“How can we all speak up on behalf of our county’s youngest residents? By using the power of our voice to create real and lasting change.

“Advocating for policy change can be big or small. For example, you can urge your government to invest more in schools. You can petition your school committee to adopt a health curriculum that has been proven to make a significant difference in outcomes, or you can mobilize residents to speak out on a critical community issue in person, via phone or online.

“Berkshire United Way would like you to join us in advocating for universal pre-kindergarten for our children. According to Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Heckman, ‘The basic skills needed for success are formed before children enter school. Investing early helps to prevent the achievement gap, and investing in our most disadvantaged children provides the greatest returns.’”

“Live United: Advocating for early childhood education,” by Kristine Hazzard, president and CEO of Berkshire United Way, the Berkshire Eagle, June 5, 2018