Lobby Day Planned for March 11 — and We Need You!

Join Adoption Network Cleveland in Columbus on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, for Lobby Day. Together, we can help shape policies that directly impact adoptees, families, and the broader child welfare community.

Each year, Adoption Network Cleveland staff and volunteers travel to the Ohio Statehouse to meet with state representatives and senators—both new and long-serving—to advocate for policies that reflect lived experience, ethical practice, and long-term support. We are excited to announce that Wednesday, March 11 is our official 2026 Lobby Day, and we hope you will be part of it.

What Volunteers Will Do

Volunteers will work in small teams to:

• Meet with legislators and their staff
• Advocate for Adoption Network Cleveland’s public policy priorities
• Share materials and provide a memorable, attention‑getting branded candy jar

No prior advocacy experience is required.

Why Volunteer?

Lobby Day is a powerful opportunity to:

• Make your voice heard on issues that matter
• Learn how state government works
• Build advocacy and leadership skills
• Add public policy advocacy experience to your resume

We need 30 or more volunteers in Columbus to make a strong impact.

Flexible Volunteer Shifts

We are offering two volunteer shifts this year (times include lunch):

• Morning shift: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Afternoon shift: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Lunch will be provided, and carpooling may be available for those who need transportation.

New to Advocacy? We’ve Got You Covered.

Feeling unsure about what to say? Don’t worry. Adoption Network Cleveland will provide:

• Advocacy training
• Clear talking points on key issues
• Team‑based meetings (groups of two or three volunteers)

You’ll never be advocating alone.

Can’t Travel to Columbus?

There are still ways to help. We also need volunteers to assist with pre‑event preparations leading up to Lobby Day.

How to Sign Up

If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please email Public Policy Committee Chair and board member Kirsten Simonton at kirsten.simonton@gmail.com, copying Betsie Norris at betsie.norris@adoptionnetwork.org, by Friday, January 23.

Once you sign up, we’ll follow up with next steps and details.

Why Lobby Day Matters

Lobby Day provides a unique and effective way to discuss real‑world issues with the people who have the power to address them. The 136th Ohio General Assembly is well underway, and it is essential that adoptees’ and families’ voices are heard.

Advocacy works. During our 2012 Lobby Day, a meeting with the staff of then‑State Senator Bill Beagle sparked interest that led to Ohio Senate Bill 23, which passed in 2013 and restored access to original birth records for more than 400,000 Ohio adoptees.

Our 2025 Lobby Day was also a tremendous success, with volunteers meeting in person with over 65 House and Senate offices. In 2026, we aim to meet—or exceed—that reach.

Our Public Policy Focus

During Lobby Day 2026, advocacy will center on key elements of our Public Policy Agenda, including:

• Promoting ethical and equitable practices in adoption and child welfare
• Supporting and preserving sibling connections
• Advancing policies that improve outcomes for adoptees and families across the lifespan

Be Part of the Impact

This is a meaningful way to get involved, learn new skills, and make a tangible difference. Training is provided, and your time and talent can help strengthen our collective voice.

To reach more legislators and create lasting impact, we need YOU.

Please sign up by Friday, January 23, and join us for Lobby Day on March 11, 2026.