First Five LA

Carol Baker, Public Policy Director, First Five LA

http://www.first5la.org/

Carol Baker is the Public Policy Director at First Five LA, a unique child-advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in programs for improving the first 5 years of life for children in Los Angeles County. Since 1998, they have invested more than $699 million into programs to promote the health, education and safety of young children and families. The main pillars which First 5 LA focuses on are: lowering infant mortality rates, increasing healthy eating, keeping children safe from child abuse and neglect and making sure they are fully prepared for kindergarten by the time school starts. 

Ms. Baker explained how important early investment is in order to mitigate any learning or developmental challenges a child may face later in life. She discussed how she uses the area of public policy to advocate legislation which helps First 5 achieve their goals. Explaining her work in public policy as “PR for politics”, she described how important it is for her be aware of the differences in opinion among her audience. She must work to find a common ground between democrats and republicans, older and younger generations, impoverished and affluent individuals in order to emphasize the greater purpose of the organization: to help create healthier and happier kids and increase their potential for a productive and rewarding future.

Christina Coles