Advocacy in Action: ICM’s 14th Annual Day at the Capitol Brings Youth and Leaders Together

February 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA

On a crisp February morning, the halls of Trinity United Methodist Church buzzed with energy as young advocates, faith leaders, and community members gathered for the 14th Annual Interfaith Children’s Movement (ICM) Day at the Capitol. The mission? To amplify the voices of Georgia’s children, engage with policymakers, and advocate for policies that uplift families across the state.

Equipping the Next Generation of Advocates

The day began with an advocacy workshop at Trinity UMC, where youth (ages 11+) and adults alike learned the power of storytelling, policy engagement, and community action. Passionate speakers shared insights on how personal experiences and grassroots efforts shape legislation. The message was clear: change begins with informed and empowered voices.

One of the most inspiring moments was hearing from young leaders who bravely spoke about the challenges facing Georgia’s children—from education inequities to food security and child welfare. Watching them step into their roles as advocates, ready to address policymakers, was a reminder of why these conversations matter.

A Walk to the Capitol, A Message to Legislators

From Trinity UMC, the group made their way to the Georgia State Capitol, carrying not just their hopes but also "Have a Heart" bags, filled with heartfelt messages and symbolic gifts for legislators. These bags weren’t just tokens—they represented the collective voice of every child in Georgia who deserves a future filled with opportunity and justice.

Inside the Capitol, attendees met with lawmakers to discuss the pressing issues affecting Georgia’s children and families. The conversations were powerful, emotional, and necessary. Legislators listened as youth and community members shared real stories—stories of resilience, need, and the impact of policy decisions on daily life.

Building Bridges, Inspiring Change

Over a shared lunch, the energy in the room was undeniable. Connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and a movement was strengthened. What stood out most was the genuine commitment from both advocates and legislators to work toward solutions that create a brighter future for Georgia’s kids.

By the time the day wrapped up, it was clear that this was more than just an event—it was a moment of transformation for everyone involved. For some youth, it was their first experience in civic engagement. For seasoned advocates, it was a reaffirmation that change happens when voices come together, stories are told, and action is taken.

Why This Matters

ICM’s Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder that advocacy is not just about policies—it’s about people. It’s about the students, families, and communities who refuse to be silent in the fight for justice.

At Community in Focus, we are committed to telling these stories, capturing these moments, and ensuring that the impact of events like these extends far beyond the day itself. Because when communities unite for change, the ripple effect is limitless.

📸 Check out moments from the event below!

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💬 Were you at ICM’s Day at the Capitol? Share your experience in the comments below!