Press Releases

United Way Launches Campaign to Promote Early Childhood Learning
United Way, Civitas & Ad Council Join Forces to Support Campaign for Children

May 2, 2005 – Morristown, NJ – On May 3, 2005, United Way of Morris County, in conjunction with the United Way's nationwide early childhood learning program, Success By 6®, will kick off an unprecedented public awareness and engagement campaign called Born Learning.

The Born Learning campaign is designed to help young children prepare for school.  It provides parents and other caregivers tips and advice to create quality early learning opportunities for young children.  The campaign offers action steps that make it easy – and fun – to help young children learn during everyday activities such as sorting laundry and grocery shopping.

The Born Learning campaign includes nationwide television, radio, and print ads; parent and caregiver education materials; and a website for parents (www.bornlearning.org) with action tips and information and resources.  The advertising, website, and most of the materials will also be produced in Spanish.

Born Learning is sponsored by a new partnership between United Way, the Ad Council, and Civitas.  This partnership joins United Way's extensive community impact network with the nation's pre-eminent public service advertiser, and a top expert in parent outreach strategies and creative marketing around early childhood. 

"United Way is taking part in the Born Learning campaign because we want to do all we can to help parents and caregivers prepare young children to succeed in school," said John Franklin, CEO of United Way of Morris County.  "The reality is that children are learning constantly, right from birth.  We know what happens in a child's early years matters – for school readiness and success in life."

Kathy Ross, executive director of Child & Family Resources, understands the importance of early childhood education: "What happens to children matters, not only to them as individuals and their immediate family, but to the neighborhoods they live in, the schools they will attend, and the community they will eventually work in."

Born Learning research shows many parents and caregivers do not know exactly what actions to take to prepare young children for school, or feel like they do not have time to do what's needed.  "We hope the Born Learning campaign will help meet parents' needs in this community to get kids off to the right start," said Franklin.  Parents who need Born Learning materials or information and resources about early learning programs in Morris County can call United Way of Morris County at 973.993.1160 or they can simply dial 2-1-1.

Success By 6®
Success By 6® is United Way's national coalition of early childhood initiatives working to improve school readiness.  In Morris County, Success By 6® identifies, develops, and funds programs that foster positive early childhood development and meet the needs of young children and their families.

About Civitas
Civitas is a national non-profit communications firm that produces and distributes practical, easy-to-use tools to help adults make the best possible decision on behalf of children. 

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact 
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email