discussion to a wider circle. Two additional Wingspread conferences have focused on these ideas, and a follow-up conference is scheduled for later this year. According to Raphael Sonenshein, successful American social movements share some common bonds and contain elements that advocates can use to enlist the hearts and minds of Americans for children.
Children are America's abandoned icons.
In no other society are children so worshiped and admired, and yet, in terms of social policy, so neglected as they are in the United States. It is that peculiarly American perspective, says Raphael Sonenshein, professor of Political Science at California State University at Fullerton, that must be addressed if advocates for children are to create a successful movement. To succeed, he stressed, a children's movement must be in tune with how Americans think about children because advocating on behalf of child-friendly policy will be unsuccessful unless a large and supportive constituency for children can be nurtured. The children's world has produced some of the greatest advocates in our society, but they have no constituency. Policies that last will only be established through enduring public support.