Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Registration is now closed for Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Springfield, IL.

If you registered and are no longer able to attend, please contact events@startearly.org so we can open up your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Bus Information

Some advocates will be riding buses with us down to Springfield, those buses will be departing from the locations listed below. Please double check departure times and meeting points!

• Start Early: 33 W. Monroe St, Chicago
  • Bus departs at 6:15 a.m.
• Educare Chicago: 5044 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago
  • Bus departs at 6:30 a.m.
• SEIU: 2229 S. Halsted St., Chicago
  • Bus departs at 6:10 a.m.
• ECDEC: 2626 S. Clearbrook, Arlington Heights
  • Bus departs at 6:20 a.m.
• Elgin: 115 South Grove Ave, Suite 211, Elgin
  • Bus departs at 6:05 a.m.
• Aurora: 850 Ridgeway Ave, Suite E, Aurora
  • Bus departs at 7:05 a.m.
• Peoria: 442 W. John H Gwynn Jr Ave, Peoria
  • Bus departs at 8:30 a.m.

If you can’t be with us in person, join advocates from across the state virtually on Tuesday, April 18 to speak out on behalf of young children and families. We need your voice to champion the importance of early childhood programs to Illinois lawmakers.

• Take action now and send a letter to your legislator
• Share posts from our social toolkit with your networks
• Watch our Advocacy in Action videos below to learn how to locate & contact your legislators and file a witness slip

• Is there any cost to attend Early Childhood Advocacy Day?
  • No! This is a free event, open to all!
• Can I bring my child(ren) to Advocacy Day?
  • Early Childhood Advocacy Day will be a long day, and especially so for little ones. If you think your little one is up to it, they are welcome to attend, but keep in mind the trip from Chicago to Springfield is approximately 3.5 hours, and there are no activities for children at the capitol building.
• Will I be able to speak with my lawmaker?
  • We hope so! Some lawmakers might be on the legislative floor, in hearings, meetings, or other appointments while others may be in their offices. We highly encourage you to contact your lawmaker to schedule an in-person meeting. Let them know you are available to meet between 11am-1:45pm. If you are unable to speak with your legislator, you can always leave materials with their administrative staff. We encourage you to follow up with them. Not sure how to contact your lawmaker? Check out our informational videos below.
• Will there be other people/groups at the captiol?
  • The state capitol is a busy place. There is a chance that other groups may present also for their interests during the same time.
• What will be provided during the day?
  • We will provide transportation (first come, first serve), snacks, lunch, training and materials. If you do not wish to receive training, you can proceed to the state capitol to meet with your lawmaker.
• If I want to register a large group, who do I contact?
  • To register a large group, please send an email to advocacy@theounce.org. We will send you a follow-up email with additional details on registration.
• I have never advocated before so I’m nervous about speaking with my lawmaker.
  • Don’t be nervous. Lawmakers made it to the legislature because they were voted in by people like you. Therefore lawmakers represent their constituents—you! And you probably have advocated before, but didn’t realize it. Advocacy means building support for an issue. You advocate when you speak up and educate someone on a topic. Anyone can advocate by simply sharing their personal stories.
• Why do we have to leave so early?
  • On Early Childhood Advocacy Day, we want to allow as much time as we can for you to meet with your lawmaker, so we take into consideration traveling time, rest stops, lunch and training.
• Information About Security at the State Capitol Building
  • Bags are subject to search and backpacks are discouraged. Metal detectors may be used. Pocket knives, pepper spray and mace will be confiscated.

Is your community group interested in hosting a dialogue with your state legislators about the  importance of early learning and care? Or do you have questions on the legislative session or the resources offered? Contact us at Advocacy@StartEarly.org and follow us on Twitter @EarlyEdIL.