top of page
connecting the dots image (3).png
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Doors open at 11:30a.m.
Luncheon Program Begins at 12p.m.
​
Ansley Golf Club
196 Montgomery Ferry Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Rewired! Helping Young Minds Thrive in a Digital World

In 2026, Voices for Georgia's Children is putting the spotlight on technology and Georgia's children. Every day, technology shapes how young people connect, learn, and grow. With screens in every pocket and algorithms influencing everything from friendships to focus, Georgia's youth are navigating a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

​

At our inaugural Connecting the Dots Policy Luncheon we will explore:

  • the intersection of technology and youth mental health,

  • research-based strategies to support safe and healthy digital development, and

  • policy pathways that protect and empower kids growing up online.

​

Your support elevates youth voices, fuels statewide policy solutions, and builds a healthier digital future for Georgia's children and youth.

Keynote Speaker

Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., ABPP

Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., ABPP is the John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Senior Science Advisor of the American Psychological Association (APA).

​

For more than 25 years, and with continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Prinstein's research has examined interpersonal models of internalizing symptoms and health risk behaviors among adolescents, with a specific focus on the unique role of off- and on-line peer relationships in the developmental

Mitch Prinstein.avif

psychopathology of depression and self-injury. He is a board-certified clinical psychologist and has published more than 250 scientific manuscripts and 12 books.

​

At APA, Dr. Prinstein served as the Chief Science Officer and then the Chief of Psychology. As Chief Science Officer, he was responsible for leading the association's science agenda and advocating for the application of psychological research and knowledge in settings include academia, government, industry, and the law. As Chief of Psychology, Dr. Prinstein led the integration of APA's work in science, practice, education, and applied psychology. Prior to APA, he served as the Director of Clinical Psychology at UNC and Yale University, the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and the Assistant Dean for Honor Carolina.

​

Dr. Prinstein is regularly featured as an expert in psychological science as a repeat witness testifying before the U.S. Senate, in two TedX talks, and within hundreds of media appearances around the world in outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, 60 Minutes, the Times (U.K.), and CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC.

About the Connecting the Dots Policy Luncheon​

The Connecting the Dots Policy Luncheon is a new event from Voices for Georgia's Children, bringing together those who share a commitment to building a brighter future for Georgia's children. This event celebrates progress, sparks new ideas, and strengthens the relationships that make our work possible.

BV blue.png

2026

Gov.-Deal-1.jpg
Former Governor Nathan Deal

Nathan Deal served as the 82nd Governor of Georgia, taking office on January 10, 2011 and beginning his second term on January 12, 2015. His decades-long career in public service reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Georgia’s education system, justice system, workforce, and child-serving agencies.​

 

Throughout his governorship, Deal championed policies to improve outcomes for Georgia’s children. Under his leadership, the state fully funded its Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula for the first time in years and strengthened the HOPE scholarship to ensure long-term stability. He also led sweeping criminal and juvenile justice reforms, creating accountability courts, expanding reentry services, and establishing education and workforce development programs for incarcerated youth.

Recognizing the growing mental health needs of children and families, Governor Deal established the Georgia Commission on Children’s Mental Health—bringing together experts, advocates, and state leaders to examine gaps in services and chart a path forward. The Commission’s work laid the foundation for lasting, systemic change, including the creation of Apex, which continues to advance coordinated, child-centered behavioral health solutions across Georgia. Deal further advanced child welfare by initiating key reforms within the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), including efforts to hire more caseworkers and strengthen child protection.​

 

Deal’s commitment to children and literacy has continued beyond his time in office. In honor of his late wife, former educator Sandra Deal, he authored Veto, The Governor’s Cat, a children’s book designed to spark a love of reading. A portion of the proceeds supports literacy and educational initiatives through The Deal Foundation, continuing the couple’s shared legacy of lifting up Georgia’s children.

​

With a career defined by thoughtful leadership and a steadfast commitment to Georgia’s children, former Governor Nathan Deal exemplifies the spirit of the Big Voice for Children Award.

BV blue_edited.jpg

About the Big Voice for Children Award

The Big Voice for Children Award honors individuals and organizations whose leadership and advocacy have made a lasting difference for Georgia's children. This prestigious recognition celebrates champions who put children first -- strengthening systems, advancing opportunities, and helping ensure that young people across our state not only survive, but thrive.

​

Beyond recognition, the Big Voice for Children Award also supports the mission of Voices for Georgia's Children, helping fuel the research, education, and policy work that drives meaningful, long-term improvements in child well-being across Georgia.

Past Big Voice Honorees

2024

  • Terri D. McFadden, MD, MPH, FAAP

  • Camp Twin Lakes

2023

  • Alison Johnson

  • Deep Center

  • Linette Dodson/Georgia School Nutrition Program

  • Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia

2019

  • Youth Suicide PSA Participants

  • Barbara "Bobbi" Cleveland

2018

  • Atlanta Children's Shelter

  • Phoebe Putney Network of Trust

  • Judge LeRoy Burke, III

  • Pat Willis

2013

  • 100 Black Men of America

  • Kathryn Cheek

  • Gail Hayes

  • Phil Jacobs

  • Mary Margaret Oliver

  • Wendell Willard

2012

  • Bill Bolling

  • Georgia CASA

  • Elain Draeger

  • Tim Johnson

  • Pat Nobbie

2011

  • Renee Lewis Glover

  • Emory University School of Law

  • Robin Ferst

  • Sally Fitzgerald

  • J. Tom Morgan

  • Larry Sanders

2017

  • Judge Willie Lovett, Jr. (posthumous)

  • Dr. Jordan Greenbaum

  • Tina Fleming (Live Healthy Gwinnett)

  • Ron Scroggy

2016

  • Kim Anderson

  • Karl Lehman

  • Robetta McKenzie

  • Judge Peggy Walker

2015

  • Justice P. Harris Hines

  • Sue Smith

  • Sara Kogon & Kelly Jenkins

  • East Lake Foundation

  • Southwire Company

2014

  • Ann Cramer

  • Nancy Boxill, Nina Hickson & Deborah Richardson

  • Mark Shurett, DDS

  • Rachel Alterman Wallack

  • MAAC, Inc.

2010

  • Dennis Lockhart & Dr. Beverly Tatum

  • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

  • Dr. Veda Johnson

  • Judge Velma Tilley

  • Sam Mitchell & Marc Upshaw

  • Becky Cheatham

2009

  • Shirley Franklin, Atlanta Mayor

  • The Junior League of Atlanta

  • Franklin J. Richards, II

  • Dr. Luther E. Smith, Jr.

  • W. Terence Walsh

  • Don Bower

2008

  • S. Truett Cathey

  • Judge Glenda Hatchett

  • Lynn Faulkner

  • Patricia Pflum & Neil Shorthouse

  • Becky Rumer

2007

  • Johnny Isakson, U.S. Senator

  • Stephanie Blank

  • Judge Aaron Cohn

  • Otis Johnson, Savannah Mayor

  • Melvin Kruger

  • Linda Lowe

  • Tom Upchurch

Voices for Georgia's children logo with multi-colored dots

352 University Ave. SW, Suite S-130

Atlanta, Georgia 30310

404-521-0311

info@georgiavoices.org

© 2026 by BizBud. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page