TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Advocates of Florida's youngest residents are gearing up for the 18th annual Children's Week at the Capitol.
Several events are planned in Tallahassee for April 7-12. The first event, the Hanging of the Hands, took place on Sunday, April 7. Thousands of non-profit partners, policy makers, faith based leaders and advocates joined together to recognize the efforts of teachers, parents and children. They also dedicated an art display containing more than 100,000 paper hands -- the hands of children in schools and child-care centers statewide.
It's the start of an annual, week-long effort to raise awareness about critical children's issues and programs.
"Children's Week is the largest statewide civic education event for children and families in Florida," says Children's Week coordinator Jason Zaborske. "We have so many organizations state wide that are passionately advocating for children and family issues everyday."
Participants and partners will put a spotlight on the education, income, health, and safety net issues that support positive child development and family function.
As Florida's policy makers struggle to balance the state's needs within still tight fiscal parameters, Children's Week participants will help remind them as they consider controversial and complex issues of the primacy of children and families in Florida and the United States.
"As we slowly emerge from the Great Recession it appears Governor Scott and the Legislature are considering investing in Florida's future: it's children. Its human infrastructure; without which all other infrastructure will fail", says Ted Granger, director, United Way of Florida.
For a complete calendar of local events taking place in your area, please see the attached Media Advisory PDF.
Additional information on activities taking place during Children's Week at the Capitol is available at: www.childrensweek.org.
