Local groups will host an event to raise awareness about issues that affect children and families.

The North Dakota Children's Caucus, Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, Authentic Voices of North Dakota, Children's Services Coalition, West River Head Start, North Dakota Education Association, North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children, North Dakota Health Department and the University of Mary Department of Occupational Therapy are among the groups involved.

Representatives of some of these groups will talk from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday about child and family issues on the front steps of the state Capitol, then read to children.

Speakers include pediatrician Todd Twogood, North Dakota Education Association Board President Dakota Draper and Heather M. Pautz, chairwoman of Authentic Voices of North Dakota and director of Barnes County Social Services.