Raising Readers Nashville hosts first policy event
On December 12, 2023, the Raising Readers Nashville Policy Team collaborated with many partners to hold their first advocacy event, focused on the topic of child care access. Held at Riddim N Spice, the invite-only evening event highlighted the expertise and insight of local child care directors, through a panel discussion moderated by Melanie Shinbaum of St. Luke’s Community House. Panelists included Alyssa Garnett-Arno, St Mary Villa Child Development Center; Natalie Jackson, McNeilly Center for Children; Kristie Ryan, Fannie Battle Day School; and Annie Paraison, McNeilly Center for Children / Love Before All.
Other presenters included Leslie Hanson of Equally Created, who highlighted stats around both the lack of access as well economic impact of child care, and Brandon White of United Way of Greater Nashville who created a clear picture around the child care system and the pandemic’s effects on an already delicate system. Rebecca Woods of TQEE presented the 2024 TQEE state-level advocacy priorities, and Megan Godbey of Raising Readers Nashville unveiled new tools and resources the collective will be launching this year. Finally, Denise Costanza with Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Policy Co-Chair presented four practical, actionable advocacy asks to Metro Council members. These approaches were formulated from hours of research, interviews with local child care directors, as well as insight from a variety of state and local sources, including TDHS.
The event was attended by both local Metro Council members as well as state legislators. Raising Readers Nashville partners were on-hand to connect with lawmakers and promote the work of the collective.
