It's Almost Time!

Next week we will be gathering again in Springfield after several years to advocate around Smart Start Illinois!
We're excited to share that Governor JB Pritzker will be joining us in the Rotunda to address advocates on April 18. Below, find some helpful resources for Early Childhood Advocacy Day:

Agenda At-A-Glance:

6:30-10:30 a.m. Morning Travel to the Inn at 835 (835 S 2nd St, Springfield IL)

10:30 a.m. Welcome

11:00 a.m. Legislative Session Overview & Early Childhood Education Priorities

11:35 a.m. Depart for the Capitol, or, Advocacy Training and Q&A

1:00 p.m. Governor Pritzker Addresses Advocates at the Rotunda

1:45 p.m. End Capitol Activities

2:00 p.m. Buses depart from the Inn at 835

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.

Advocacy Training

Our partners at Latino Policy Forum and We, the Village have put together an Advocacy Training to help prepare advocates for April 18! If you were unable to attend the webinar last week, you can watch the recording here.

Schedule With Your Legislator

Now is a great time to schedule an appointment to meet with your legislators! Here's how:

Visit ILGA.gov to find a contact email and send an initial request to meet on April 18 between 11:15am-1:00pm (Find helpful videos on how to look up & contact your legislators here)
Be prepared to call to confirm a time
Call on the bus ride to Springfield to confirm yet again
Reach out to [email protected] for any support!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn't covered here? Check out our FAQ page. Any questions that you still have can be sent to [email protected].

Check out more information on Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2023.

33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603 • 312.922.3863

Manage Subscription Preferences | Unsubscribe
This link will update subscription preferences for [email protected].