Happy 2020

Dear partners and colleagues,

As we enter into a new decade, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the educators, advocates, and thought leaders who continue to support Committee for Children (CFC) in promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) as one of the most powerful, sustainable, and practical approaches to building a kinder world. Over the past four decades, CFC has grown from a grassroots effort into a global organization, an evolution made possible in no small part by working alongside partners like you.

I’ve been a teacher, a principal, and a systems-level leader, and what I know to be true is that learning is strengthened by a solid foundation of social-emotional skills. In my first months at Committee for Children I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for those doing the challenging, often unsung work to champion social-emotional learning, from educators in and out of the classroom to advocates advancing policy. At a time when SEL is more important than ever, your unparalleled dedication inspires us all.

On the heels of our year-long 40th-anniversary celebration and with our commitment to positively transform the social-emotional well-being of 100 million children annually by 2028, we enter this new decade with more optimism, gratitude, and determination than ever before. Why? Because we believe in the importance of continuing to fuel the SEL revolution. We believe that if you make a positive impact on enough children through social-emotional learning, especially those who lack access or are marginalized, then the ripples will help a family, a school, a community, and ultimately, the world. And we believe that none of this is possible without your help.

I look forward to our continued work together and wish you a happy, healthy year ahead. Thank you again for all that you do to support the social-emotional well-being of children around the world.

Colleen A. Oliver, CEO
Committee for Children