LIBRARY & EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MILLAGE CAMPAIGN (ORLEANS PARISH):

Informational Outreach Toolkit for Partner Organizations

Thank you for raising awareness and engaging voters around the 2020 Orleans Parish Library & Early Childhood Education Millage Campaign. Our goal is to inform voters about Proposition #2 and the impacts on children and families in Orleans Parish.

This toolkit is designed to provide essential information about the December 5, 2020, Orleans Parish runoff election and spread the word to voters about Prop #2. Partners are encouraged to share the suggested posts on social media and email their constituents using the email templates. Please contact Kirby Jane Nagle at kirbyn@unitedwaysela.org if you have any questions.

Toolkit ContentsA. Campaign BriefB. Key Messages and Talking PointsC. Frequently Asked QuestionsD. Informational FlyerE. Social Media Content (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn posts)F. Email Language

Campaign landing page: www.CareforNOLAkids.org

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Campaign Brief

On December 5, 2020, for the first time ever, Orleans Parish voters will have an opportunity to ensure more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them to grow, learn, and succeed.

If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage (property tax), Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Right now, over 8,700 low-income children in New Orleans under age four are unable to access an affordable, quality early childhood education program. We know these early years are critical for success since 80% of brain development happens by the time a child turns three years old.

Key Messages and Talking Points

1. Proposition #2 is good for children. It helps children be prepared for kindergarten, learn to read, and be successful in school and life.

a. The early years provide the foundation for future learning, health, and emotional development since 80% of a child’s brain has developed by age three.  

b. Extensive research  shows that low-income children who participate in high-quality early learning programs are four times more likely to graduate from high school and become more productive citizens than their peers who do not participate in such programs. 

2. Proposition #2 does NOT raise taxes. It is simply a reallocation of resources to use them more efficiently for the City’s priorities.

a. If passed, Proposition #2 would generate an estimated $1.5 million for early childhood and education for 2021 and continue to generate funding annually for the next 20 years, through 2040.

b. The funding for libraries would account for approximately 25% of the library system’s total revenue and will allow the library to continue to fulfill its mission of transforming lives, enriching neighborhoods, and preserving history by offering safe and welcoming spaces and providing free, educational, informational, and recreational resources, programs, and activities for all ages.

3. Proposition #2 helps families. It helps parents go back to work and our economy recover.

a. Parents need early childhood education to look for work, go to school or

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job training, or maximize their productivity, and businesses need a reliable workforce. 

b. Workers with young children in Louisiana who do not have quality, reliable early childhood education options report getting fired, quitting jobs, and turning down promotions.  

c. Early childhood education breakdowns alone cost Louisiana employers over $800 million a year. 

d. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman  notes that investing in high-quality early childhood education results in a 13% annual return-on-investment (ROI) and is one of the “most efficient use” of public resources. 

e. Access to quality early childhood education is also known to decrease criminal activity, increase future workforce participation, and improve long-term health outcomes.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is on the   December 5th   ballot?  

On December 5, New Orleans voters are being asked to decide on a package of millages (property taxes) that will be placed separately on the ballot as follows: (1) Infrastructure and Maintenance, (2) Early Childhood Education and Libraries (3) Housing and Economic Development. When combined, the millage package will not raise taxes.

The ballot language for Proposition #2 is as follows:  Citywide Millage Proposition   #2:   Library   &   Early Childhood Education  Authorizing the City to levy a special tax of 0.987 mills for 20 years (estimated at $4,000,000 in the first year) with the proceeds allocated to constructing, improving, maintaining and operating public libraries, early childhood education facilities and related programs. 

 If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage (Proposition #2) would generate an estimated $1.5 million for early childhood and education for 2021 and continue to generate funding annually for the next 20 years (through 2040).   What will the   early   childhood   education   funding support?  

The early childhood education funding would support New Orleans City Seats, a successful program that provides free, high-quality early childhood education to low-income families with young children in Orleans Parish.   Since 2018, City Seats has significantly increased access to quality early childhood education for low-income young children and improved the quality of

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centers participating in the program. City Seats also has empowered these children’s parents to be dependable, productive members of the New Orleans’ workforce by providing high-quality child care. The program has served more than 350 children to date and attracted additional philanthropic and state and federal support.  Learn more about City Seats here.    What will the library funding support?  

