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5.01.2025

Strolling Thunder 2025: A National Movement for Babies

Strolling Thunder 2025: A National Movement for Babies in Washington D.C.

On May 20, 2025, Washington D.C., will witness a powerful display of advocacy as families from across the United States converge on Capitol Hill for the annual Strolling Thunder event. Organized by ZERO TO THREE's Think Babies™ campaign, this event aims to amplify the voices of parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers, urging Congress to prioritize policies that support the well-being and development of young children.

What is Strolling Thunder?

Strolling Thunder is a nationwide initiative that brings together families to share their personal stories with policymakers, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development. The event serves as a platform for parents and caregivers to advocate for policies that ensure all children have a strong start in life.

Participants in Strolling Thunder are typically parents or guardians of children under the age of three. These families are selected to represent each state and the District of Columbia, highlighting the diverse experiences and challenges faced by families across the country. The event provides an opportunity for these families to meet with their members of Congress, share their stories, and call for legislative action that supports early childhood development.

Meet Adriana Morales Lemus – Nevada’s Representative at Strolling Thunder 2025

Adriana, a mother of three and a member of the First 5 Nevada Family Leadership Council, was selected to represent Nevada at this year’s event. You can learn more about Adriana and her journey to becoming a parent leader in the January 2025 Parent Spotlight article.

“I decided to participate in this opportunity of Strolling Thunder to advocate for my children and all the children of Nevada and their families who are going through or have gone through the same as us. 

I want to fight for Nevada to be a state where the educational level is high, where education is of quality and inclusive for neurodivergent children, because it is an invisible disability that affects many children and it is vital that they receive the support and therapies they need to succeed and to enhance their capabilities and skills. 

We need the state to provide more support for education and therapies for these children, to train teachers, and to adapt schools to be able to provide them with the education and treatment they deserve and to which they are entitled. 

For me, it has been difficult to obtain information and the necessary support to help my children, and I am struggling for my two-year-old to not go through what his brother experienced.”

The 2025 Event: A Call to Action

The 2025 Strolling Thunder event is scheduled for May 20, with families arriving in Washington, D.C., on May 18. The itinerary includes a training session on May 19 to prepare families for their meetings with lawmakers, followed by the main event on May 20, where families will engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill. The event will conclude on May 21, with families returning home after their advocacy efforts.

During the event, families will participate in meetings with members of Congress and their staff, sharing personal stories that highlight the need for policies supporting early childhood development. These meetings are designed to humanize the issues and provide lawmakers with firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by families.

In addition to the legislative meetings, families will participate in a rally on Capitol Hill, demonstrating solidarity and raising awareness about the importance of investing in the early years. The rally serves as a public display of support for policies that promote good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences.

Supporting Families and Communities

Strolling Thunder is not just about advocating for policy change; it is also about supporting families and communities. ZERO TO THREE provides comprehensive support to participating families, covering travel expenses, arranging accommodations, and offering training to ensure families are well-prepared for their meetings with lawmakers.

The event also emphasizes the importance of community engagement. Families are encouraged to connect with local organizations and advocacy groups to continue their efforts beyond the event. By fostering a network of advocates, Strolling Thunder aims to create a sustained movement that champions the needs of young children and their families.

The Importance of Early Childhood Advocacy

The early years of a child's life are critical for brain development, setting the foundation for future learning and success. However, many families face challenges such as limited access to quality child care, inadequate parental leave policies, and insufficient support for early childhood education. These issues disproportionately affect low-income families and communities of color, exacerbating existing disparities.

Strolling Thunder seeks to address these inequities by advocating for policies that support all families, regardless of their background or circumstances. By bringing families directly to Capitol Hill, the event puts a human face on these issues, compelling lawmakers to take action.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 Strolling Thunder event approaches, the momentum for early childhood advocacy continues to grow. Families, advocates, and policymakers are coming together to ensure that the needs of young children are not overlooked. Through collective action and sustained advocacy, Strolling Thunder aims to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about Strolling Thunder and how to get involved, visit the Think Babies™ website. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Get Involved!

Click here to learn more about getting involved and how you can share your voice to improve programs and services for Nevada’s children and families.