DC Action

With multiple At-Large and Mayoral candidates running and the June 16 primary just weeks away, let's take a look at the latest data about voters in :

• 92% of DC’s adults are registered to vote
• 50% of registered DC voters are Black, 31% white, 6% Latinx, and the remaining 13% other or unknown race
• Four years ago, just 32% of registered voters voted in the primary and just 41% in the general, with lower rates in majority Black wards 7 & 8.

📊 Get the full breakdown: https://wearedcaction.org/dc-kids-count/key-measures/voting-democracy

And most importantly, register to vote and make your voice heard in the primary this June and the general election in November!

Voting & Democracy Find more information about all the demographic measures in our data references section and visit our appendix to download a table with the full DC KIDS COUNT 2026 data set.

To eliminate the Pay Equity Fund and further squeeze an already tightened knot on the DC’s Child Care Subsidy Program is cruel to District families doing their best to raise their kids in the city and make ends meet. Our latest poll shows voters disagree with Mayor Bowser and strongly support fully funding both. See more results here: https://bit.ly/47USWh6

In Part One of our new blog series, “They Ask For Help, Nearly Two-Thirds Didn’t Get It,” our Deputy Director of Youth Advocacy, Rachel White, breaks down what young people in told us about trying to access mental health care and where the system is falling short. This isn’t just about availability it’s about real access: getting a call back, being understood, and finding care that actually fits.✨

Across our 5-part series, “Youth Mental Health in DC: Access, Barriers, and What Comes Next,” we’re digging into what experience, who’s being left out, and what needs to change so the system is ready to respond when young people reach out.
➡️https://bit.ly/4tAo39N

Happening NOW! Watch our Mayoral and At-Large Councilmember Candidate Forum here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5I2QL8qQLAE?feature=shared

This is a monumental election year for . Join us to learn where mayoral and at-large candidates stand on the issues that impact your family and work.

Join us at the Building A District That Cares For All Candidate Forum on Sunday, March 29 (3:00–5:00 PM) to hear directly from Democratic candidates for Mayor and At-Large Councilmember and learn how they plan to shape the future of care and working families in DC.

📍 Festival Center – 1640 Columbia Rd NW
➡️ Register at https://tr.ee/dVjQEmudJP

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the DC Action Renaissance Awards as we celebrated incredible changemakers!

🏆 Congratulations to our 2025 honorees:
🌟 Early Educator of the Year (Home-Based): Renita Gayle Simril — Angel’s Arena Child Care
🌟 Early Educator of the Year (Center-Based): Priscilla Huayllas — Early Steps Bilingual Preschool of Georgetown
🌟 Home Visitor of the Year: Glenda Diaz — United Planning Organization
🌟 Rising Stars: Jani Cousins & Rohan Young
🌟 Youth Champion of the Year: Danielle Dupree — Washington Urban Debate League
🌟 Inaugural Beacon Awardee: Free DC

A huge shoutout to Gustavo, 8th grader with 826DC, for his inspiring speech, and to for joining us to present the awards. 💫

The DC Out-of-School Time Coalition wrapped up October with a Lights On Afterschool Fest hosted at Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School to celebrate, connect, and fight for ! 🎉 Dozens of students + families explored programs, tried hands-on activities, and saw firsthand how critical these spaces are for our kids’ futures, especially in a city where too many youth still lack access. Shoutout to Councilmember Matt Frumin for showing up and standing with our youth! 👏

And a huge thank you to our partners who make these spaces possible 👇
826DC, Techturnup, One World Education, The Fishing School, Midtown Youth Academy, Washington Urban Debate League - WUDL, The Village Network, Beacon House

💡 Afterschool programs aren’t extras, they’re essentials. Let’s keep the lights on for every child in . Afterschool Alliance

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot on the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) shows that millions of children are lifted out of poverty by public programs that help families afford housing, food, & health care. The data also show wide variation across states and reveal how these rates have shifted in recent years. Learn how is faring: https://www.aecf.org/resources/measuring-access-to-opportunity-a-10-year-update

Under 3 DC advocates and parents are up early talking to councilmembers before the Pay Equity Fund Permanent Legislation goes to a vote. Thanks to everyone who sent an email to your councilmember and the mayor to keep fighting for educators!