Building a Brighter Future for Every Child

Celebrating World Children’s Day 2025

Each year on November 20, the world comes together to celebrate World Children’s Day — a global day of action for children, by children. First established by the United Nations to promote children’s rights and well-being, the day is now recognized as a time to reimagine a world where every child can grow up healthy, connected, and thriving.

At Our Community Our Future (OCOF), that vision drives everything we do. We believe that when our community comes together to strengthen families, empower youth, and remove barriers to opportunity, we create lasting change — not just for young people, but for everyone.

For Every Child, Every Right

This year’s World Children’s Day theme — for every child, every right — calls on communities everywhere to ensure that every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, has what they need to reach their full potential. At OCOF, that belief is reflected through our six core focus areas, which guide our collaborative work across the Heart of Texas.

• Protective Factors & Early Intervention

  We work to expand and enhance supports for children ages 0–5 and their families, helping build strong foundations that promote healthy development and prevent future challenges.
  

  This World Children’s Day, read with a young child, donate books or toys to a local early learning program, or reach out to a parent or caregiver to offer encouragement and support.

• School Attendance & Engagement

  Consistent attendance and meaningful engagement are key to student success and well-being. OCOF partners with schools and community organizations to reduce barriers that keep children from thriving in class.

  This World Children’s Day, thank a teacher, mentor a student, or volunteer with a local after-school or literacy program. Even showing interest in a child’s school day helps them feel seen and supported.

• Comprehensive Services for System-Involved Youth

  We work to identify and strengthen supports for children, youth, and young adults involved with the behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems — ensuring they have access to stability, connection, and hope.

  This World Children’s Day, learn about local organizations that serve youth in crisis, donate needed items, or advocate for trauma-informed practices in schools and community programs.

• Successful Transitions to Adulthood

  OCOF helps build pathways to success for young people ages 16–24 who are navigating the challenges of adulthood. Whether through job training, mentorship, or mental health support, these efforts help emerging adults find belonging and purpose.

  This World Children’s Day, volunteer to mentor a young person, share job or internship opportunities, or support organizations that provide skill-building and life-readiness programs.

• Rural Engagement & Access to Supports

  Children and families in rural areas often face limited access to essential services. OCOF supports efforts to stabilize and expand behavioral health, education, and family supports across rural communities.

  This World Children’s Day, connect with a rural-serving nonprofit, learn about the challenges rural youth face, or support local outreach initiatives that bring services closer to home.

• Access to & Knowledge of Services

  Navigating systems can be complex — and families can’t benefit from services they don’t know exist. OCOF works to simplify access and build awareness of the resources available to children, youth, and young adults.

  This World Children’s Day, share community resources on social media, help a friend or neighbor connect to local supports, or explore OCOF’s resource tools to learn what’s available in your area.

Small Actions, Big Impact

World Children’s Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. When each of us takes even one small step to uplift a child or support a family, we strengthen the fabric of our community.

This November 20, we invite you to:

• Listen to the voices of young people in your life and ask what matters most to them.

• Engage with community partners who are working to improve outcomes for children and families.

• Share stories of hope, resilience, and connection that remind others why this work matters.

• Advocate for policies and programs that give every child a fair chance to thrive.

Together for Our Future

At OCOF, we know that lasting change happens when communities come together around a shared purpose. On World Children’s Day, and every day, we’re proud to stand alongside our partners, families, and youth as we work toward a future where every child grows up healthy, connected, and thriving.