By Dr. Leon Koziol

Parenting Rights Institute

Our first nationwide conference call last night was more successful in its aftermath than the session itself as newcomers from around the country began offering assistance. For me, that aftermath was refreshing because typically I get victims filling my time with advice, war stories and no help. There is a perception that I can organize, finance and manage a monumental 3-day event in our nation’s capital all by myself.

It is critical to note that this event organizer has litigated prominent cases in federal and state courts while holding public office. Unlike the lucrative practice I once had, my work here gets few donations. But my experience allows me to address complex issues that surround any undertaking of this magnitude. I am the conscientious attorney that everyone has been waiting for, a model parent who was victimized for taking a stand against his profession.

The Second Annual Parent March on Washington is now set for May 27-29, 2020. Last year I was forced to pick up the slack on certain call participants who failed to live up to their commitments. Yet it turned out to be a highly successful event without a single incident. That success translates into credibility and a likelihood that this year’s march and conference will attract thousands along with national media coverage, quite possibly the most successful parenting rights event ever!

This is what it will take to reform a broken system that is enriching lawyers and service providers at the expense of our children. While our ordeals and demands vary, a uniting force exists here in our call for a federal investigation of these so-called family courts that are abusing Title IV-D performance grants to harm our families. If we can get Congress to conduct oversight hearings, parents from across the country will finally be heard.

This is why we have our middle day (May 28, 2020) dedicated to a lobby initiative in Congress. Last year, we had very few who actually bothered to set up appointments with their representatives. This year, we must do much more than deliver reports without follow-up. It is up to us as constituents to hold them accountable in the places where they work, the offices that we pay for, the ones that special interests exploit.

Last year, there was a sense of uplift, accomplishment and a feeling shared by all that we victims of divorce and family court were not alone. My own feeling marching down Pennsylvania Avenue under police escort was one of the highlights of my life thus far, and I have had many, including a feature on 60 Minutes. Indeed, NFL Football star Jamie Brown, one of our parade marshals, disclosed that this march was more rewarding than his Super Bowl parade in Denver.

To get a feel yourself, imagine being among fellow moms and dads marching from the White House to the Capitol. You can do so by reviewing the documentary video summary of our march last year. It is featured on this post. But imagine yourself this year in a march of thousands filling the most prominent thoroughfare in America. This year’s march will occur on May 29, 2020.

The video was produced and donated by Philadelphia attorney, Larry DeMarco, who participated in all our events. It is found in addition to other videos, posts and reports throughout our website, http://www.leonkoziol.com. The stories you will find here over a ten year period proves just how active, credible and committed we are.

So join us. On May 27, 2020, we are having a Meet-and-Greet at the Holiday Inn Capitol beginning at 5 pm. At 7 pm we will have a general planning session at the Congressional Ballroom of that hotel for our next day lobby initiative. At 6 pm that evening (Thursday, May 28, 2020), we will feature experts speakers at the same ballroom. This will be a ticketed event through Eventbrite, and they went on sale today at 4 pm.

At this point, our individual tasks are simple. Grow the numbers, scan the Facebook pages, reach out to news reporters, talk it up among your workplace and social groups, get advance lodging reservations at lower prices (typically with free cancellations to a few days before arrival) and make yourself an active participant.

We hope to have a group reservation at the Holiday Inn Capitol for those who are committed. You can call our office at (315) 380-3420 or e-mail me at leonkoziol@gmail.com.