Recess Moms are a Force to Be Reckoned With – Taking Recess Advocacy to the State Capitol

“Keep showing up in your pink shirts until they’re tired of seeing pink shirts” - this is the advice Rachel, Morgan, and Kathryn, a.k.a the Recess Moms, live by while advocating for increased recess for children in schools. Seeing the negative effects of decreased recess minutes on their children’s mental and physical health, the Recess Moms banded together and decided to fight. They donned pink shirts and marched the Tennessee Capitol to fight for a recess bill promising increased recess in schools, and they didn’t stop there. Dr. Rhea brings back the Recess Moms to share their inspirational fight at the state level toward increased recess for all Tennessee children. What began as three moms advocating for change at their children’s school grew into a county-wide grassroots movement and, by May 2024, evolved into the statewide initiative for recess reform: Say Yes to Recess. Known as the “Recess Moms,” founders Rachel Bush, Morgan Garner, and Kathryn Truman lead the charge for change. With ten children between them—six of whom attend the same elementary school—they have seen firsthand the impact of recess on kids’ well-being. Say Yes to Recess is a passionate group of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members committed to restoring and protecting recess. Together, we work to ensure every child has access to the physical, social, and cognitive benefits of play while also supporting and empowering educators.