Earlier this month, Cohort 6 of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) held the second meeting of its 2024-25 program in North Platte. This day-long workshop focused on strategies to build political momentum at the local level for early childhood projects and policy initiatives. The session included an overview of local governance structures led by Christy Abraham, legal counsel for the League of Nebraska Municipalities. FFN’s Mike Feeken also led a discussion of how early childhood issues are addressed in economic development circles, followed by a presentation from our own Jodi-Renee Girón on how to map and leverage community assets for policy change.
While PLA participants engage in an intensive study of advocacy techniques to build policy momentum, you don’t have to be a member of this program to play an active role in supporting the care, education and healthy development of young children in your community.
Take advantage of spontaneous opportunities
There are many ways to advocate for early childhood issues. Ideally, advocacy efforts are planned in advance and coordinated with other local efforts, but sometimes opportunities arise spontaneously. A shared elevator ride with a prominent employer, a chance meeting with your mayor at the supermarket or a Sunday morning conversation with a Rotary Club leader who attends your church might all be unexpected moments to get early childhood issues on their radar. While these encounters may be unplanned, they don’t have to catch you off guard. With a little preparation, you can be ready to make a meaningful impact. Here are some key tips for seizing spontaneous advocacy moments:
1. Connect with like-minded individuals
Identify others in your community who share your concerns about early childhood issues. Reaching out to them can help you understand ongoing efforts and explore ways to collaborate. Working together strengthens your message and shows decision-makers that the community’s support for these issues is broad and sustained.
2. Know the people and groups with local influence
Familiarize yourself with the major influencers and the unique concerns of various sectors in your community. Attending meetings of your school board, chamber of commerce, city council or neighborhood association can help you understand their priorities. Think about how early childhood needs might relate to these groups’ interests. For example, civic or cultural organizations may be concerned about the lack of prenatal or perinatal care services for underserved residents in your community, while business leaders may be focused on workforce shortages related to child care challenges.
3. Make your point memorable
When speaking with local leaders or community influencers, offer a concise, relatable comment or piece of information that connects early childhood needs with their concerns. For example, you might say: “I heard at the last chamber meeting that our local assisted living facility is struggling to hold on to younger workers. I wonder if part of the reason might be that there just aren’t enough quality child care programs close enough for those workers.” Making connections in this way can spark interest and demonstrate how early childhood policies impact broader community goals.
4. Leave the door open for follow-up
If the person shows interest, offer to share additional information. Point them to organizations like First Five Nebraska or connect them with local early childhood experts who can provide data, resources and potential solutions. Even if you’re not yet sure about being on the front lines of advocacy, simply pointing your contacts in the right direction can put them in touch with credible information for further consideration and reinforce your community’s early childhood message.
By seizing these spontaneous and easy opportunities for advocacy, you can help bring attention to early childhood issues that matter deeply to the health and future of your community. Every encounter is a chance to build support and strengthen the foundation for policies that prioritize our youngest residents and their families. Taken together, even small actions can add up to lasting change.
Learn more: The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy kicks off 2024-25 program
