Advocacy for Vermont’s Children Sylvia Kennedy-Godin January 4, 2019

Hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Alliance, Northeast Kingdom Providers Association, Orleans/Northern Essex Building Bright Futures Regional Council, and the Let’s Grow Kids Action Team. This session will provide an understanding of how legislative processes (such as the passage of bills and budgets) affect early childhood service and program delivery in communities and how advocates can influence decision making. Participants will discuss issues they care about including, quality, child care, child nutrition, affordable housing, children’s integrated services, family leave, and workforce development. Participants will craft an “elevator speech” that combines issue talking points, data, and personal stories to build a case for public investment in a program and service. Finally, participants will map out a personal action plan designed to expand their leadership role as an advocate for children and families (if time allows).