| WEDNESDAYS IN WASHINGTON® GRANDRALLY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER RELATIVES RAISING CHILDREN Washington, D.C. What is the GrandRally? The second GrandRally was attended by 1000 grandparents, relative caregivers and advocates from 41 states and the District of Columbia. We expect the 2008 GrandRally to attract an even larger number of participants and we know we will continue to build upon the success of previous GrandRally’s in building awareness and creating momentum. This year’s GrandRally is sponsored by AARP, Child Welfare League of America, Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Generations United (GU), GrandFamilies of America, and National Committee of Grandparents for Children’s Rights (NCGCR). When and where is the GrandRally? The GrandRally will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. On the West Grassy Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Who should participate in the GrandRally? Grandparent and other relative caregivers and all those who support them and their children are welcome to the GrandRally. We ask each person who plans to attend to register for the event either online at www.grandrally.org, by email at grandrally@childrensdefense.org, or by phone at (202) 662-3568. This will help us anticipate how many participants to expect and plan accordingly. To register, we will need your name, the name of each person in your group, and each person’s complete contact information. There is no fee to register. Everyone who registers will get a registration packet that includes information to help you prepare for your trip to Washington, D.C. Please include an email address, if you have one, so we can send you the registration packet and other updates and materials. We will also continue to update the GrandRally website with new information as the date of the GrandRally approaches. What will happen at the GrandRally? Members of Congress and other friends of children and caregivers. After the formal program, caregivers will have the opportunity to meet with their own Senators and Representatives to share facts about children being raised by relatives in their states and districts and the help they need. A reception will follow the visits. How do I set up meetings with my members of Congress? After the Rally, participants are encouraged to visit with their Senators and Representative to speak about the needs of children and kinship care families. Appointments with Members of Congress and congressional staff should be made in April in advance of your visit. More information about your congressional representatives and how to coordinate your visits with other caregivers from your state will be available on the GrandRally website (www.grandrally.org). You can also contact GrandRally staff at (202) 662-3568 or grandrally@childrensdefense.org. The sponsoring organizations will provide free trainings to help you prepare for your congressional visits. They will give you tips on how to communicate effectively with members of Congress and legislative staff. More information on these trainings will be available in March. How do I help organize a group of caregivers in my state to come to the GrandRally? You can start by sharing the information and flier available on the GrandRally website or by contacting GrandRally staff. Share this information as broadly as possible with others in your community who may be interested. Check www.grandrally.org for a list of individuals in states who have already agreed to serve as a contact and help organize groups in their areas. We encourage you to work with these organizers in order to coordinate your efforts. If you are interested in organizing a bus to bring caregivers from your city and have further questions, please e-mail grandrally@childrensdefense.org or call (202) 662-3568, and we will be happy to get back to you with organizing tips and other helpful information. Tommie Beck http://www.grandparentsforchildrentx.org/2005GrandRally.html Lola Bailey, President National Committee of Grandparents For Children's Rights National Director www.GrandparentsForChildren.Org 866-624-9900 Toll Free 304-652-4587 Home |
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