ZERO TO THREE – an Opportunity Starts at Home (OSAH) campaign partner – has announced plans to bring one family with a child under age three from every state and the District of Columbia to Capitol Hill on April 30 to participate in Strolling Thunder, an event focused on making babies a national priority. Families selected to participate will have the opportunity to share with their members of Congress their thoughts about the policies needed to help their young children thrive, including the need for safe, stable, and affordable housing. Applications are due by January 26.
ZERO TO THREE invites applications from families who wish to advocate for issues important to all families across the nation. As an OSAH Roundtable member, ZERO TO THREE raises awareness about the intersections of child welfare, poverty, and housing. The group shares the campaign’s position that families who cannot afford housing often likewise cannot afford childcare, nutritious food, and other necessities for healthy early childhood development. According to the organization’s State of Babies Yearbook, “a safe, stable, affordable home provides more than just shelter; it is the emotional and social center of family life.”
ZERO TO THREE will provide selected families with funds to cover travel expenses, as well as training and support in preparation for meetings with members of Congress. Families must be available to participate in preparation activities and be available to travel to Washington, D.C. between April 28 and May 1.
Find more information about Strolling Thunder here.