We love our kids -- and most are doing just fine. But many are not.

Across our state and our nation children are living in poverty, have no access to health care coverage, are victims of child abuse and neglect, and lack access to early learning opportunities.

Our children deserve better. Abundant research proves we know how to reduce these problems, that we know a lot about healthy human growth and development, and that smart new investments in kids have a huge return on investment. Our government has a responsibility to provide leadership to ensure our children's health and well-being.

On Sept. 16, the Kansas Step Up for Kids Coalition hosted a rally on the State Capitol steps to kick off an effort to urge candidates for federal, state and local office to directly address the needs of children in the remaining days of their campaigns. This was held as part of a nonpartisan, nationwide event to draw attention to issues affecting children.

The rally was a great start, but in order to keep issues affecting children in front of the candidates we need your help. Contact the candidates in your area and ask them where they stand on access to health care for all children, increased funding for early learning and care, and keeping kids safe in their homes, schools and communities. You can also contact your local newspaper, radio, and television stations and let them know these are issues that are important to you and encourage them to make children's issues part of their interviews with candidates.

It's often said children are our future. Let's make our future a priority this election.

Janet Schalansky, chairwoman, Kansas Step Up for Kids Coalition, Topeka