Building Momentum: Insights from Advocacy Session #3

The third session of our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Training Series, held on November 9, brought together 86 community members and early childhood educators eager to deepen their understanding of advocacy and data storytelling. Guided by ECE ambassadors and Milwaukee Succeeds staff, participants explored ways to build impactful messages, using data to elevate their personal stories and drive meaningful change.

The session featured ECE Data Analyst Samantha Reynoso, who presented the latest data on ECE, offering insights into the ECE workforce, public supports and the areas most in need of investment. Participants engaged closely with the data, eager to learn how it can serve as a foundation for an impactful advocacy strategy.

The session then moved to the power of data storytelling - an approach that merges current data with personal experiences to create compelling narratives. As part of the discussion, our ECE Ambassadors shared how their data-driven stories resonated with attendees during last year’s Joint Committee on Finance listening session. In particular, their unified “ask” made a significant impact on both policy discussions and public understanding. This example reinforced the importance of clear, cohesive messaging in advocacy work, showing how a well-organized effort can amplify individual voices.

Breakout sessions provided attendees an opportunity to connect more personally, sharing stories and developing talking points for future advocacy. The interactive format was highly appreciated, with many participants requesting additional breakout sessions in future trainings to foster deeper collaboration and discussion. These smaller group discussions helped participants begin crafting narratives that they will expand in the December session, which will dive into Raising Wisconsin’s letter writing campaign.

The high level of engagement and positive feedback from participants underscores a strong desire for more training opportunities within the ECE sector. The momentum from this session will only continue to build, as attendees strengthen their skills to advance ECE initiatives and create lasting change for Milwaukee’s youngest learners.