By: Tatum Heath, Peer Engagement Coordinator
As an advocate for youth’s rights and peer support for lived experts, I had the privilege of attending Children’s Advocacy Day in Frankfort, Kentucky, for the second time. Each year, the event provides a vital opportunity for individuals—especially those directly involved with children, families, and social services—to come together and make their voices heard in the halls of the Kentucky State Capitol. The experience is far more than just a day of meetings and speeches; it’s a movement of empowerment, change, and unity in the fight for our children’s future.
A Day of Purpose
Walking through the Capitol on Children’s Advocacy Day, you can feel the weight of the responsibility that comes with it. Hundreds of advocates—ranging from parents, social workers, foster families, educators, and children themselves—gather in Frankfort with one mission: to ensure the voices of Kentucky’s children are amplified in legislative decision-making.
For me, it is a day where advocacy isn’t just about theory or policy, but about real stories. The lived experiences of families and children are the heart of this event. Whether it’s a child who has experienced abuse or a parent fighting for better educational resources, each conversation adds to the urgency of the work being done.
Throughout the day, the energy is electric. Legislators, who are often very busy, take a moment to listen to lived experts. The halls are filled with passionate conversations, laughter, and sometimes tears. But at the end of the day, it’s the shared passion for children’s well-being that unites everyone present.
A Space for Advocacy and Learning
What truly sets Children’s Advocacy Day apart from other advocacy events is its educational component. Through workshops and discussions like the retreat hosted by Kentucky Youth Advocates, lived experts are given tools they need to be more effective and confident in their advocacy. The event provides practical guidance on navigating the legislative process, understanding how bills impact children, and communicating more effectively with lawmakers.
Two groups of young adults who attended Children’s Advocacy Day are True Up’s Peer Network and the Truth Telling Circle. The Peer Network consists of young adult foster alumni who advocate for systems changes pertaining to foster care rights. The Truth Telling Circle is a group of young adults who discuss issues related to racial diversity and equity.
As someone who has worked closely with young adults facing trauma and hardship, the retreat was invaluable in honing my skills as an advocate and peer support for other advocates. They help me better understand the political landscape on a local and state level and the depth of lived expert testimonies.
However, the most impactful aspect of the day is seeing the direct interaction between advocates and lawmakers. I had the opportunity to sit down with Rep. Sarah Stalker and some young adult lived experts, share personal stories, and advocate for the changes that children in Kentucky so desperately need. It’s these one-on-one conversations that remind me why this day is so important—it’s about building relationships, ensuring our voices are heard, and making lasting changes for children in Kentucky.
“Hands down one of the best things about my job is meeting young people who take the time to come to Frankfort. Children’s Advocacy Week is one of the shiny spots because I can meet so many young people.
I’m always impressed with the questions that are asked and the insight and expertise they bring to the table. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one of the participants from our meeting decided to get into more policy work and advocacy paired with a lived/living experience is the perfect start to stepping into this world.” -Representative Sarah Stalker
Celebrating Progress, Recognizing Challenges
While Children’s Advocacy Day is a celebration of the progress we’ve made in improving the lives of Kentucky’s children, it also serves as a reminder of how much work is still ahead of us. Issues such as child abuse, neglect, mental health, educational disparities, and poverty continue to disproportionately affect children in our state.
The event may be over, but the advocacy doesn’t stop—it’s just the beginning. For those who are new to advocacy or who have never attended, I urge you to consider getting involved. Your voice matters. Whether you’re representing a nonprofit organization, a school, or simply standing up for your children, your perspective is important and desired.
As someone who has lived and breathed the struggles and triumphs of child advocacy, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this remarkable movement—and I invite everyone who cares about the future of Kentucky’s children to join us in the future.
We are the ones who have the power to make a difference. Each conversation we have with a legislator, each story we share, and each petition we sign contributes to a movement of transformation. The road to improving children’s well-being is long and challenging, but it is through these events that we gain the strength and support to continue pushing forward.
Children’s Advocacy Day in Frankfort is more than just an event; it is a reminder of the power of collective action, the importance of sharing our stories, and the ongoing need for advocacy in the lives of Kentucky’s children. Together, we can make Kentucky the best place in America for kids to be young.
Watch the Children’s Advocacy Day 2025 recap here.
