By Leah Wade, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates 

Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol is when people across the Commonwealth come together to lift up a united voice for Kentucky’s children. A highlight of the day always includes the presence of youth-serving organizations and school groups. This year, nearly 300 youth took the time to speak on behalf of themselves and their peers. Kentucky Youth Advocates wanted to briefly highlight how groups had an opportunity to participate in Children’s Advocacy Day 2024.

While at the Capitol on January 24th, groups attended the Rally for Children in the Rotunda, chanting for Kids to Count in this Kentucky General Assembly’s legislative session. Following the rally, groups went on tours of the Capitol grounds, met with their legislators, took pictures at the social media station, and heard from other elected officials.

In addition to KYA’s work with the Health Youth Ambassadors, REFORM Louisville, True Up, and YouthBuild Louisville at the Youth Retreat before Children’s Advocacy Day, here are a few highlights with additional youth groups from across the Commonwealth: 

  • Berea Community Middle School JAG had the opportunity to hear from Attorney General Russell Coleman
  • Madison Middle School, Madison Central High School, and Home of Opportunities and Dreams met with Secretary of State Michael Adams and Lt Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Play Cousins Collective also met with Secretary of State Michael Adams
  • Taylor County Youth Coalition group and Pulaski County High School Youth in Government group took time before Children’s Advocacy Day to schedule meetings with their local elected officials and met with them throughout the day

The echoes of chants and energy emanating from the youth occupying the Capitol will leave a lasting impression on legislators and encourage them to put kids first in this session.

These are just a few of the groups that joined community organizations and KYA in advocating for children on January 24th. We cannot believe how many people spent their Wednesday standing up for change for Kentucky’s kids! 

Check out the Children’s Advocacy Day recap video to see some of these young people in action — as well as in the photos below. We encourage all advocates to continue to meet with their local representatives as the Kentucky 2024 General Assembly continues and to monitor bills being filed throughout this session on the Bill Tracker. We also want to invite school groups and youth-serving organizations to continue to join us in making Kentucky the best place in America to be a kid!