PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY |
Become the Mantra
“Be a Voice!” became the mantra of the SAzAEYC Public Policy and Advocacy Committee during the 2006 Legislative Session. It was the goal of the committee to take an active role in advocating for children as decisions regarding child care, full-day kindergarten and health care for children were being made in our state’s capitol. The committee collaborated with United Way’s Public Policy Committee, Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) and Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition (PAFCO) and as a result of these partnerships, the committee was able to make significant strides in meeting goals the committee identified.
The committee, recognizing the impact a single voice can make, worked diligently to promote increased voter registration in the early childhood education community. As part of this commitment to increase voter registration and voter education, SAzAEYC sponsored a PAFCO Citizen Advocacy Training for child care professionals. The training empowered and educated early childhood professionals how to be the best and most effective advocate for community issues and policymaking.
Additionally, Diane Umstead, SAzAEYC Public Policy & Advocacy Committee Chairperson for 2005-2006, facilitated two important workshops at the 23rd Annual Child Care Conference. For, The Desert Signs, The Children Dance, hosted by Child & Family Resources, Diane served as moderator for the first breakout session, which consisted of a leadership panel made up of several legislators and other champions for early childhood education. The second workshop empowered participants to “be a voice” through the You’re It! Campaign. This innovative campaign kicked off in the spring, which advocates for quality care and education in order to build solid futures and investments in both children and communities. For more information go to: www.youre-itaz.org
Members of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee were active advocates throughout the legislative session. They attended many Public Policy meetings and events. The committee was proud to be present as Tucson’s Mayor Bob Walkup declared April as the Month of the Young Child. Additionally, the committee, as strong supporters of the First Things First www.firstthingsfirstaz.com initiative, circulated petitions, collected signatures and educated the public on the importance of this initiative, which will officially be on the November 2006 ballot as Proposition 203. Committee members, in their continued efforts to “Be A Voice,” contacted their legislators often during the session. Some committee members were also able to visit the capitol and personally meet with their representatives to discuss early childhood issues and initiatives. As we reflect on the accomplishments of this past year, the committee looks forward to continuing their efforts in greater force during the 2007 Legislative session.
The 2006 Committee was chaired by SAzAEYC Vice President of Public Policy, Diane Umstead. Members included Monica Brinkerhoff, Jessica Brisson, Connie Espinoza, Enrique Feldman, Jill Rosenzweig, Sally Syphrit and Vanessa Verduzco. If you are interested in joining in this very important part of our work, please contact SAzAEYC at 903-9000 extension 410.
Submitted by Connie Espinoza, SAzAEYC Advocacy Committee Member
If you are interested in public policy and advocacy, please contact Allison Comport.