Dear Colleagues and Friends:
Given the changing demographics of Minnesota and the economic challenges we are now facing, I have become increasingly concerned that the needs of children, youth and families are not receiving the attention they need. The welfare of our children is one of society's highest moral obligations. The children and youth of today will be the workers, parents, teachers, and leaders of tomorrow. Addressing the challenges they face today will have a direct impact not only on the quality of life of children, youth, and families, but on Minnesota's prosperity and quality of life in the future.
With that in mind, I launched a Presidential Initiative on Children, Youth, and Families, which reflects my personal and professional commitment to these important issues. Essentially, the initiative serves as a catalyst for cross-sector partnerships with others around issues critical to children, youth, and families across Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The purpose of this initiative is: 1) to foster partnerships across sectors that move beyond issue identification and discussion to concrete, achievable action plans; 2) to identify opportunities to bring University resources and expertise to bear in critical public policy and funding discussions; and 3) to raise public awareness of the comprehensive pool of leading thinkers (and doers) on these issues at the University of Minnesota. It is my hope that the initiative will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the connections among researchers, community and business leaders, health professionals, and policy makers to improve collaboration among the many groups in our state that work with and on behalf of children and their families.
I have asked Drs. Richard Weinberg and Marti Erickson to co-chair the steering committee for the initiative, and to provide leadership and coordination for faculty and deans from across the University whose work reflects the strength of our commitment to this broad range of issues. With our research excellence and progressive programming, I truly believe the University of Minnesota is uniquely qualified, and obligated, to provide leadership on efforts to ensure that all Minnesotans have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Our future demands nothing less.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Bruininks
President
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