2009 MS KIDS COUNT
2nd Annual Summit

On February 25th, 2009, Mississippi KIDS COUNT, located at Mississippi State University's Social Science Research Center administered through the Family and Children Research Unit, kicked off its second annual summit at MSU's Riley Center in Meridian, Mississippi. The event was sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Gilmore Foundation, the Mississippi Center for Education Innovation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and MSU's Social Science Research Center. In attendance were over 200 local leaders and volunteers who represented numerous state and non-profit agencies and organizations. They came to share and learn best practices for ensuring the healthy futures of Mississippi's children. Participants 1) viewed a video highlighting the success stories shared in the Mississippi KIDS COUNT 2008 Data Book, 2) were provided the opportunity to learn how to best communicate the science of early development to inform decision-making through Dr. Lynn Davey's presentation, 3) were mesmerized by Mr. Wintley Phipps' inspirational presentation and internationally recognized vocal performance, 4) heard from several state-wide leaders on opportunities and programs of significance throughout the state of Mississippi, 5) heard in detail from several communities throughout Mississippi success stories and lessons learned from each story in the four individual breakout sessions of children's health, safety, economic well-being and education and 6) were advised on best practices for policymakers and child advocates to successfully frame policies and promote a united voice of agreed upon priorities through Mr. Noel Bravo's presentation.

The 2008 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Data Book was released at the 2nd Annual Summit. The Data Book explains that children's development begins before birth, is ongoing and occurs through a process of interactions with the many people and places the child encounters. Children who grow up in environments that are healthy, safe, educational and economically secure have the best opportunity for optimal development, which allows them to grow into adults who can fully participate in and contribute to society. Among the findings in the 2008 Mississippi KIDS COUNT Data Book is that Mississippi still ranks at or near the bottom of most major indicators of children's well-being, and considerable work remains to be done in improving the health, education, safety and economic well-being of the state's children. However, the Data Book offers a number of possible solutions for addressing these concerns. To highlight successful strategies, the Data Book 1) compares Mississippi's statistics to the nation as a whole, as well as the top ranking state in the nation, and discusses what must happen in Mississippi in order to replicate the better statistics, 2) shares best practices from other states through policy considerations and 3) contains stories of successful programs around the state that are working to create the best possible environments for children's health, safety, education and economic well-being.

The Data Book is available for viewing or download here, and copies of the Data Book are available for purchase by contacting Ms. Dorris Baggett at or 662.325.8079, or by using our downloadable order form.

DR. LINDA H. SOUTHWARD'S INTRODUCTIONS AND PRAISE FOR THE MISSISSIPPI KIDS COUNT TEAM

DR. LYNN DAVEY, V.P. FOR FRAMEWORKS INSTITUTE, PRESENTATION

SR. TERESA SHIELDS RECEIVES A PLAQUE ON BEHALF OF THE JONESTOWN LEARNING CENTER SUCCESS STORY. THE QUITMAN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION ALSO RECEIVED A PLAQUE FOR THEIR SUCCESS STORY.

THE FORREST COUNTY COURT TEAM RECEIVES A PLAQUE FOR THEIR SUCCESS STORY. THE CATCH KIDS PROGRAM ALSO RECEIVED A PLAQUE FOR THEIR SUCCESS STORY.

MR. WINTLEY PHIPPS, FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE U.S. DREAM ACADEMY, PERFORMS AFTER A PROVOCATIVE PRESENTATION ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE COUNTRY'S EDUCATION SYSTEM

NETWORKING LUNCHEON WITH SPEAKING PANEL OF MS. DOROTHY ROBERTS McEWEN, MS. LORI WOODRUFF, DR. LANA SEIVERS, DR. EDWARD IVANCIC AND DR. MARIANNE HILL

MISSISSIPPI KIDS COUNT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS MR. GARY BLAIR, DR. LINDA H. SOUTHWARD AND MR. WADE OVERSTREET SEATED WITH MR. WINTLEY PHIPPS

EDUCATION BREAKOUT SESSION

HEALTH BREAKOUT SESSION


ECONOMIC WELL-BEING BREAKOUT SESSION

SAFETY BREAKOUT SESSION

MR. NOEL BRAVO, SENIOR ASSOCIATE OF THE POLICY MATTERS PROJECT CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF SOCIAL POLICY, PRESENTATION

Summit Resources
2009 SUMMIT AGENDA

More information on the Frameworks Institute
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FRAMEWORKS INSTITUTE, VISIT THE WEB SITE BELOW:

FrameWorks Institute Web Site

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO FRAME A MESSAGE, DOWNLOAD THIS PDF BELOW:

Framing Lessons Checklist PDF

2008 Summit Recap
2008 SUMMIT RECAP FROM LAST YEAR