About Us

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History

DC Action for Children was founded by five women in the District of Columbia who were concerned about the deteriorating conditions for children, youth and their families in the nation's capitol. Between 1991 and 1992, Diane Bernstein, Marion Guggenheim, Cynthia McGrath, Elizabeth Siegel, and Susan Zox Smith studied the existing systems and services available in the District serving those children. The group concluded that a multi-issue advocacy organization was essential to improving the lives of children and youth in the District of Columbia. DC Action for Children was incorporated in 1992 and received 501(c)(3) status in July 1993.

Description

DC Action for Children (DC ACT) is an independent, nonprofit, multi-issue advocacy organization dedicated to improving conditions for children, youth and their families in the District of Columbia. DC ACT is guided by its vision that each child in DC should be afforded the opportunity to reach his or her potential. DC ACT's mission and vision are supported by four broad strategies:

• informing citizens, public officials, and service providers about the issues affecting the lives of children and youth



• holding government accountable and promoting public policies that improve the lives of children and youth



• mobilizing an informed, city-wide constituency for children



• empowering families and neighborhoods to advocate for children

Structure

DC ACT is governed by a Board of Directors that provides overall responsibility for policy and management. DC ACT's programs and activities are implemented by a professional staff of five full-time employees including the Executive Director, Director of Administration, Senior Policy Analyst, Policy Counsel, and Policy Analyst. Consultants, interns, and volunteers assist the staff as well.

Areas of focus

DC ACT focuses on public policies in the areas of child and youth well-being and government accountability. Our current work focuses on child welfare, child and maternal health, and child mental health. DC ACT staff members rely on the wealth of advocacy and policy resources in the city to take action, as needed, on other policy issues related to family and child well-being.