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Our real-life and authentic experiences and personal passions for the change we are seeking are the most powerful and influential tools in our advocacy toolbox. Embracing the power of our own voices, recognizing the importance of our stories and amplifying those of others, and strategically directing our concerns to our elected officials can be game-changing.
Since the start of the pandemic last winter, Child Care Aware® of America and many other organizations have been collecting stories from child care providers and parents across the country about how the pandemic has affected them. These personal stories are among the most effective ways to advocate for child care with policymakers and the media. As a new Congress and state legislatures convene in 2021, policymakers want to hear your stories, so they can be informed about your needs and the challenges you are facing. This can be done either in-person (when it is safe to do so) or virtually. Virtual meetings are an effective way for early childhood educators and families to meet with policymakers and share their experiences, all from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Setting up a successful meeting—whether virtual or in-person—can be done in just a few easy steps.