HUNDREDS GATHER IN OLYMPIA TO TELL LAWMAKERS TO HAVE A HEART FOR KIDS

In the early hours of the morning of February 15, with a blanket of unexpected snow on the ground, hundreds of advocates from across Washington made their way to the State Capitol for Have a Heart for Kids Day. On this day, advocates, ranging from novices to experts, come together to exercise their political power and speak directly to their elected representatives about the issues that matter in their communities. 

The day began at ASHHO Cultural Community Center where we gathered with our partners, Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP, Save the Children Action Network, Washington Family Engagement, Social Venture Partners, and Families of Color Seattle, to take part in trainings and create rally signs together. Then we headed to Olympia where advocates met with their lawmakers to tell them what matters to their kids and families. 

We closed out the event with a demonstration of our collective power as we assembled for a rally on the Capitol Steps. We raised our voices together as we heard from advocates, organizational leaders, and legislative champions for children, including First Lady Trudi Inslee, Senator Andy Billig, Senator Claire Wilson, Representative Emily Alvarado, Representative Dave Paul, and Representative Tana Senn.

Photo credit: Merrill Images

We are so grateful to come together in person in Olympia for the first time in four years. Thank you so much to all of our partners and advocates for making the day a success! 

The 2024 legislative session is scheduled to end on March 7. Check out our Bill Tracker and stay updated on the progress of our priority bills.