On March 4, 2026, the grounds of the Kentucky State Capitol were filled with something powerful: young voices ready to be heard. Advocates from across the Commonwealth gathered for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol (CAD), united by one goal: to speak up for Kentucky’s kids and help shape a better future.

At the heart of CAD each year is a commitment to elevating youth voice. This year, Kentucky Youth Advocates partnered with  Educational Justice, Blueprint 502, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students, and the True Up Peer Network to ensure young people were not just present, but prepared to lead conversations about the issues that affect them most. 

Opportunities like CAD matter because they create real pathways for young people to engage with civic leadership and see firsthand how their voices can influence policy and change.

In the weeks leading up to the event, youth from all programs participated in Advocacy 101 sessions designed to build confidence and strengthen their civic engagement skills. These trainings helped young advocates learn how policy works, why it matters, and how to effectively communicate their experiences and ideas with decision makers.

“My young people left feeling confident and encouraged that their voices matter. It was a personal joy watching them come out of their shells and speak up about matters that concern them and others around them.” – Blueprint 502 Staff

The learning and preparation continued the evening before CAD, when all groups gathered in Frankfort for the annual CAD Youth Retreat. The retreat provided a space for young people to connect, learn, and prepare together. Sessions included an authentic storytelling training to equip youth and young adults with the skills to craft, frame, and share their personal stories in ways that can inspire advocacy and drive policy change. Participants also took a deep dive into the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children policy priorities and participated in a mock committee hearing where they practiced delivering testimony in front of a simulated legislative committee.

By the time the sun rose the next morning, these young advocates were ready.

At the Capitol, youth and young adults participated in the Youth Pep Rally with a youth-led Q&A with Representative Rachel Roarx and attended the Town Hall on Kids and Policy and Play events before meeting directly with legislators to discuss the issues that matter most to them. 

These conversations are exactly why events like CAD are so important. They create meaningful moments where young people can connect with policymakers and remind leaders that the decisions made in Frankfort have real impacts on their lives and communities.

“Navigating this CAD as a team with its differences meant a lot to me and stuck with me…There are many opportunities to bond as people and as advocates. It is moving and puts me at peace with my story.” – Kwanita Allen, True Up Peer Network Member

CAD also brought together many other youth advocates who showed up ready to take action. Students and young leaders from BookWorks, Mercy Academy, Chestnut YMCA, and the United Way of Northeast Kentucky Bridge Builders joined the day’s events, demonstrating that young people across Kentucky are eager to engage in civic life and speak directly with decision makers about the issues that matter to them.

From preparation to policy conversations, the experience empowered youth to see themselves as advocates, leaders, and changemakers for Kentucky’s future.

Want to see the day in action? Check out our CAD Youth Recap Video and browse highlights from the day in our Youth Photo Album.

Special thank you to the Jewish Heritage Fund for supporting youth advocacy trainings and to our 2026 CAD Youth Engagement Sponsor, Trager Family Foundation!