WEPOWER Wednesday: Waving our flag with weary hearts
February 18, 2026
WEPOWER Wednesday: Waving our flag with weary hearts
This week, we’re holding the tension of a weary heart and a cheering voice. While watching the Winter Olympics, we often find ourselves cheering for a flag that doesn’t always reflect our values. Team USA embodies what we aspire to be: disciplined, diverse, and unstoppable. Yet, when we change the TV channel, the stark reality of political chaos returns. We support these athletes not because we are content with the status quo, but because they represent the resilient spirit of the people. That same spirit shines through in our WEPOWER community every single day.
Dive into this edition of WEPOWER Wednesday and check out what’s happening.
Best Start for Kids STL Campaign Kickoff
Join us next Saturday for the Best Start for Kids STL Campaign Kickoff, a campaign many years in the making to win $22 million in annual funding to make childcare affordable for all families, improve the quality of care, and increase wages and benefits for childcare educators.
Community Wealth Action Group Back At It Feb. 25th
Join us at our monthly Community Wealth Action Group (CWAG) meeting! This month's meeting will be jam-packed: a wealth-building workshop, the launch of the biz membership app, workshopping a new opportunity for creatives and artists, and sharing important local and state updates on our economy. Make sure you RSVP and bring a friend.
Have You Read Our 2024-2025 Impact Report?
Dive into our 2024-2025 Impact Report to see how your support led to big wins. We trained 150 leaders and entrepreneurs. We deployed $450,000 to the community. We shifted the childcare system. We reimagined our local economy. And, we have even bigger things ahead this year.
Other News, Updates, & Calls to Action
- New report says child care crisis costs the country $172 billion annually
- Advocates fighting state cuts to disability services funding
- Learn about and sign the Food Service Workers’ Bill of Rights
- Join the Missouri Workers Center for a food service workers' town hall
- Apply to the City Repair Fund if impacted by the tornado
Community Wealth + Child Care Corner: Did You Know?
What Is Mixed Delivery? “[Early childhood education] services for children from birth to kindergarten entry, delivered through a range of public and private programs, providers, and settings, including licensed family and center-based childcare, Head Start, public schools, and faith- and community-based programs.” – AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE (AEI)
Through a mixed-delivery pre-K system, child care is provided in a wide range of settings, including child care centers, home-based child care providers, Head Start providers, and school districts. The combination of options allows families to access care and education that meet their needs and provide high-quality, sustainable early education that best supports children’s academic and lifelong success. Mixed delivery systems:
- Support families with early education options that meet their needs and preferences.
- Ensure high-quality experiences for children.
- Build upon the existing network of early education providers.
#WEOUTSIDE Photo of the Week
This Tuesday, Jefferson City felt the energy of Hispanic Capitol Day! We were honored to be a sponsor. Members of the WEPOWER team joined a statewide coalition of leaders and advocates to champion the needs of Hispanic communities. From the rotunda to the legislative offices, we were there to ensure our neighbors aren't just seen, but heard at the highest levels of state government.
Let's keep building,
Your Friends at WEPOWER