Y-USA's Zoe for President Effort Helps Get Parents to the Polls

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announced Zoe's Kids Day Out — a nationwide initiative to provide kids a safe place to play on Election Day, making it easier for busy parents and caregivers to get to the polls on Tuesday, November 8. Acknowledging taking kids to the polls may add stress for busy parents and caregivers, the Y is committed to doing its part to make sure all Americans can vote.

As the largest nonprofit provider of child care in the United States, the Y helps nurture our nation's children and encourage them to learn and grow. Supporting parents and caregivers is a crucial component of nurturing children. Zoe's Kids Day Out initiative is yet another way the Y is aiming to lend a hand, the same way it has been helping communities across the country for over 160 years.

Zoe's Kids Day Out is an extension of Zoe for President, an initiative to elect a one-year-old girl as our nation's Commander in Chief…in 2064. The campaign highlights the potential the Y sees in all kids to grow up and change the world if they're nurtured properly and supported along the way. Through Y programs like academic enrichment, mentorship, college readiness, job training and more, kids have the opportunity to grow, to succeed, and one day, maybe even become president. 

"Election Day is arguably one of the most important days in the U.S. this year — the ultimate opportunity for Americans to make their voices heard through the democratic process," said Kevin Washington, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA. "Unfortunately, many people who want to vote find it challenging because they have to take children with them. The Y's hope is that Zoe's Kids Day Out initiative enables those parents and caregivers to exercise their right to vote, and ensures children can spend their time in a safe, nurturing environment."

Zoe's Kids Day Out initiative is part of Zoe's larger campaign to "Rattle the Vote," and encourage voter participation. Another component of "Rattle the Vote" is a customizable social media video generator available November 1. The video generator will give users an opportunity to create "Get Out The Vote" video messages from Zoe on ZoeForPresident.net that they can share with their friends and family on social media channels.

Ys around the country are participating in Zoe's Kids Day Out initiative. Services vary in each community. To learn what services are available locally on Election Day, visit YMCA.net for local Y contact information.

This initiative supports the Y's For a better us campaign, a multi-year, multi-faceted effort to engage more people with the Y and its focus on strengthening the foundation of community. Earlier this year, the Y launched two powerful television commercials, Places, and Idle Hands, each spotlighting different challenges that communities in America face today. Both spots showcased the Y's nonprofit work on the ground, engaging, enriching, and supporting kids and families through safe spaces, mentorship, education, meal programs, and more.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits, which strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background, nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving the nation's health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support the community. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contact:
Ryu Mizuno
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418
[email protected]

SOURCE YMCA of the USA

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