2026 Advocacy Academy
Friday, January 30, 2026
We’re sorry! Registration has closed.
Visit events.cteca.org to see what else is coming up!
Advocacy Academy is our yearly workshop for people who want to make a difference for Connecticut’s young children and their caregivers.
Advocacy Academy is exclusively for CTECA member organizations, but don’t let that stop you from signing up!
If your organization hasn’t joined the Alliance yet, you can use the link below to register and we’ll contact you to process your organization’s membership. If you need to check your organization’s membership status, reach out to Vanessa Hawke at vanessa@cteca.org.
NEW in 2026:
Two course tracks to choose from!
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Advocacy 101
This option is best for folks who have little or no prior experience with legislative advocacy, and need to learn how Connecticut’s legislative system works in order to make positive changes for early childhood issues.
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New! Advocacy 201
This option is best for folks who have previously engaged in legislative advocacy, including but not limited to submitting written testimony on a bill, speaking at a public hearing, and/or have had conversations with legislators about policy change.
Participants in both course tracks will end their day with a legislative roundtable with sitting lawmakers!
Come prepared with your questions about approaches to advocacy and how you can make an impactful case for your cause.
Advocacy 101 was created for people who want to help make a difference but need some help getting started.
If you want answers to questions like these, Advocacy 101 is where you want to be!
Is Advocacy 101 the right course for you?
“Who actually makes the decisions in State government?”
“What’s the difference between a bill and a law?”
“Who do I contact when there’s an issue I care about?”
“How does a law get passed in Connecticut? How do I know when there’s a new proposed law?”
“Do my representatives actually care what I think?…Who are my representatives, anyway?”
“Am I even allowed to go to the Capitol building?”
“What happens at a public hearing?”
“Can I still make a difference if my legislator opposes my cause?”
“I hate politics. Why should I bother getting involved?”
“Am I even qualified to speak to legislators about these issues?”
“I’m just one person. Can my input actually make a difference?”
Advocacy 101 Topics:
Session 1:
Who’s Making Decisions in State Government?
The purpose of Session 1 is to lay the groundwork for understanding how bills are passed. Participants will learn about the various roles in State Government and how they interact. We’ll also cover the basics of how to use the CT General Assembly website as a resource for your advocacy goals. Topics include:
Local, State, and Federal Decisions
Offices and Agencies
Who Represents Me?
Staying Informed
Getting Involved
Session 2:
The State Legislative Process in Connecticut
The purpose of Session 2 is to highlight the differences in the “textbook” version of how laws are passed, and the way it can look in practice - complete with all the plot twists, obstacles, setbacks, and pleasant surprises that can occur along the way, and the key players to watch throughout the legislative process. This session is broken down into two parts:
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:
Tour of the Capitol
The purpose of Session 3 is to make sure you are prepared and comfortable with coming to the Capitol to advocate for your cause. Take a walk through the Legislative Office Building and the Capitol building with an experienced advocate. Learn where you’re likely to find legislators, how to watch Senate and House proceedings during the session, and learn rules for in-person advocacy.
We’ll also highlight important building logistics for any day at the Capitol, like where to grab a bite to eat, resources that are available inside the buildings, and where to find a quiet place to make a phone call.
Looking for something more advanced?
Advocacy 201 will level-up your advocacy skills by equipping you with the insight and knowledge you need to advocate more effectively.
Topics and course content will be announced soon.