2011 Children's Week Schedule of Events
'Hanging of the Hands'
Sunday, April 3, 2011 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Capitol Rotunda
Hundreds of volunteers from across the state will hang over 100,000 paper cut-outs of children's hands. Dozens of non-profit organizations will set up educational and activity booths in the Capitol Rotunda for the entire week.
Children's Week Community Innovation Awards Luncheon
presented by United Way of Florida
Monday, April 4, 2011 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. University Center Club
Policy members, elected officials and community leaders will come together to recognize collaborative efforts in communities statewide.
Advocacy Training
Monday, April 4, 2011 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. University Center Club
This workshop is a legislative advocacy presentation designed to teach how to effectively communicate with legislators and policymakers. After the presentation a Republican and a Democratic representative will share their point of view. There will also be a question and answer portion at the end.
Advocacy Dinner & Reception
Monday, April 4, 2011 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. University Center Club
More than 350 Children's Week Partners, advocates, policy makers and elected officials attend the networking dinner and reception. The winner of the 2011 Chiles Advocacy Award will be announced.
Children’s Capitol for a Day Presented by Comcast
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. State Capitol Courtyard
More than 80 interactive non-profit children’s activity booths are set up throughout Capitol Courtyard and Rotunda to provide interactive activities and information regarding children’s programs in Florida.
Children’s Week Press Conference and Hanging of the Hands Dedication Ceremony
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:30 a.m. State Capitol Courtyard
The Hanging of the Hands artwork display will be dedicated to the 2011 Florida Legislature. Nemours will announce the total number of steps walked for children's issues during the Florida Legislative Session. The official "Children’s Capitol for a Day" will be announced with a signed proclamation from Governor Crist.
Guided Tours of the Capitol
Monday - Wednesday, April 4-6, 2011 New and Old Capitol buildings
Bring your family, class or organization to the Capitol during Children’s Week and enjoy guided tours of the old and new Capitol buildings. Groups will tour the Florida State Capitol buildings during Legislative Session and learn more about Florida government, civics and state history. Tours last between 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and provide a 'live classroom' for youth and adults to learn about Florida politics and civics. Please e-mail total number of participants, contact information and preferred date/time.
Old Capitol Museum tours are available the following times:
Monday, April 4 - 10 a.m., 11 a.m.
Tuesday, April 5 - 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6 - 10 a.m., 11 a.m.
New Capitol tours are available the following times:
Monday, April 4 - 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5 - 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6 - 10 a.m., 11 a.m.
Please contact the Guided Tour Coordinator at info@childrensweek.org to reserve your guided tour of the Florida State Capitol.
Legislative Reading Corner Presented by the Pearson Foundation
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. State Capitol Courtyard
Dozens of Florida Legislators will read to children throughout the day. The Pearson Foundation will provide free books to all children that participate. If your school or class would like to participate, please RSVP to info@childrensweek.org. Please send total number of children, main contact information and preferred date/time.
"Kids Only" Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tallahassee City Hall, Commission Chambers
Selected student panelists will ask important questions to the Children & Youth Cabinet regarding the future of Florida’s children. It will be filmed for statewide broadcast on The Florida Channel.
Children’s Week Luncheon
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. State Capitol Courtyard
Thousands of attendees will receive complimentary healthy boxed lunches. Lunches are provided on a first come, first served basis. Advanced lunch reservations are accepted for large classes or groups traveling to Tallahassee. To request complimentary lunches, please send RSVP to info@childrensweek.org.
Youth Advocacy Workshop
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tallahassee City Hall, Commission Chambers
Created by youth for youth, this fun and interactive advocacy workshop is for students of all ages who want to learn more about how to they can make a difference in their communities. Students will have fun learning with members of Florida Youth SHINE and become effective advocates at the same time. Want to learn how to get your point across? Wish adults would hear what you had to say on important issues? Join Florida Youth SHINE’s workshop and you’ll learn how your voice can serve as a voice for all youth on any topic that is important to you. Students and teachers can RSVP for the workshop by e-mailing their contact information and the number of students attending to info@childrensweek.org. Seating is limited, please RSVP early!
Department of Juvenile Justice: Youth Success Day
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. State Capitol
This day will highlight youth who have been served by the Dept. of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation and the countless service providers, who have gone on to be successful. There will be a press conference, exhibitors and other activities as well.
For more information regarding the events listed above, please see the Children’s Capitol for a Day page.
