Amplifying Voices: Highlights from Advocacy Session #4

Milwaukee families gathered to celebrate ECE during a Week of the Young Child event in April.

On December 14, more than 80 early childhood educators and community members logged on to learn how to advocate for what matters most: their children, their profession and the future of early childhood education (ECE) in Milwaukee. The day marked the fourth session of the ECE Advocacy Training Series, a program designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to push for change in the ECE sector.

This particular session, which focused on navigating the ECE landscape, introduced participants to tools and strategies to help amplify their voices. Guest speakers Dana Schmock from Raising Wisconsin and Tanya Wooden from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) shared actionable steps for advocacy, including letter writing campaigns to engage legislators ahead of the state budget cycle.

“This training was very uplifting and informative for me,” said one attendee. “I didn’t know we could write letters to representatives, and now I’m more aware of the tools I have to make my voice heard. To me, the process is still a bit intimidating, but I’m looking forward to educating myself to the point that I feel comfortable advocating for ECE programs, parents and the community.”

The session wasn’t just about learning - it was also about connecting. Breakout groups gave participants the chance to share their challenges and collaborate on solutions, fostering a sense of solidarity among educators and advocates. For many, this connection was a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.

“I found out that I’m not the only person having issues when it comes to licensing,” another participant shared. “We are a community, and we all need each other. I do have a voice!”

The Advocacy Toolkit shared by Raising Wisconsin became a focal point, providing a roadmap for making an impact. Participants also discussed upcoming opportunities, including the ThriveOn King letter writing event, where community members will be trained to write letters and engage elected officials as lived experience experts.

“These classes provide an excellent opportunity for our ECE sector to network and connect for resources and targeted supports,” said Anna Smerchek, Milwaukee Succeeds’ ECE community engagement manager.

The series, which offers free continuing education hours through the Wisconsin Registry, continues to build momentum. Session 5, the first of the new year, will delve into how government systems work, who makes key decisions and how to create lasting change through collective advocacy.

Want to be part of this movement? Register here for an upcoming session and join the effort to reshape Milwaukee’s ECE landscape.