Moms, dads, toddlers, and babies from all 50 states came to the Washington, D.C., this week for Strolling Thunder.

During this annual event, families meet with members of Congress to talk about making child care more affordable, expanding paid family leave, and increasing funding for health care and early education.

“As parents, we must advocate, communicate and collaborate with all agencies serving and caring for our babies,” said Anna Akins, a Strolling Thunder parent from Louisiana, says in a press release from Zero to Three, the national nonprofit that organizes the event, which is part of the Think Babies campaign. “Our babies’ lives are depending on our voices. Let us continue to speak up and out about the importance of all things that help our babies thrive.”

“As a former member of the ‘Stroller Brigade,’ it is always a joy to join ZERO TO THREE for Strolling Thunder: a powerful force for progress for America’s families,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said in the press release. She also spoke at the event. “As I always say, the three most important issues facing Congress are the children, the children, the children.”

Roll Call reports that, “Pelosi and Republican Rep. Ann Wagner said they approach the issues as grandmothers and lawmakers, concerned about the future of the country. Wagner, a member of the Suburban Caucus, said the issue would be a priority for the group. Before finishing her remarks, Pelosi thanked the audience for ‘strolling and being thunderous.’ ” Wagner is from Missouri.

Families need the help. As the news website, Myhighplains.com, reports, Anna Akins, the Louisiana mom, says of her son Gareth:

“ ‘When he got sick we didn’t have paid leave and I was forced to quit my job.’ ”

“With 12 million infants and toddlers in the U.S. that becomes a familiar story.

” ‘We spend a lot of money on social security – and a safety net which is a good thing to do, but we spend very little by comparison on helping young families raise their children,’ notes pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp.”

Missed the Strolling Thunder event?

You can still participate. Share Zero to Three’s Think Babies campaign on social media.

Tweet at members of Congress. Send them emails. Tell them about the needs of young families and young children.

As Zero to Three says on its website, “We’re pushing for change.”

“Join us and make sure every baby has the best start in life.”