1,000 Families United for Head Start in our Nation’s Capital

by Olivia Burlingame Goumbri

“I was there for my kids for today, tomorrow and beyond!” said Rich Gutierrez Torres, a proud father who traveled all the way from Indiana to Washington, D.C, to tell his family’s story to Congress.

Torres joined more than a thousand Head Start parents, staff and alumni at NHSA’s Families Unite for Head Start Hill Day and Spirit Rally in September on Capitol Hill. Their aim was to ensure that those who represent them in Washington hear firsthand about the trajectory of success their families are on thanks to Head Start.

The Head Start advocates started the day by gathering in a park just steps from the U.S.Capitol Building to hear from both political and entertainment figures committed to early childhood development. Whoopi Goldberg, whose mother was a Head Start teacher, appeared in a video earlier in the day to share her support and rally the crowd.

Head Start’s Child Literacy Ambassador, actor and author Taye Diggs, tweeted, “Love seeing all the #FamiliesUnite out in DC for @NatlHeadStart. Wish I could have been with you!” And more than a half dozen members of Congress stopped by and rallied the crowd , showing that Head Start has support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

After getting fired up at the spirit rally, the parents, staff and alumni hit the halls of Congress to share their personal stories in face-to-face meetings with their elected representatives. The Head Start parents told heartfelt stories about the difference Head Start had made in their child’s educational, social and emotional development. They also explained how they were empowered to play a meaningful role in their child’s development and overall success through the program’s emphasis on local design and its two-generational approach. The advocates also spoke about the positive impact Head Start had on their broader communities, from creating jobs to disrupting the cycle of poverty for parents. The bottom line, these advocates said, was that their Senators and Representatives needed to increase funding for Head Start so even more children, families, and communities could thrive.

For many parents attending the Hill Day and Spirit Rally , this was their first trip to Washington, D.C., let alone speaking with an elected official. As a former Head Start parent myself, I know the sacrifices they made just to be away from their families and other responsibilities for a few days. However, it was inspiring and profoundly moving to witness these Head Start parents’ leadership skills grow and watch them engage with public officials who can directly impact their children’s futures. With the continuation of NHSA’s Families Unite for Head Start Campaign in 2018, parents will have many more opportunities to continue developing into leaders and advocates for their children! I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Olivia Burlingame Goumbri is the Director of Advocacy for the National Head Start Association.