From August through October 2026, Groundwork Ohio will travel across the state to hear from families, health and child care providers, local policymakers, community funders, and other leaders who touch the lives of young children aged 0-5. Our team held a dozen events around the state in 2024 and our learnings were critical to shaping our current policy agenda.
Roadshow Locations (So Far!)
Stay tuned for more!
WOOSTER
Wayne & Holmes Counties
August 4 • 8am
DAYTON
Montgomery County
MANSFIELD
Richland County
September 1, Roundtable with Richland Source and Women's Fund
NEW PHILADELPHIA
Tuscarawas County
September 10, Roundtable with Family & Children First Council, Board of DD, Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, and local providers
NEWARK
Licking County
September 24, Community Forum with Journey to 5
TOLEDO
Lucas County
October 6, Roundtable with HOPE Toledo
CANTON
Stark County
October 15, Site visit followed by panel discussion at JRC
AVON
Lorain County
PIQUA
Miami & Preble Counties
August 18, Roundtable with Piqua Chamber of Commerce, plus site visits
SOUTH LEBANON
Warren County
September 8, Roundtable with South Lebanon Early Learning Center
PORTSMOUTH
Scioto County
September 21, Roundtables and site visits with Scioto County Board of DD, Candyland Children's Museum, Southern Ohio Medical Center, and Stepping Stones
WASHINGTON CRT HSE
Fayette County
October 1, Roundtable with Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
Additional site visits included.
CINCINNATI
Hamilton County
October 7, Roundtable with 4C for Children
AKRON
Summit County
October 27, Site visits followed by panel discussion at JRC
BAY VILLAGE
Lorain County Families
MAHONING VALLEY
Mahoning & Trumbull Counties
August 28
9:00 am Community Discussion with Family Connects Ohio >
1:00 pm Community Baby Shower >
Additional site visits included.
ARCHBOLD
Fulton, Henry, Defiance & Williams Counties
September 9 • 10:00 am Roundtable with Family Connects International
LOGAN, HARDIN, & UNION
Logan, Hardin, & Union Counties
September 23 • 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Roundtable with Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce
SPRINGFIELD
Clark County
October 2, Roundtable with United Way of Clark, Madison, and Champaign Counties
JACKSON CENTER
Shelby County
October 14, Site visit with Sidney-Shelby County YMCA
ROADSHOW RECAPS:
Help bring Groundwork Ohio to YOUR community!
Can you host a community conversation?
Will you promote a Roadshow event in your community?
We want to connect with communities, elevate local voices, and spotlight what’s working—and what’s needed—to support young children and families. We’re inviting partners to help shape these visits.
Please share some basic information about how we can best partner with you to highlight your community’s needs in our statewide report to the Ohio General Assembly and our next Governor.
Together, we can create change for young children and families in Ohio.
Your Roadshow Stop Options
1. Site Visit: Showcase a local program or organization making a difference. Opportunities may include participation from
policymakers, media, and/or decision-makers.
2. Roundtable Discussion: Bring together community leaders, business leaders, early childhood experts, family advocates, and local partners to share successes, identify challenges, and discuss opportunities for improvement.
3. Community Forum: Co-host a broader conversation featuring a panel, fireside chat, and/or keynote speaker and community
engagement to elevate local perspectives and solutions.
Already hosting an event in your community later this summer? Talk to our team about whether your existing programming could serve as a featured stop in our 2026 Roadshow report!
Benefits of Hosting a Roadshow Stop
Groundwork Ohio will:
- Capture photos, quotes, and potentially video during each visit
- Highlight your community’s insights and leadership
- Feature your participation in a comprehensive Roadshow report
We will compile a comprehensive report showcasing work being done to improve outcomes for young children across the state that will be delivered to our state’s leading policymakers - from the incoming governor and General Assembly to community funders, media, and other decision-makers.
The Groundwork team will make every effort to visit as many communities around the state as possible and appreciate your understanding that we may reach capacity limits as we work to showcase a variety of programs, geographies, and viewpoints through the series. If we cannot make a stop in your community, our team is happy to discuss alternative options for elevating programming and issues from your area.