FRANKFORT, Ky. — Students of all grade levels, as well as advocates and legislators, met inside the State Capitol rotunda for the 21st Children’s Advocacy Day.

As part of the annual day, nonprofit Kentucky Youth Advocates highlighted legislation that affects young people, such as universal pre-K, youth substance prevention and underage vaping. It's what brought Madison Central High School student Leslie Quevedo and organization the Home of Opportunities and Dreams (H.O.O.D.) to Frankfort. 

“There is a certain pressure when you feel like things are not going in the way that you like it to be for youth," Quevedo said. "You have to speak up against it and also advocate for yourself and others; this is youth advocacy."

"We have multiple programs at my school and through the H.O.O.D. club where we have a choice to speak up and do our things."

H.O.O.D. was formed in 2014 to empower and get south central Kentucky children involved in community service. Quevedo volunteers in her neighborhood and said she has built several connections through the organization. 

Executive Director David Townsend said it's all about showing young people what they can do to help. 

“They can be inspired by the people they see," Townsend said. "They can be inspired by the governor or the kids speaking and say, 'Well, I can do that.' A lot of times, we have kids that may not be exposed to these types of opportunities that they feel are not for them. So we provide opportunities for them in a non-threatening way. Then they can maybe see their future." 

Children's Advocacy Day is a part of an annual week that focuses on raising awareness for children and their families.