Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R) from across the nation attended a national policy symposium in Washington D.C. April 1-5, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.  NACCRRA's Policy Symposium featured more than 55 sessions on the latest policy, research, and practice developments in child care and CCR&R. The Symposium offered a forum for policy analysis and discussion, examination of latest research, high-quality training, peer networking, and resources dissemination for the 700 attendees from across the country.

Each year, attendees of the symposium participate in NACCRRA's Day on the Hill. The Directors of  CCR&R agencies across the state of Georgia made appointments with the Congressmen and Senators responsible for each of their respective service areas.  It was a great opportunity to give Child Care Resource & Referral a face and a voice in Congress.  

Prior to the visit to Washington, Gloria Calhoun and Ruby Phillips, Director and Assistant Director of CCR&R of NW GA attended a lecture where Senator Saxby Chambliss spoke at the Cartersville Country Club on March 27, 2008. They were graced with the opportunity to hear first-hand reports from Congress.  Gloria and Ruby had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Julianne Chambliss and staff person Darren Kendall. Director Calhoun shared with them the upcoming visit to Washington for the National Symposium.  Mrs. Chambliss mentioned that she would be on hill that week and invited them for a personal tour of the White House.  Mr. Kendall received security clearance from Washington for the two of them within moments of the conversation. 

Gloria and Ruby met Mrs. Chambliss at the White House on the morning of April 3, 2008.  On what would normally be a self-guided tour, she [Mrs. Chambliss] gave them historic information about each of the rooms including the portraits, furniture and other artifacts on display.  

After departing the White House, Mrs. Chambliss transported Gloria and Ruby to the Senate chamber of the honorable Senator Saxby Chambliss.  The Senator's wife was introduced to other Directors from Georgia who were also scheduled for an appointment.  The former educator of 30-years guided the five Georgian's through the Rotunda of the Nations Capitol constantly exhibiting her obvious educator skills. Every opportunity was used as a teachable moment as Mrs. Chambliss whirled them through the corridors.  Everyone remarked about her extensive knowledge of the history of our nation.  They were all impressed with her southern charm and sophistication.

Pictured from left to right: JoDee Wiggins of Douglas Georgia, Dru Thomas of Gainesville, Mrs. Julianne Chambliss, Ruby Phillips of Cartersville, Gloria Calhoun of Cartersville, Julie Phillips of Augusta and Monica Jennings of Americus.