It’s time, advocates! Children’s Advocacy Week is upon us. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and momentum to address systemic racism in Kentucky, your advocacy is more important than ever.

Here are three action steps you need to take during—and in preparation for—Children’s Advocacy Week:

1. Check out the Children’s Advocacy Week schedule and build your personal schedule in our new app.

  • Monday, February 1
    • 11 AM EST – Kick-Off Event with comments from Senator David Givens
    • 12 PM EST – Forum with Legislators of Color
    • 1 PM EST – Policy & Advocacy Information Session with legislators and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners CASA of Ohio Valley, The Center, and Lotus
    • 3 PM EST – Conversation with First Lady Britainy Beshear
  • Tuesday, February 2
    • 10 AM EST – Rally for Kentucky Kids featuring comments from Governor Andy Beshear, House and Senate leadership, and youth
    • 12 PM EST – Education Policy Q&A with legislators
    • 2 PM EST – Policy & Advocacy Information Session with legislators and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners Face It Bluegrass and Volunteers of America Mid-States
  • Wednesday, February 3
    • 9:30 AM EST – Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow Virtual Rally
    • 11 AM EST – Health Policy Q&A with legislators
    • 12 PM EST – A Panel of Kentucky Journalists featuring Scott Jennings, Linda Blackford, and Lawrence Smith
    • 1 PM EST – Policy & Advocacy Information Session with legislators and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners Neighborhood House, CASA of the River Region, and Metro United Way
  • Thursday, February 4
    • 11 AM EST – Conversation with Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
    • 12 PM EST – Justice Policy Q&A with legislators
    • 1 PM EST – Policy & Advocacy Information Session with legislators and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partner Learning Grove
  • Friday, February 5
    • 11 AM EST – Conversation with Secretary of State Michael Adams
    • 12 PM EST – Child Welfare Policy Q&A with legislators
    • 1 PM EST – Policy & Advocacy Information Session with legislators and Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partner Family Enrichment Center
    • 3 PM EST – Celebration of Kentucky Kids (via Facebook Live)
  • There are also scheduled virtual events for youth with Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub.

All of the events will be conducted via Zoom, and Zoom links can be found in the Children’s Advocacy Week app. Watch a recording of the prep webinar for a preview of how to utilize the app.

2. Reach out to your legislators.

There are new guidelines about scheduling meetings with legislators due to COVID-19, but you can still have an in-person visit if you choose. We also encourage you to contact your legislator to see if they would be interested in a virtual meeting, either during Children’s Advocacy Week or later. You can discuss Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priorities (Fact sheets are available for all of them!) or other policies that you care about related to kids and families.

Check out our Advocacy Toolkit for tips and resources for contacting your legislators.

3. Learn more about Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priorities.

Review the 2021 Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priorities and budget checklist, as well as the fact sheet packet. Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities that are good for kids with our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

Children’s Advocacy Week is a new and exciting opportunity for advocates, youth, and state leaders to connect, and we look forward to (virtually) seeing all of you there!