Firefly invited leaders from eight international organizations to Washington, DC for a strategy session to discuss how to include the issue of orphanages on the international agenda.  Each leader brought unique experiences, resources and knowledge. 

On Tuesday, July 24, Firefly's Rene Wallis spoke at a Members' Briefing of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, describing the structure of the Russian child welfare system and the negative effects orphanages have on children. Representative Roy Blunt, the Republican Whip, opened the presentation titled "The Need for Reform: Orphanages in Russia."