Advocate for Early Childhood at the Minnesota State Fair

After you zip down the giant slide and in between your fair food checklist, take a moment to engage with policymakers about early childhood. The Minnesota State Fair is a unique opportunity to connect with elected officials because so many of them have a presence on the fairgrounds.If candidates hear from many people that quality child care is a top priority, that can make a difference in what their priorities are. Take this opportunity to make some noise so that they can?t say they haven?t heard about it!It?s not that hard! Keep it simple and ask what they know about child care or what they plan to do to improve it. For example:

• What have you heard about access to child care in our community?
• What will you do in your role to address access to affordable quality child care?

Or, create your own message! This is a great opportunity to share your personal story for advocacy.

Connect with CandidatesMany candidates spend time at the fair, spreading their message and connecting with constituents. While some candidates have a separate booth, many others are represented at their party booths. Below are the parties, candidates, elected officials and their locations.Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL)Northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave & Cooper StRepublican Party of MinnesotaSouth side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streetsIndependence Party of MinnesotaSouth side of Dan Patch Ave between Nelson & Underwood streetsGrassroots Party-Legalize CannabisIn the Grandstand, lower level, northeast sectionLibertarian Party of MinnesotaWest side of Nelson St between Carnes & Judson avenuesSenator Amy KlobucharNorth side of Judson Ave between Nelson & Underwood StreetsRobert F. Kennedy Jr. Presidential CampaignEast side of Cooper St. Between Wright & Dan Patch avenuesWhat can you do at these booths?

• If you?re interested in what the party stands for, ask them about their values.
• Find out which candidates from the party are running in your area.
• Ask why you should vote for those candidates.
• Ask them where they stand on issues that matter to you.?Share your story.
• Sign up for a mailing list or to volunteer.
• Make a donation or purchase items to advertise for candidates you support.

Learn About Minnesota Offices and Officials

Several state offices have booths at the fair. They have resources about what their offices do and how to engage with them. Stop in for a moment as you make your way through the Education Building and Grandstand.Minnesota State SenateIn the Education Building, east wallMinnesota House of RepresentativesIn the Education Building, east wallMinnesota Judicial BranchIn the Education Building, center sectionMinnesota Attorney General?s OfficeIn the Education Building, southeast sectionMinnesota Secretary of StateIn the Grandstand, lower level, northeast sectionWhat can you do at these booths?

• Fill out the opinion poll. Both the House and Senate have a survey with timely policy questions.
• Ask questions about the legislative or judicial process.
• Get your very own Capitol Dome Hat.
• Learn how to stay informed about what is happening at the Capitol.
• Talk with a legislator. They volunteer at the booths during the fair.
• Find information about voting and elections. Register to vote.? (Secretary of State)
• Pick up copies of consumer guides on a variety of topics. (Attorney General)
• Ask about the roles of these offices.

Explore Issues that Matter to You

If you see a cause that catches your eye, stop and ask for more information. The fair is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what is going on in your community and around the state. Check out the?Fair Finder?for more information about causes by category.Make your PlanCandidates often appear on radio and television shows during the State Fair run. Keep your eyes and ears open for information about where and when to see them.?While many exhibits run for all 12 days of the fair, some are more fleeting. Check the?daily schedule?before you go to find out if there are any special appearances you want to see.There will still be plenty of time for eating, riding, and biggest-boar viewing. But on this visit to the fair, make a little time to learn about the many people in government who represent you, and help spread the word that quality early care and education is on your priority list.By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Staff Leader