“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much”.  – Marian Wright Edelman, American Children’s Rights Activist and Former President, Children’s Defense Fund

“There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.” – Kofi Annan, Seventh Secretary General, United Nations

“…in serving the best interests of children, we serve the best interests of all humanity.” – Carol Bellamy, Former Director, Peace Corps of the United States

Christine French Cully stands among the humans we most admire for a lifetime of work and dedication to children. Christine was the long-time Editor-In-Chief of Highlights Magazine and more recently, their Chief Purpose Officer. I remember her saying that childhood was a sweet season to be savored. Christine emphasized enjoying and celebrating the child right where they were – at that very age, stage and moment instead of constantly projecting them toward their future, older self. Christine emphasized listening to children…paying close attention to not only their words but what was in their heart and demonstrated through their laughter and play. She wrote:

When a child shares their inner thoughts, we are given a gift. it’s an honor and a responsibility — even a sacred trust.

Highlights Magazine, founded in 1946, has remained true to that mission of listening to children over those many years. They’ve received over two million letters and editors have responded to EVERY ONE OF THEM. Christine took the time in her career to respond to children’s letters. And children told Highlights secrets they didn’t share with anyone else. To read some of the precious letters, check out Christine French Cully’s book, Dear Highlights; What Adults Can Learn from 75 Years of Letters and Conversations with Kids.

Though I was introduced to Christine to bring insight to the data Highlights had gathered from an extensive child survey in 2018, I learned much more from her insights on the children she had listened to over many years. And personally, when she became a grandma, I saw her face light up. It was clearly her greatest joy.

May the world know more advocates who are as humble, as empathetic and as driven by a solitary purpose of children thriving. Christine French Cully, we are ever grateful for your light.