4th Annual Play-In for Climate Action July 13

Moms Clean Air Force is organizing its fourth annual Play-In for Climate Action on Thursday, July 13. This family-friendly advocacy opportunity includes fun climate-themed activities for kids followed by a press conference with lawmakers and advocates for children’s health and the environment.

Now more than ever, it’s crucial that parents who care about clean air and water speak up and show their children how important it is to send a message to lawmakers and corporations that we stand for health – for humans and for the environment.

The event shines light on the intersection of social justice and environmental justice. It gives children a sense of shared community values and the language to talk about these important issues.

Here at Mindful Healthy Life, I’ve been covering this unique event since its inception in 2014. Check out the recaps from the 2015 and 2014 event and my interview with the Virginia mom who came up with the idea for a play-in.

As in past years, the event will take place in Upper Senate Park, a grassy lawn area between Union Station and the Senate Office buildings. There is shade, but attendees are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen.

The Play-In runs 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 13.

Check the official Play-In page at momscleanairforce.org/play-in-climate-action and the Facebook event page for updates to the schedule.

At this writing, the line-up of activities is as follows:

9:30: Welcome to the Land Ceremony with Sebi Medina-Tayac, Casey Camp-Horinek, Shaina Oliver
9:45: Children’s activities for all ages, including: parachute play, hula-hooping, yoga, photo booth, puppet play with Spiral Q, declaration signing and more!
10:00: Musical performance by Laura Tsaggaris

The press conference takes place 10:30-11:00 a.m.

With the impressive backdrop of the U.S. Capitol building, the press conference is a great opportunity for for kids to stand with changemakers and hear them sharing their vision.

This year’s press conference features the following speakers:

Anna Rose Mohr-Almeida, Arizona youth advocate
Victoria Barrett, Our Children’s Trust plaintiff
Aparna Bole, MD, FAAP Pediatrician
Megan Boone, Actress
Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK
Vanessa Hauc, Emmy Award-winning journalist
Casey Camp-Horinek, Native rights activist, environmentalist and actress
Senator Jeff Merkley, D-OR
Joylette Portlock, President and board member of Communitopia
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI

Logistics

Upper Senate Park is between Union Station and the Senate Office buildings at 200 New Jersey Avenue NW.

Union Station is the nearest Metro station and transportation hub. It also has a public garage with hourly and daily rates. Street parking will be very difficult. Organizers highly recommend using public transportation.

Light, healthy snacks and water will be provided. Please register to help organizers to plan. Everyone in the family will get a free Moms Clean Air Force t-shirt.

Portable toilets will be available.

The event will go on rain or shine. The rain location will be Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Registered participants will receive an email if there is to be a location change, and information will be put on social media as well.