Advocacy

A Strong Start Strengthens Michigan

The first years of life — beginning in pregnancy and extending through early childhood — shape the foundation for how we learn, cope, connect, and thrive.

Babies grow in the context of their relationships.
When parents and caregivers feel supported, connected, and confident, children develop the social and emotional foundation they need for school, relationships, and lifelong well-being.

Michigan has a strong foundation.
Across our state, families, communities, and professionals are working every day to nurture safe, stable, and loving early relationships.

But we also know this work takes time, skill, and support.
Caregivers, child-care providers, home visitors, and pediatric teams need space, guidance, and community to show up at their best — especially during stressful times.

That is the heart of Perinatal, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health.
It is a way of supporting the adults around babies so that babies can thrive.

MI-AIMH
Strengthening the workforce that strengthens families.

3rd Annual Michigan Infant Mental Health Capitol Day

Centering Babies, Building Systems
Perinatal, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Across Every Sector
October 30, 2025 • Lansing, Michigan

We gather shortly after Michigan’s Celebrate Babies Week to:

Honor families and caregivers
Recognize what is working in Michigan right now
Elevate the voices of those closest to the work
Highlight smart, grounded investments that strengthen early relationships

This is a bipartisan, solutions-focused space for:
Parents • Early childhood professionals • Community health workers • Pediatric and primary care providers • Policymakers • Legislators • System leaders • Concerned Michiganders

Click for more details and registration!

Why This Matters

The earliest relationships lay the groundwork for:

Emotional safety and stress regulation
Curiosity, attention, and readiness to learn
Family stability and community well-being
Workforce participation and long-term health

When the adults around babies feel supported — especially during pregnancy and the early years — children flourish.

This is prevention.
This is smart investment.
This is how Michigan builds a strong future.

Resources for Legislators & Policy Partners

Early Mental Health comprehensive family services resources for state representatives and senators

These tools highlight what is working in Michigan right now and where strategic, steady investment can continue to strengthen families and communities:

• Michigan’s Perinatal, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Overview

• Consultation Support for Child Care and Early Learning Programs

• Psychiatric Consultation Support for Primary Care and OB Providers

• Family Voice Stories Across Michigan

If You Are a Legislator or Policy Staff

We are here to support your work.

We can help you:

Visit programs in your district
Hear directly from families and providers
Understand what is working — and why
Explore cost-effective, relationship-centered solutions

To connect, reach out to:
MI-AIMH Policy and Partnership Team info@mi-aimh.org

Recorded Advocacy Seminar (2025)

A Gentle Guide to Speaking with Lawmakers on Behalf of Babies and Families

This recorded session will help you feel comfortable and grounded when talking with legislators. It offers simple strategies for sharing your experience, naming what’s working in your community, and building steady, constructive relationships with policymakers.

Featuring guidance from:

Maddie Elliot, Policy & Programs, Michigan’s Children
Quinn Wright, City Councilor, Madison Heights & former MI-AIMH Board Member

Look up your State Senator: https://senate.michigan.gov/

Download the Presentation Slides

Past Capitol Day Events

2nd Annual Michigan Capitol Day (2024)
Elevating Family and Provider Voice to Strengthen Early Relationships
November 7, 2024 • Lansing, MI

Recorded Pre-Party Advocacy Seminar (2024)

A supportive introduction to advocacy in the early years — featuring:

Maddie Elliot, Michigan’s Children
Christina Kuhn, Parent Representative & Consultant
And early childhood leaders from across Michigan

This session highlights how personal stories, everyday experiences, and relational insights can help guide thoughtful policy decisions for babies, young children, and families.