Storytelling for Advocacy is a full-day, in-person workshop where participants will translate their lived experience into an advocacy story, and then learn how to deliver that story to make a difference on issues they care about. 

Storytelling for Advocacy is for anyone who has ever been affected by a systemic issue and wanted to be part of the solution, but didn't know where their story fit in. We'll be focusing on the early childhood ecosystem (this includes any other aspect of wellbeing for young children and their parents and caregivers, such as child care, stable housing, economic security, physical and mental health, and developmental support) but the strategies from this workshop can be applied universally to any issue. Simply put, whether you're a parent, an educator, a healthcare or mental health practitioner, a developmental support or other direct service provider, you have a story that can help families in Connecticut, and we want to help you tell it. 

Holly holds a Master of Arts in Folk Studies with a certification in Public Folklore from Western Kentucky University, and uses her background in folklore and education to help people tell their own stories to create connection and change. She places emphasis on the validity and expertise of lived experience in social change, and prioritizes a trauma-informed approach in all her work. Her empathetic sense of humor and engaging facilitation style was a favorite of our 2025 attendees. We can't wait to introduce you! 

In addition to the workshop itself, all attendees will receive:

• Breakfast & lunch

• On-site child care for kids 12 and under by request (must complete the two-step registration process by November 16)

• Live English ↔ Spanish interpretation & all translated materials

• CT Early Childhood Alliance member organizations receive free registrations as a member benefit. Check your email for a message from Vanessa with instructions on how to register. 

• Parent Ambassadors from LGP programs can attend for free thanks to a generous donation by Shine Early Learning. LGPs with CTECA memberships are entitled to the free Parent Ambassador seats as well as their free member seats, but Parent Ambassador seats can only be used for Parent Ambassadors. Check your email for a message from Allison Cusano with instructions on how to register. 

• Individuals who are not associated with an organization, or whose organization is not a member of CT Early Childhood Alliance or an LGP can register for $100 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available. Organizations whose work focuses on improving outcomes for young children can apply registration costs to their first year of membership! Yearly memberships start at $150 per year depending on the organization size. Check us out at cteca.org/membership for more information, or email Vanessa (vanessa@cteca.org) for questions or to inquire about scholarship availability. 

We want our workshop attendees to feel comfortable engaging in the process of developing and telling their stories, so for confidentiality, this workshop will not be recorded.