Children in this country are faced with challenges like never before.

Fear and violence cannot be allowed to become a pervasive part of childhood for so many children across the United States of America.

In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Save the Children, together with Children’s Health Fund, Every Child Matters, First Focus, Harlem Children’s Zone and Share Our Strength, has launched a petition urging the Obama Administration and Congress to establish a National Commission on Children. The partner organizations will send their signed call for action to the White House prior to the President’s State of the Union address on Feb. 12.

What would such a commission do?  It would be take the lead in creating a national policy on children and setting goals for reducing childhood poverty, obesity, illiteracy and violence.

It takes so little to sign your name.  It might be a step toward protecting a child’s future.

To sign the petition, visit www.savethechildren.org/protect or Text KIDS to 69866.