What is advocacy?
- Calling for change where change is needed
- Representing the needs of others who cannot advocate or represent themselves
- Going to the source or sources who can make change happen
Why is your involvement in advocacy important?
- Decisions related to the state budget and legislation impacts members, children and families
- We are trusted experts in our communities
- We are the eyes, ears and voice of our community
- We can mobilize parents to be involved in advocacy as well
- We can turn 5,000 advocates into 50,000 or more based on our community and professional connections alone
How do I get involved?
- Get connected to information from the CAAEYC public policy team. Connect via email to publicpolicy@caeyc.org
- The CAAEYC public policy team will alert members of current advocacy issues and what action is necessary
- Collaboratively - As a member of the statewide ECE Coalition, CAAEYC members have access to the shared resources from Coalition member organizations
Examples of Advocacy
- Participating in actions and activities calling attention to an issue
- Letters and emails by members/parents
- Talk with community members about how changes are made to their services & how they can be involved Phone calls to representatives
- One-on-one meeting with lawmakers, state/local dept. heads, and other organizations that support your work
When is the right time for advocacy?
- Educating elected officials and the community happens ALL year long!
- While the state budget is being discussed January to June
- When laws are being created through the Legislative process (2-year cycle)