Frequently Asked Questions

I submitted my interest form. Now what?

Thank you for taking the time to share your information with us! We’ll be in touch with you via email in March to let you know if you are selected to participate in Strolling Thunder™ 2026. If selected, you will be connected with a ZERO TO THREE staff member who will answer all your questions and get you started on your journey with us. 

Who will meet with their Members of Congress?

We will select one family with at least one child age 0-3 from each state and Washington, DC to participate in Strolling Thunder 2026. All selected families will meet with their Members of Congress in June. Some will travel to Washington, DC to participate in those meetings and some will do so virtually, depending on your state.  

Your story matters, whether you become a Strolling Thunder family or not. Our babies need every voice, including yours! Look out for opportunities on our application form to get and stay involved even beyond Strolling Thunder, using your voice to push for the policies babies and their families need to thrive.  

When are Strolling Thunder 2026 Congressional meetings?

In-person meetings with Congress will take place on June 9, 2026. Virtual meetings will take place on June 16, 2026.  

How do I know if I am expected to travel to Washington, DC or participate virtually for meetings with Members of Congress?

When you enter your state on the application, it will indicate if your meeting will be held in-person or virtually. 

Participation format is determined by state, so families cannot choose their format. Both in-person and virtual roles are equally important and impactful. 

What does it mean to be a Strolling Thunder family?

Strolling Thunder is a journey, focused on creating change for babies, and rooted in an understanding of how to be an effective champion for change. Kicking off with June 2026 Congressional visits, Strolling Thunder families will partner with ZERO TO THREE for a year of being Big Voices for Little Kids. ZERO TO THREE will help you grow your skills (that last a lifetime!) and provide extensive support and opportunities for action, geared to you, your interests, and your availability. 

Strolling Thunder is an opportunity for families who want better things for their babies to partner with ZERO TO THREE to share your stories to push for the policies and programs that babies need; to develop relationships with your policymakers, their staff, and other advocates; and to build skills in advocacy that will serve you throughout your child’s life (and yours!).  

Selected families will meet advocates from all over the country and receive extensive training and real-time support, including training in storytelling, social media, and media. Families will  be connected with key opportunities to influence policy. We will look for ways for you to share your experiences and support you in the opportunities that make sense for you and work with you to build skills to be a lifelong advocate for babies.    

Is any experience necessary?

No! Families who are raising young children are the experts in what their babies need and are our best messengers to help Congress understand how important it is to support them. Throughout this process, we will provide tips and training to help you share your story, as well as connect you with Strolling Thunder alumni. We will attend your Congressional meetings with you and walk you through other actions and activities. But your stories – in your own words – will be the most powerful tool.  

Tell me more about those meetings!  Will I really be meeting with Members of Congress?

That’s the plan! Our team will work to schedule each family for three meetings: one with each of your three policymakers in Congress. Sometimes you’ll meet a Member of Congress. You will likely also meet with members of their staff, who are key advisors. All of these meetings are equally important.  

Will I schedule my own meetings with Members of Congress?

No. We’ve got that covered. ZERO TO THREE will schedule all meetings for you based on your Members of Congress’ availability.   

What am I expected to talk about with my Member of Congress?  

You’ll share your personal story as a parent or caregiver, including what’s working for your family, what’s been challenging, and how specific policies and programs affect your baby or toddler’s day-to-day life. This might include experiences related to good health, strong families, and early learning, and/or other supports your family needs. 

You don’t need to be a policy expert or prepare a speech. ZERO TO THREE will provide support to help you feel confident and prepared, and we’ll work with you to connect your story to the issues your Member of Congress cares about most. 

What preparation will I receive to meet with my Member of Congress?

ZERO TO THREE provides comprehensive preparation and ongoing support so you feel confident and ready. This includes training sessions, storytelling guidance, webinars, and one-on-one coaching with our staff. 

We’ll help you shape your story, understand what to expect in a meeting with a Member of Congress, and practice sharing your story in a way that feels authentic to you. Your personal experience as a parent or caregiver is what will make the biggest impact. 

What is the schedule for meetings with Congress?

When you mix babies and Congress together, the name of the game is flexibility! We hope that all families selected will be able to participate in the meetings, which can be any time from 9am-5pm. You will also participate in training sessions the day prior. But we know that sometimes, babies have their own plans. That’s okay! The same goes for Members of Congress. We respect the important work they do and know their schedules are rapidly changing. Our team will set up meetings and modify as needed.  

What if I’m not currently active on social media?

That’s okay! What better reason to start posting than to tell your Members of Congress why they need to #ThinkBabies? As part of Strolling Thunder, we ask that participants actively share their experiences on social media. Whether you prefer Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, or another platform, we need your help to share the Think Babies message before, during, and after the event, and we will help you build the skills to do so effectively.   

