From September 16-18, the School of Public Policy, in partnership with the School of Public Health, welcomed a new cohort of advocates to the Karabelle Pizzigati Training Institute in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families.
This year marked the institute’s second training, which brings together professionals from across social policy areas who work with and on behalf of children, youth and families. The 2019 cohort was comprised of participants with a range of advocacy experience from across the region, including early childhood education programs, nutrition and anti-hunger, human services agencies and child welfare in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.
Through the training, participants hone their skills and leverage their on-the-ground experiences to be effective policy advocates. The program included discussions on current policy debates with national senior level policy advocates and interactive sessions on topics from storytelling for advocacy to developing skills for legislative visits. Keynote speakers featured a senior advisor in the Montgomery County Office of the County Executive and the executive director of CentroNia. The event also included workshop leaders from the Food Research & Action Center, Children’s Defense Fund, ZERO TO THREE, Child Care Aware of America, RESULTS and more.
This second cohort will use the knowledge and skills gained to serve as a peer learning and sharing group. Participants bring what they have learned to their respective organizations and roles to expand the number of people who tirelessly work with children and families to change the policies that lead to better conditions for thriving, happy children and families.
