An important component of its advocacy for the role of children in our community, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma holds an annual Symposium on Our Youngest Citizens, with related activities to extend the reach and impact beyond the half-day event. Through the Symposium, the Museum strives to help foster a community in which children and families thrive. Each year the Symposium convenes over 300 people from varied perspectives: community and education leaders, early learning professionals, city officials, parents, teachers, and other interested parties. Presented in partnership with the University of Washington Tacoma, the Symposium features a series of provocative “lightning talks” and keynote speeches which challenge attendees to consider their assumptions, perceptions and values around children, families, and the systems that surround them.

Master of Ceremonies: David Zeek, Publisher, The News Tribune
Keynote Speakers:
Cheryl Mayberry, MBA | Vice President of Improvement Science, Search Institute
Matthew Kelley, Ph.D | Associate Professor, UW Tacoma