The funding for libraries would account for approximately 25% of the library system’s total revenue and will allow the library to continue to fulfill its mission of transforming lives, enriching neighborhoods, and preserving history by offering safe and welcoming spaces and providing free, educational, informational, and recreational resources, programs, and activities for all ages. 

If passed, the library can continue to be actively engaged in literacy for all ages, school readiness, workforce development, health education, and providing access to new and emerging technology, allowing the library system to fulfill its vision of being a catalyst for change in a growing, connected, and vibrant city.

Access to public libraries is especially important for low-income households because, in addition to their core mission of encouraging learning and literacy, libraries serve as community anchors. They provide information on social services and job opportunities, free internet and computer access, and a range of free programs and community meetings. Libraries are safe, inclusive spaces for individuals and families and essential components of strong communities. 

Why does New Orleans need increased access to early childhood   education?  

Currently, only 16% of low-income children under age three have access to any publicly-funded early childhood education in New Orleans. There is a tremendous need for affordable child care options that serve low-income infants, toddlers, and 3-year-olds in New Orleans.  Nearly two-thirds of New Orleans parents are working and struggle to find affordable, high-quality early childhood programs for their young children. United Way’s recent ALICE report found that child care is the single largest expense for low-income working families in Orleans Parish.  Children in New Orleans will succeed with increased access to early childhood education.  New Orleans’ workforce and economy will thrive with increased access to early childhood education. 

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 What does early childhood   and education funding in New Orleans look like today?  

In 2017, the City of New Orleans made history by investing $750,000 in its budget in high-quality early childhood education. This funding launched the City Seats program to create access to high-quality early childhood education for low-income families with young children. In 2019, the City of New Orleans allocated $3 million to serve 276 children in 2020.   Still, more than 8,700 NOLA children under age four from low-income families cannot access an early care and education option their families can afford.  In 2020, Mayor LaToya Cantrell proposed including dedicated funding for early childhood education in a combined millage renewal package for the December 5 ballot. This proposal was approved by a unanimous vote of the New Orleans City Council in August.  If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage (Proposition #2) would generate an estimated $1.5 million for early childhood and education for 2021 and continue to generate funding annually for the next 20 years (through 2040).   

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Informational Flyer

This flyer provides an overview of Proposition #2. Print these flyers or share them via email with your stakeholders to learn more about the millage.

Available for download at the following links: Print

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Social Media PostsPlease share the following posts on social media to create general awareness around Proposition #2.

Landing Page:www.CareforNOLAkids.org

Suggested Timeline:Posts A-E: share 1-2 posts per week from 11/14 through 12/4Post F: share on 11/20Post G: share on 12/5

United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading will regularly share these posts on the following social channels. Use the handles below to view and share the posts to your pages.

New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Facebook : @NOLAGradeLevelReading Twitter : @NOLAGLR Instagram : @UnitedWaySELA LinkedIn : United Way of Southeast Louisiana

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Social Media Post A

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image A 1080x1080Twitter Image A 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy AA strong start prepares kids for kindergarten and long-term success. Help more New Orleans children get quality early childhood education. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

Instagram Post Copy AWhen kids have access to quality early childhood education, they’re prepared for kindergarten and long-term success. Help all kids have access to high-quality early childhood education. Learn more at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy AOur brains are 80% formed by age three. That’s why all kids need access to high-quality early childhood education – to prepare for kindergarten and long-term success. Learn more about #Prop2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

LinkedIn Post Copy AA strong start prepares kids for kindergarten and long-term success. Help more New Orleans children get quality early childhood education. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

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Social Media Post B

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image B 1080x1080Twitter Image B 1200x928

Facebook Post Copy BWhen more New Orleans children can access early childhood education, more parents can work and our economy improves. Help create a brighter future for us all. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

Instagram Post Copy BWhen parents can work and go to school, children and communities thrive. Early childhood education makes that a reality. Learn more at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy BWhen more New Orleans children can access early childhood education, more parents can work, and our economy improves. Help create a brighter future for us all. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

LinkedIn Post Copy BWhen more New Orleans children can access early childhood education, more parents can work and our economy improves. Help create a brighter future for us all. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

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Social Media Post C

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image C 1080x1080Twitter Image C 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy CWe believe education is a fundamental right, yet over 8,700 low-income children in New Orleans cannot access quality early childhood education. Prop #2 can change that without raising taxes. Learn how at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

