Each year parents, grandparents, kids, caregivers, teachers, and other advocates for the safety and well-being of children in Washington have descend on the state capitol in Olympia on a designated day to meet with lawmakers and make their hopes for kids known.
This year, Have a Heart for Kids Day will take place on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants will work alongside advocates from Children’s Alliance and other advocacy groups to advance early learning, health equity, and economic justice for Washington’s children and families while learning about the political process and speaking directly with elected representatives. The event will conclude with a rally on the Capitol steps. Children and families are welcome to attend, but registration for the event ends Jan. 14.
Register to attend Have a Heart for Kids Day
“Your voice matters, and legislators need to hear your perspective, but we know getting to Olympia isn’t easy,” event planners said in a release. “We’re committed to making this event more accessible to diverse advocates across the state by providing breakfast and lunch at the event, translation and interpretation services, and partial financial reimbursement for child care and/or travel costs.
Even planners are “particularly interested in supporting and advocating alongside folks who represent or have expertise in serving children, families, and educators — especially those who are Indigenous, Black, or People of Color; speak a language other than English; are immigrants; live with disabilities; identify as LGBTQ+; are disproportionately impacted by systemic disparities.”
A collaborative effort on behalf of kids
At its heart, the annual advocacy day is a chance for parents, kids, and others to ask their representatives and senators to “have a heart” when it comes to legislation of impact to kids and families. The program for the day includes:
- 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Check in, breakfast, activities, and training at St. John’s Episcopal Church (114 20th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501)
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch and legislator meetings
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Rally at the Capitol steps
Register for Have a Heart for Kids Day 2026
Parents should note that morning training sessions on January 20th will take place about a 10-minute drive away from the state capitol, where legislator meetings and the rally will take place.
Be sure to register for the event, whether you will join online or in person,by going to the event registration page.
Read about why one parent goes back again and again to Have a Heart for Kids Day.
