Raising Our Voices: Standing Our Ground & Advancing Policy

Join us for a fall event on October 14, 2026 from 12-1pm CT!

On October 14th, Raising Illinois is bringing the coalition together for a conversation centered on how we can keep advancing towards progress despite ongoing federal threats. Join us for a rich discussion on the federal and state policy priorities affecting infants, toddlers and expecting families in Illinois.

During this event you will:

Explore what proposed changes to Head Start could mean for maternal health, home visiting, mental health, and infant and toddler childcare, including implications for the quality, consistency and accessibility of these critical services.
Learn more about the work in Illinois and the state budget priorities that can strengthen support for young children and families, with a focus on childcare assistance, early intervention, home visiting and other essential programs and systems.
Find out how you can take action this year to support Illinois' youngest learners and the workforce that supports them

"There's been a lot of talk about the importance of streamlining the processes...Not only is that streamlining taking place, but it's also been a really unique opportunity that I don't think would have happened had we not created a new department to look at all of the legislation surrounding the governing of early childhood programs."

-State Representative Laura Faver Dias

Other Events From Raising Illinois

Haven't joined us before? Check out our event Raising Our Voices: This Year's Progress & The Road Ahead!

Raising Illinois brought the coalition together for a conversation centered on the Spring 2026 Legislative Session and our plans for 2027. Panelists discussed what moved forward in the spring 2026 session for infants, toddlers and expecting families, along with updates on IDEC ahead of the department's official launch in July 2026.

Check it Out!

Community Conversation Toolkit

Resources created for your community to come together and discuss solutions to challenges families with infants and toddlers are facing today.

Raising Illinois invites you to bring together diverse individuals within your community and discuss the needs of infants, toddlers and expecting families in your area as well as steps that can and should be taken to strengthen your community's early childhood system.

Community Conversations can take many shapes and forms depending on who you invite and the size of your community. It is the conversation that is critical – not the format, size or location. To help get your planning started, Raising Illinois has created a handful of helpful resources.

Learn More