What does a year of being a Strolling Thunder family look like?

Strolling Thunder is a year long commitment – and hopefully longer – to allow you to  Be a Big Voice for Little Kids™. After your meetings with Members of Congress, you’ll stay engaged with ZERO TO THREE for at least one year, with opportunities to share your story and influence policy that fit your availability and interests. And, of course, we’ll provide ongoing training and support. You will also become a part of our community of Strolling Thunder alumni families who continue to raise their voices for infants and toddlers in their state and across the country.  

Your year as a Strolling Thunder family will be customized to you and your interests. Examples might include calling your Members of Congress’ office, visiting your Members of Congress in their district and state offices, attending virtual meetings or trainings, sharing your story, emailing or calling Members of Congress, partnering with your fellow parents, writing to your local newspaper, planning and participating in family-led activities in your community, talking with the media and more! Our team will be there to support you along the way, and we will work with you to identify ways to stay involved that feel manageable, meaningful, and aligned with your family’s experiences. 

VIRTUAL 

What is the event schedule?

Here is roughly what to expect for the meetings with Congressmembers. 

MONDAY, JUNE 15

We will hold training sessions to get you ready for your meetings, go through meeting details, and give you a chance to practice with other families.  

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

Families will participate in a virtual group event and meet with Members of Congress and their staff throughout the day. 

Do virtual families need special technology or equipment?

Families will need access to a phone or internet-connected device. ZERO TO THREE will provide guidance and support to help families prepare for virtual meetings. 

IN-PERSON  

What is the event schedule?

Here is roughly what to expect during your stay in D.C. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Families arrive in Washington, D.C.  

MONDAY, JUNE 8

We will hold in-person training sessions to get you ready for your meetings, go through event details, and give you a chance to meet other families. There will be breaks and free time with your family. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Morning and afternoon: Families will meet with Members of Congress and their staff. Families will also participate in an in-person group event (with strollers!) on Capitol Hill.   

Evening: Families will gather for dinner at the hotel to debrief and celebrate!   

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Families will travel home.  

What technology or equipment will I need to participate?

You will need reliable access to basic technology to take part in required training activities before your meetings with Congress. This includes a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and reliable internet access. You’ll also need an email address to receive communications from ZERO TO THREE. 

These tools are necessary to participate in virtual trainings, webinars, and phone calls with ZERO TO THREE staff leading up to the event, as well as to participate in virtual meetings. 

Who is responsible for travel costs?

For families traveling to Washington, D.C. for in-person meetings with their Members of Congress, ZERO TO THREE will cover travel, hotel, and meals for each child up three years old (as of June 9, 2026), one parent/caregiver, and one adult travel companion (such as a co-parent, family member, or caregiver) to provide additional support during the trip. We will work with each family to book travel, coordinate logistics, provide meals, and more. We are mindful of what it means to travel with a child and will work closely with each family to ensure you have the information you need to make the trip as smooth as possible.    

If you are interested in bringing additional family members or extending your travels, you must cover those costs and make those arrangements.  

Can I bring other family members or children to DC with me?

Yes, you are welcome to bring other members of your family, including children who are outside of the 0-3 range, but families will be responsible for those costs. 

Will I book my own travel?

ZERO TO THREE, with the help of a travel agency, will book travel for families selected to participate in in-person meetings with their Members of Congress as a part of Strolling Thunder – including you, your child(ren) up to age three (as of June 9, 2026) and your adult travel companion. Our travel agents will work directly with you to be sure we book an itinerary that works for your family and our event schedule.   

Will I need to bring some sort of ID for my child?   

Airlines often require you to present proof of age (such as a copy of a birth certificate) for any children traveling with you. We suggest you bring a copy of the birth certificate for your child on your trip.   

Will the hotel and itinerary be baby-friendly?

ZERO TO THREE will work closely with each family selected to travel to Washington, D.C. to make sure that you and your child(ren) are comfortable during your stay in DC. For example, we can provide a pack-n-play at the hotel, age-appropriate snacks (with food allergies in mind), and information on where to eat in between visits with your Members of Congress. While meetings will be flexible to the schedules of policymakers, we hope families are comfortable caring for their babies the way they need to during meetings, including allowing them to sleep, eat, or even cry. Prior to your trip, you’ll talk with a ZERO TO THREE liaison who will help you coordinate travel, prepare for your visit, and answer any questions.   

I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate those?

Yes! For families traveling to Washington, D.C., we can accommodate most dietary restrictions for any meals that are a part of our program, just let our staff know prior to your trip. 

What if I want to extend my stay in Washington, DC?

That is fine! Families will be responsible for any travel or hotel arrangements and costs beyond those provided to each participant for June 7-10, 2026.