Instagram Post Copy C Kids from under-resourced neighborhoods in New Orleans have less access to high-quality early childhood education. Prop #2 can change that without raising taxes. Find out how at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy C8,700 low-income children in New Orleans are unable to access quality early childhood education. Prop #2 can change that without raising taxes. Learn how at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

LinkedIn Post Copy CWe believe education is a fundamental right, yet over 8,700 low-income children in New Orleans cannot access quality early childhood education. Prop #2 can change that without raising taxes. Learn how at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

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Social Media Post D

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image D 1080x1080Twitter Image D 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy DWhen more families can afford quality child care, the entire community grows stronger. Help all New Orleans kids access quality early childhood education. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

Instagram Post Copy D Strong communities rely on quality child care to improve lives. Help all New Orleans kids have access to high-quality early childhood education. Learn more at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy DA strong New Orleans needs quality child care for all children. Help more New Orleans families afford quality early childhood education. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

LinkedIn Post Copy DWhen more families can afford quality child care, the entire community grows stronger. Help all New Orleans kids access quality early childhood education. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

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Social Media Post E

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image E 1080x1080Twitter Image E 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy ELibraries and early childhood education transform lives and enrich communities – especially for low-income residents. Help ensure everyone has access. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

Instagram Post Copy E Public libraries and quality early childhood education are essential to the community and especially important for low-income residents. Help ensure everyone has access. Learn more at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy ELibraries and quality early childhood education increase children’s literacy to set them up for success in school and life. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

LinkedIn Post Copy ELibraries and early childhood education transform lives and enrich communities – especially for low-income residents. Help ensure everyone has access. Learn more about Prop #2 at CareforNOLAkids.org and please vote on Dec. 5.

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******************************Social Media Post F (Post 11/20)

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image F 1080x1080Twitter Image F 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy FCast your vote early now through Nov. 28 on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage in Orleans Parish’s runoff election. Learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org.

Instagram Post Copy F Cast your vote early now through Nov. 28 on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage in Orleans Parish’s runoff election. Learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at the link in our bio.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy FCast your vote early now through Nov. 28 on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage in Orleans Parish’s runoff election. Learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org.

LinkedIn Post Copy FCast your vote early now through Nov. 28 on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage in Orleans Parish’s runoff election. Learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of

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children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org.

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Social Media Post G (Post 12/5)

Download Graphics:FB + Instagram + LinkedIn Image G 1080x1080Twitter Image G 1200x628

Facebook Post Copy GToday’s the day – election day in New Orleans! Please learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org before you cast your vote.

Instagram Post Copy G Today’s the day – election day in New Orleans! Please learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes in the link in our bio before you cast your vote.

#PleaseVote #EarlyChildhood #EarlyEd #Prop2

Twitter Post Copy GToday’s the day – election day in New Orleans! Please learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org before you cast your vote.

LinkedIn Post Copy GToday’s the day – election day in New Orleans! Please learn how Prop #2 can improve the lives of children and families without raising taxes at CareforNOLAkids.org before you cast your vote.

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EmailPlease use the following email templates to inform Orleans Parish stakeholders about Proposition #2.

Suggested Timeline for emailsEmail A-C: distribute one weekly starting 11/16 through 12/3Email D: distribute on 11/20Email E: distribute on 12/5

Email A

Download Graphic Email Image A

Subject line: All New Orleans Children Deserve the Best Education

Preheader text: Learn how Proposition #2 invests in early childhood education so all local kids can get a strong start.

BodyDear [FIRST NAME],

By age three, a child’s brain is 80% of what it will be when they are an adult. This time of rapid learning and continuous exploration is a critical time in a child’s life.

But, not all kids in New Orleans have access to the learning opportunities they deserve.

On December 5, 2020, for the first time ever, Orleans Parish voters will have an opportunity to ensure that more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them for kindergarten, leading to long-term success in school and giving them a better chance of graduating.

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If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage, Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Offering more quality early childhood education will allow parents to work or go to school, which has a positive impact on New Orleans families and the local economy as we continued to recover from the pandemic.

[PARTNER NAME] encourages voters in Orleans Parish to learn more about the millage and its benefits to the young children and families of New Orleans. Finally, don’t forget to vote on December 5!

Button TextLearn More (link to www.CareforNOLAkids.org)

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Email B

Download Graphic Email Image B

Subject line: Access to Education Shouldn’t be Determined by a Child’s Income

Preheader text: Learn how Proposition #2 invests in early childhood education so all local kids can get a strong start.

