Attend Children's Week January 29-February 3

Plan to attend the 17th Annual Children's Week 2012 which is scheduled for January 29-February 3. Children's Week is a couple months earlier than usual due to legislative redistricting in Tallahassee. However, the mission of Children's Week remains the same and it is still the only true broad-based promotion of children's and family issues in Florida, offering hundreds of community events and activities statewide. The event brings thousands of parents, children, elected officials, professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens together to share valuable knowledge and information about children's issues across the state and culminating at the State Capitol. A true grassroots event since its inception, Children's Week is now supported by more than 100 different corporate, non-profit, philanthropic, and faith-based organizations.

It is not too late to become a partner or volunteer at Children's Week events. Contact Jason Zaborske, Children's Week Statewide Coordinator, at 850-251-7274 or info@childrensweek.org for more information.

The events and activities at this year's Children's Week include:

Hanging of the Hands-Sunday, January 29
Tens of thousands of paper cut-outs of children's hands decorated by children and their teachers will be collected at child care centers and schools across the state and hung throughout the Capitol Rotunda to create an amazing display of children's art. The hands remain in the Capitol Rotunda the entire week as a reminder to legislators and advocates that we must take care of our most precious resources - our children.
Community Innovation Awards Luncheon-Monday, January 30
The awards luncheon kicks off the week with more than 200 partners and advocates coming together to honor and recognize the collaborative efforts taking place in local communities across the state. The winner of the 2012 Community Innovation Award will be announced and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam is confirmed to speak. To register for the luncheon, visit http://www.thechildrensforum.com/registration/
Advocacy Dinner and Reception-Monday, January 30
The event brings together more than 400 advocates, elected officials and organizations that dedicate their lives to children's issues. Enjoy an evening of great speakers and networking. Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Anne Scott are confirmed to speak the dinner. In addition, the winner of the Chiles Advocacy Award will be announced and the keynote speaker is Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga. To register for the dinner, visit http://www.thechildrensforum.com/registration/
Children's Capital for a Day-Tuesday, January 31
The State Capitol Rotunda and courtyard will be transformed into the "Children's Capitol for a Day" as more than 5,000 children, parents, advocates, community leaders and policymakers gather for a day of educational and interactive events and activities at the State Capitol. Activities include guided tours of the Capitol where attendees learn about the history of the State Capitol, the legislative process and meet with their local legislators; a legislative reading corner where state legislators read and provide books to young children; a free boxed lunch for attendees; a press conference and "Hanging of the Hands" Dedication ceremony; a "Teens Only" Town Hall Meeting where youth ask important questions to members of Florida's Children and Youth Cabinet; Comcast interviews with legislators, policymakers and partners at the Capitol for broadcast on CNN Headline News and much more.
Children's Week Press Conference and Hanging of the Hands Dedication Ceremony
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. State Capitol Courtyard
The Hanging of the Hands artwork display will be dedicated to the 2012 Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott will address child advocates from across the state. Nemours will announce the total number of steps walked for children's issues during the Florida Legislative Session. The official "Children's Capitol for a Day" will be announced with a signed proclamation from the Governor.

In this Issue

Attend Children's Week January 29-February 3