Guardian ad Litem Day at the Capitol

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 and
Thursday, February 9, 2012

Guardian ad Litem Day at the Capitol, sponsored by Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, is a fun and unique event that brings volunteers, members of the community and legislators together to discuss and expand awareness of the needs of Florida's dependent children as well as honor the achievements of the program.

Guest speakers and the public alike will have an opportunity to remind our Senators and Representatives of the importance of keeping the program funded and help rally support for the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office's goal to have guardian ad litem representation for all dependent children in the next five years.

UPDATE 2012-02-12: Read our GAL Day 2012 Event Report and view our photograph set.

You will be able to learn more about the legislative process; meet and talk to volunteer guardians ad litem and program staff—as well as child welfare professionals, board members and non-profit organizations—from across the state; and address your questions, comments and concerns directly to elected officials.

Even if you cannot attend, we will be live tweeting from the Capitol on Thursday—using the #GALday hashtag—and taking photographs for our new Flickr gallery. Following us on Twitter is a quick and easy way to get our latest news and updates.

Mark your calendars and RSVP now for this exciting event. We hope to see you there!

Schedule of Events

Pre-GAL Day training events start on Wednesday, February 8 at the First District Court of Appeal. GAL Day at the Capitol follows on Thursday, February 9. The following tentative schedule of GAL Day 2012 events is subject to change. All events are free of charge.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the First District Court of Appeal
  • 12:00 – 1:45 PM — Volunteer and Non-Profit Training
    Michael Piraino on the NCASA branding campaign
  • 1:45 – 2:00 PM — Break
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM — Volunteer Training
    Homelessness
  • 3:00 – 4:00 PM — Volunteer Training
    Bonnie Marmor and June Lashbrook on the A Voice Heard initiative
  • 2:00 – 4:00 PM — Non-Profit Training
    Marguerite Foxon on current issues facing non-profit organizations
  • 4:00 – 5:30 PM — Break
  • 5:30 – 7:30 PM — Guardian ad Litem Reception
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Capitol
  • 8:00 – 8:30 AM — Legislative Briefing and Breakfast on the 22nd Floor
  • 8:30 – 11:45 AM — Legislative Meetings and Session
  • 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM — Break
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Keynote Speakers on the 22nd Floor
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM — Luncheon on the 22nd Floor
    provided by Catering by Judy
  • 2:00 – 5:00 PM — Legislative Meetings and Session

Parking

Since the Legislature is in session, public parking at or near the Capitol can be difficult to find. Two alternatives are available to GAL Day 2012 participants.

  1. Shuttle — park at the Courtyard Marriott, 1018 Apalachee Parkway Icon: Map
  2. House or Senate Van — park at Governor's Square Mall, 1500 Apalachee Parkway Icon: Map
Icon: Calendar Link Events Summary Event Summary