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6.01.2026

Strolling Thunder 2026- Lifting Up the Voices of Babies and Families

On June 9, 2026, families from across the country will gather—both in Washington, D.C., and virtually—for Strolling Thunder™, a national advocacy event led by ZERO TO THREE’s Think Babies™ campaign. This annual event brings together one family from every state and the District of Columbia to share their stories directly with members of Congress and call for policies that support babies and toddlers during the most critical years of development. 

At its heart, Strolling Thunder is built on a simple truth: babies can’t advocate for themselves—but families can. Infants and toddlers don’t vote or call elected officials, yet the policies created today will shape their health, development, and future opportunities. 

Why Strolling Thunder Matters

The first three years of life are a period of rapid brain development and growth, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. However, many families face significant challenges during these early years—from finding affordable child care to accessing health care or taking time off after the birth of a child. 

Strolling Thunder gives families a platform to highlight these real-life experiences. Through meetings with lawmakers and participation in a national rally, families help ensure that policymakers understand what it truly takes to raise a baby in today’s world. 

The event focuses on advancing policies that strengthen families and give babies the best possible start, including:

• Access to high-quality, affordable child care
• Paid family and medical leave so parents can care for their children
• Investments in programs like Early Head Start
• Support for infant and early childhood mental health
• Policies that promote economic security for families 

These are not abstract policy goals—they are everyday needs for families across Nevada and the nation.

A National Movement for Babies

Strolling Thunder is more than a single day of advocacy. It is part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure that babies and families are a national priority. Families selected to participate partner with ZERO TO THREE for a full year, building advocacy skills and continuing to share their experiences to shape policy decisions. 

Since its launch, the event has connected parents and caregivers directly with members of Congress, creating meaningful conversations and putting a human face on policy decisions. Families from all 50 states bring diverse perspectives but share a common goal: ensuring that every baby has the opportunity to thrive. 

Nevada’s Voice in 2026 – Meet Vanessa and Theo

Each year, a Nevada family is selected to represent the state and share their story on a national stage—highlighting both the successes and the challenges faced by families raising young children in Nevada.

Vanessa Helfrick Paulus and her son Theo will be representing Nevada this year! 

I applied for Strolling Thunder because I felt the need to share my experience navigating child care and be a voice for babies and families in Nevada. Without access to quality, affordable childcare, I have personally had to scale back my hours at work, which has impacted my family's finances and my career trajectory. This is not for lack of trying. Theo has been on the waitlist at several childcare centers since I was pregnant with him, some costing upwards of $19,000 per year, and it still took years for him to get a full-time spot.

The average cost of childcare in our state is over $13,000 per child per year. I am lucky that we are able to pay this expense, unlike the majority of families in Nevada, though the significant cost still impacts my family. Families in our state are making the tough decision every day on whether they can maintain their employment, have a safe place for their children while they work, and still pay the bills and keep food on the table. No family should have to make these choices. I believe our government needs to act and prioritize the wellbeing of all children and families, not only in Nevada, but throughout our country.

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with my members of Congress and share what working families in Nevada are up against.

Making an Impact for Families

Events like Strolling Thunder remind us that policy decisions are deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family navigating child care waitlists, balancing work and caregiving, or seeking services to support their child’s healthy development.

By sharing their stories, families help lawmakers see beyond numbers and better understand the real impact of their decisions. This kind of advocacy is critical to building a future where all babies—no matter their zip code—have access to the resources and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

As Strolling Thunder marks another year of advocacy, the message remains clear:It’s time to listen to families. It’s time to invest in babies. And it’s time to ensure every child has a strong start in life.

Click here to learn more about Strolling Thunder and how you can get involved.