It’s an understatement to say that politics in our country is pretty divisive right now. I know many of us are feeling at a loss as to how we can create the kind of future we want to see for our kids, our families, and our communities.
Something that gives me hope is focusing on the actions I can take close to home, here in Washington state.
Returning again
I have attended Have a Heart for Kids Day, Children’s Alliance’s annual lobby day, multiple times. The reason I keep returning to this event is the sense of collective purpose that it gives me. It is such a fun day filled with great energy and it’s a real opportunity to connect with other advocates and speak up for what matters to us.
Hundreds of parents and child advocated from across the state are expected converge on Olympia on Feb. 11 to rally on behalf of the needs of Washington's children.
Have a Heart for Kids Day 2025 will take place from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. During the event, participants will learn about advocacy, how to make their opinions know to lawmakers and, in come cases, meet lawmakers face-t0-face. The event culminates with a rally on the capital steps. To join them register online with Children's Alliance.
Additionally, it gives me the chance to meet directly with my elected officials, share my experience with them, and tell them how they can help make a positive impact in our district.
Advocating with the next generation
When I was a young child, my grandfather worked as a lobbyist for education and he was very much a mentor for me. His work gave me an early insight into the barriers many kids face in getting the high-quality education they deserve, and also how advocates can come together to fight for the change they want to see.
That’s why I’ve taken my kids with me to Have a Heart for Kids Day in the past. I feel that it is important for them to have a solid understanding of the legislative process and how to engage with their legislators, so that they can speak up for their interests both now and after they reach voting age.
What better place to do that than at our State Capitol? It was so exciting to show them that the doors to the (slightly intimidating) Capitol Building are open to them and that it is their right to speak up for what they believe in.
What you need to know about attending lobby day
Lobby days are open to everyone who lives in Washington state. Children’s Alliance is offering trainings and briefings in the morning to give attendees details about specific bills they are working on, as well as tips on how to have an effective meeting with your legislators.
Meeting your legislators is not a requirement of attending Have a Heart for Kids Day. If you do attend a meeting with a legislator, you will likely be in a group with other advocates from your district as well as a member of the Children’s Alliance team.
You can sign up on the Children’s Alliance website. Questions: Contact Children’s Alliance’s Mobilization Manager Becca Schrack at becca@childrensalliance.org.
Read more:
Pressure builds to boost WA school funding
Education Advocacy Day: Hundreds expected to rally in Olympia January 30
