Thank you for being part of the 7th Annual 2026 “Lifting Up Families” Hybrid Advocacy Day. Your energy and commitment made the day incredibly impactful.
This year, we welcomed more than 150 participants across virtual and in-person formats, held over 80 meetings with legislative offices, and partnered with 50+ organizations working together to advance policies that strengthen families and communities..
It was especially meaningful to begin the day together at the California State Capitol and hear directly from legislative champions committed to protecting the programs families rely on.
If you’d like to revisit the morning program or share it with colleagues, the full recording is now available below:
It’s been fantastic seeing your photos and reflections online. Please continue to send us your photos and remember to use #LiftingUpFamilies when posting so the community can follow along. Tagging legislators and staff helps amplify the message and show appreciation for their time and engagement.
A couple quick follow-ups:
- Share your photos — We’re building a collage for the Monday Morning Update newsletter and social channels.
- Send your thank-you notes — A short message to the staff you met goes a long way.
- Send who you met with — Email [email protected] the name and office of staff you met with so we can send the legislator packet directly to them.
We Would Like to Give a BIG Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!
Dr. Gina Fromer Welcomes You to the 2026 "Lifting Up Families" Advocacy Day
Schedule of Events
Morning Program Agenda - Click here to view the speaker list
- 9:30 am - 9:45 am: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 9:45 am - 10:45 am: Lifting Up Families Legislative Champions
- 10:45 am - 10:50 am: Group Photo
- 11:00 am - Attendees break for lunch & legislative visits on your own
We encourage participants to meet with legislators from 9:30 am - 10:50 am if your legislators are available during that time. All speaker remarks will be recorded and available for viewing after the advocacy day.
Legislator Meetings
All participants have been encouraged to make their own meetings. If you need assistance with scheduling meetings or are interested in visiting offices who do not have a meeting scheduled, please contact McKenzie at [email protected].
Participant Toolkit:
Day-of Contact
McKenzie Richardson
Please text at: (619) 855-9202
[email protected]
FAQs
Q: I am new to Sacramento. Where can I go to get lunch that is within walking distance of the Capitol?
A: Here is a list of places we have compiled that are within a 15 minute walk of the Capitol and the Swing Space. Please allow at least 10 minutes of time to go through security to re-enter the Swing Space after lunch.
Q: I am staying the night and have luggage. Is there anywhere I can store my items?
A: Yes, you can store it in Room 8010 in the Swing Space (8th Floor). We have the room reserved all day.
Q: Who can I contact on the day-of if I am lost, need assistance during a legislator meeting, or urgently need help?
A: Please text McKenzie at (619) 855-9202 for any assistance needed on the 18th. McKenzie may triage your request to a day-of volunteer who will be ready to help you.
Q: Will there be any snacks for participants during the day?
A: There will be breakfast served at 9:00 am, we will also provide bottled water. More to come on the location of these refreshments for the 18th.
About the "Lifting Up Families" Advocacy Day:
On February 18, 2026, statewide and community partners, family child care providers and parents will be advocating in Sacramento for raising child care rates, strengthening critical safety net programs and lifting up the needs of whole families.
Attendees will hear from legislative champions committed to resolving unfinished business in building up supportive services for families in the 2025-26 legislative session, and protecting the progress and honoring the promises of the last legislative sessions. California’s lowest income working parents continue in a downward spiral unable to meet the most basic of needs for their children. In order to help families be more successful and break the cycle of poverty, programs that help them secure basic services such as child care, food, housing, and mental health must be resourced.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Past Advocacy Days:
|
