More than 50 people attended AACF’s Policy Cafe in Bentonville last week to learn about children’s issues and to share their concerns with our staff and volunteers. They included representatives of our partner organizations, parents, school officials, students and others who just want to learn more about how they can help drive policy change for children in Arkansas. Attendees let us know that they’re most concerned about children’s access to primary care physicians in Northwest Arkansas, families’ lack of transportation options and other issues.

We’ve held meetings like this one throughout the state this year as we work to set our agenda priorities and prepare for the 2011 legislative session. We have another planned in Hot Springs on Wednesday, Sep. 15. It will be held from 3:30-5:45 p.m. at the Arlington Hotel.

Thanks to the National Child Protection Training Center at Northwest Arkansas Community College, the Early Childhood Initiatives Center and Prism Education Center for hosting the Bentonville Policy Cafe. Thanks to Nancy Hodgson with the National Child Protection Training Center for the photos of our event.