Every child deserves safety and trust

We believe every child deserves to grow up in a community where families can live without fear, the institutions they rely on are worthy of their trust, and community-driven support is accessible when it’s needed.

What we have seen in Minnesota and other communities across the country in recent weeks makes clear that too many children and families do not have that today, and that must change. When families are destabilized, children feel the consequences first, not in theory but in their classrooms, clinics and communities, where fear displaces trust, and help becomes harder to deliver.

Children should never be collateral damage. Families should be able to live their daily lives—grocery shopping, going to school, seeing a doctor—without fearing for their safety.

We are heartened to see neighbors stepping up for one another. They show how protecting children, strengthening families and supporting stable communities are shared American values. 

This moment calls for all of us to come together around real, durable solutions that keep the places children learn, heal, worship and gather safe and rooted in community trust. We urge all leaders to keep children at the center of every decision and to act in ways that reinforce stability, care and confidence in our communities.