BodyDear [FIRST NAME],

Right now, over 8,700 low-income children in New Orleans under age four are unable to access an affordable, quality early childhood education program.

As a result, these kids will:● Start behind and stay behind their classmates for their entire academic career; and

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● Miss out on jobs that pay a living wage it.

[PARTNER NAME] believes all New Orleans kids deserve access to a high-quality education, the same chances to learn as their peers, and the same opportunities to live a fulfilling life in the future.

On December 5, 2020, for the first time ever, Orleans Parish voters will have an opportunity to ensure that more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them for kindergarten, leading to long-term success in school and giving them a better chance of graduating.

If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage, Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Offering more quality early childhood education will allow parents to work or go to school, which has a positive impact on New Orleans families and the local economy as we continued to recover from the pandemic.

[PARTNER NAME] encourages voters in Orleans Parish to learn more about the millage and its benefits to the young children and families of New Orleans. Finally, don’t forget to vote on December 5!

Button TextLearn More (link to www.CareforNOLAkids.org)

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Email C

Download Graphic Email Image C

Subject line: Communities Thrive with Greater Access to Early Childhood Education

Preheader text: Learn how Proposition #2 invests in early childhood education to create a brighter New Orleans for us all.

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BodyDear [FIRST NAME],

Nearly two-thirds of New Orleans parents are working and struggling to find affordable, high-quality early childhood programs for their young children. Parents need early childhood education to look for work, go to school or job training, or maximize their productivity, and businesses need a reliable workforce.

Workers with young children in Louisiana who do not have child care report:● Getting fired,● Quitting jobs, and ● Turning down promotions.

Early childhood education breakdowns alone cost Louisiana employers over $800 million a year.

On December 5, 2020, for the first time ever, Orleans Parish voters will have an opportunity to ensure that more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them for kindergarten, leading to long-term success in school and giving them a better chance of graduating.

If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage, Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Offering more quality early childhood education will allow parents to work or go to school, which has a positive impact on New Orleans families and the local economy as we continued to recover from the pandemic.

[PARTNER NAME] encourages voters in Orleans Parish to learn more about the millage and its benefits to the young children and families of New Orleans. Finally, don’t forget to vote on December 5!

Button TextLearn More (link to www.CareforNOLAkids.org))

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Email D (distribute 11/20)

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Download Graphic Email Image D

Subject line: Early Voting is Open in Orleans Parish

Preheader text: Learn how Proposition #2 invests in early childhood education to create a brighter New Orleans for us all.

BodyDear [FIRST NAME],

Early voting is open today through Nov.28 - excluding Sunday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 – on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage (Proposition #2) in Orleans Parish’s runoff election.

For the first time ever, New Orleans voters have an opportunity to ensure that more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them for kindergarten, leading to long-term success in school and giving them a better chance of graduating.

If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage, Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Offering more quality early childhood education will allow parents to work or go to school, which has a positive impact on New Orleans families and the local economy as we continued to recover from the pandemic.

[PARTNER NAME] encourages voters in Orleans Parish to learn more about the millage and its benefits to the young children and families of New Orleans before casting your vote.

Button TextLearn More (link to www.CareforNOLAkids.org)

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Email E (distribute 12/5)

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Download Graphic Email Image E

Subject line: Cast Your Vote! It’s Election Day in Orleans Parish

Preheader text: Learn how Proposition #2 invests in early childhood education to create a brighter New Orleans for us all.

BodyDear [FIRST NAME],

Today is the last chance to cast your vote on the Library and Early Childhood Education millage (Proposition #2) in Orleans Parish’s runoff election.

For the first time ever, New Orleans voters have an opportunity to ensure that more children in the city have a quality educational foundation that will prepare them for kindergarten, leading to long-term success in school and giving them a better chance of graduating.

If passed, the Library & Early Childhood Education millage, Proposition #2, would provide young children in New Orleans with affordable, high-quality early childhood education for the next 20 years – without raising taxes.

Offering more quality early childhood education will allow parents to work or go to school, which has a positive impact on New Orleans families and the local economy as we continued to recover from the pandemic.

[PARTNER NAME] encourages voters in Orleans Parish to learn more about the millage and its benefits to the young children and families of New Orleans before casting your vote.

Button TextLearn More (link to www.CareforNOLAkids.org)

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