Brought to you by the CT Early Childhood Alliance

Advocacy 101

State Rep Robert Sanchez with advocates at the CT Early Childhood Alliance 2024 Advocacy Day

We hear it all the time…

  • Folks are passionate about issues that matter to them.

  • They want to make a difference in their communities.

  • They want to share ideas and work with policymakers to make systemic changes that will improve people’s lives.

Rep. Maria Horn discusses Early Childhood issues with Merrill Gay (CT Early Childhood Alliance) and Fran Chappell (Canaan Child Care)

But we also hear that people:

  • don’t feel confident about advocating

  • don’t understand the legislative process

  • feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start

  • are nervous about speaking at a hearing

  • think their voice doesn’t matter to lawmakers

and we’re here to help.

Is Advocacy 101 right for you?

Advocacy 101 was created for people who want to help make a difference but don’t know where to start.

If you’ve ever asked questions like the ones below, you’re in the right place!

“Who actually makes the decisions in State government?”

allowed

“Am I even

to go to the

Capitol

Building?”

“What’s the process of getting a law passed?”

“What if my legislator

doesn’t support my cause?”

“What’s the difference between a bill and a law?”

“Do my representatives even care what I think?

…Who are my representatives, anyway?!”

“How do I find out about new proposed laws?”

“I hate politics.

Why should I get involved?”

“What happens at a public hearing?”

“Am I even qualified to speak

to legislators about

the issues I care about?

“I’m just one person. Can my input actually make a difference?”

Advocacy 101 provides answers (and context)

for all these questions and more.

“How do I find out who to contact if there’s an issue I care about?”

Session 1:
Who’s Making Decisions in State Government?

  • Local, State, and Federal Decisions

  • Offices and Agencies

  • Who Represents Me?

  • Staying Informed

Advocacy 101 Topics:

Session 2:
The State Legislative Process in Connecticut

  • How a Bill Becomes a Law (the High School Civics Version)

  • How a Bill Becomes a Law…or Doesn’t (The Complex, Real-Life, Behind-the-Scenes Processes)

Session 3:
Trip to the Capitol & Legislator Roundtable

  • Advocate’s Tour of the Legislative Office Building & Capitol

  • Legislator Roundtable: Building Relationships in Politics & Why It Matters

What previous attendees are saying about Advocacy 101:

  • "[I was surprised by] How much information is available to the general public and how we can get involved. I had no idea that the process relied on ordinary people as much as it did."

    Community Service Provider &
    Fall 2024 Advocacy 101 Participant

  • "[The strongest part about the course was] The depth of knowledge and experience that Merrill brought to the group. Understanding in theory and understanding in practical use are two very different things and I appreciated him sharing his experience with us."

    Child Care Center Director &
    Fall 2024 Advocacy 101 Participant

  • "I really loved this workshop series. Meeting the legislators was a real highlight. And, it was very nice to see everyone behaving in a positive, genuinely helpful way so close to this contentious election. Gave me a little hope for the world!"

    Child Care Center Director &
    Fall 2024 Advocacy 101 Participant

Advocacy 101 is coming back soon!

Click below to add your name to the waitlist!

You’ll be notified the next time registration opens.