Georgia Parents Advocate for Family-Friendly Policies at Capitol

Strolling Thunder event brings over 100 families to share stories and priorities with state legislators

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:55pm

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More than 100 Georgia families gathered at the state capitol for the annual Strolling Thunder event, using the opportunity to share their stories, concerns, and legislative priorities with lawmakers. The event, organized by the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), aims to give parents a direct voice in the policymaking process, focusing on issues like affordable childcare, healthcare access, and support for children with complex medical needs.

Why it matters

This event highlights the growing advocacy efforts by parents in Georgia to influence family-focused legislation. As the state legislature convenes, these parents are making their voices heard on critical issues impacting families, seeking to shape policies that improve access to quality childcare, healthcare, and other resources essential for child wellbeing.

The details

The Strolling Thunder event brought parents from over 20 Georgia cities to the state capitol, allowing them to directly interact with lawmakers and share their personal experiences and priorities. Attendees advocated for a range of issues, including increased funding for childcare scholarships, expanded Medicaid coverage for children with complex medical needs, and better support for working parents struggling with the high costs of childcare.

  • The 9th annual Strolling Thunder event took place on January 29, 2026.
  • The Georgia state legislature is currently in session, prompting parents to advocate for their priorities.

The players

Charnel Ferba

A mother who initially did not plan on having children but is now a passionate advocate for her son Noah and other families in need of support.

Mindy Binderman

The Executive Director of the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), the organization that hosts the annual Strolling Thunder event.

Kateland Kobza

A parent who traveled from Augusta to advocate for early childhood interventions and better healthcare access for children with complex medical needs.

Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS)

A non-profit organization that advocates for policies and programs to support early childhood education and family wellbeing in Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“He's like the best thing I've ever had. I didn't want kids at first. He's been such a blessing. He's taught me so much.”

— Charnel Ferba, Parent (Atlanta News First)

“What I love is watching legislators interact with the babies that are their littlest constituents under the gold dome. We don't see that very often during the legislative session. Truly, kids have a voice today and I think that's so important.”

— Mindy Binderman, Executive Director, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) (Atlanta News First)

“There are kids with medical issues that aren't seen on the surface level and are really medically complex and really expensive and our traditional healthcare system isn't set up for it. They really need expanded access to Medicaid.”

— Kateland Kobza, Parent (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

GEEARS plans to continue advocating for its legislative priorities during the current Georgia state legislative session, including securing funding for childcare scholarships and expanding home visiting programs.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the growing power of parent advocacy in shaping family-focused policies in Georgia. By bringing their personal stories and concerns directly to lawmakers, these parents are ensuring that the needs of children and families remain central to the legislative agenda.