That is the heart of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy: curious, collaborative and passionate people coming together to learn from each other and build movements that change systems and inform how we’re governed. Those Alumni who go on to create long-reaching grassroots networks embrace uncertainty while moving forward with confidence that they have the skills and support they need to keep going when the work feels like it’s one step forward and two steps back.
Perhaps, at a deeper level, this class exhibited that core concept: Change is born from a shared dream that needs a variety of expertise, voices and life circumstances who trust each other, count on each other and are excited to forge ahead in a spirit of camaraderie and inspiration. Lobbying and professional advocacy can happen even during seasons of chaos or organizational conflicts, but we know that politicians term out, organizations lose their funding or leadership, and the political landscape shifts and changes. Yet the community remains. It’s because of this that we need those advocate-leaders who are committed to the long game of building trusted social capital and the patience to establish political goodwill—and doing it together.
Working Together Toward Actionable Legislation
I’m thankful that people can gather together, speak from their experience and expertise and eagerly encourage each other to work from their strengths and contribute to a common dream. It’s in the consistency and collaboration that hearts and minds are changed, public discourse is shaped and the needle is moved on public policy. The cycle is powerful when put into practice: The community informs and guides the work, data and research experts support their stories and insights and advocacy and policy experts come alongside to help turn those insights into actionable legislation.
Every year the Policy Leadership Academy graduates skilled and equipped policy advocates and this year is no exception. PLA7 brought in quality participants who embraced learning and each other. I can say that I cannot wait to see what they will inevitably create and impact. I have no doubt that they will continue on with the good work they began back in our first meeting last October.
We welcome Class 7 into the PLA Alumni network, excited to work shoulder-to-shoulder as we move forward in our shared dream of a world where children, families and communities thrive.
Learn more about the 2026-27 PLA class, including application date and schedule
