Discover Your Role For Social Change! Welcome to the 2024 Child Care Aware of America Symposium! We believe that every individual has a unique role to play in advocating for positive changes within our community. Please answer the following questions to d

What motivates you to get involved in ECE community activities?

To make ECE better for the greater ECE community, my colleagues and the families and children we work with

To speak to policy makers because they need to hear from us to know how best to make the changes we need

To be a part of the visible showing of community support to get policymakers’ attention and impact their decisions

To be a part of the change making ECE sustainable for myself, the greater ECE community, and those that it serves

How do you approach challenges facing the ECE community?

I help my colleagues, community members and families find the resources they need

I bring issues within my community to my supervisor or policy leaders to find a resolution

I show up to rally and bring my colleagues and community members to participate in campaigns

I talk to others and find out what communities are doing to find common issues and bring together community leaders to make change

What is your approach to implementing change in the ECE community?

I listen deeply to my colleagues, the ECE community and families about what resources are helpful, what is still needed, and hear and offer solutions

It is important to gather background information to highlight the importance of change to lobby for policy and legal reforms

I am ready to disrupt traditional methods when policy is harmful or voices are going unheard

Create new initiatives to bring about change

How do you prefer to communicate your ideas and initiatives?

Work with those I know and care for to support each other, and build our knowledge on how to make change

Have clear talking points to speak with legislators and targeted decision-makers, and use media and social media

Stage rallies or events to publicly demonstrate the change needed

Use innovative ideas and creative strategies to build momentum and bring people to advocate

What do you believe is the most important aspect of community organizing?

Building strong relationships and mutual support

Advocacy and standing up for marginalized voices

Challenging institutional practices that block meaningful change

Having deep roots and leadership in the community facing the issue

How do you view your role in child care advocacy?

I believe in promoting positive national values and active community-based mutual support systems

I aim to use official mainstream institutions and parliamentary means to achieve our goals

I spotlight issues and violations of child care values through visible direct action

I focus on organizing people power and creating participatory democracy for the common good

How do you perceive your approach to advocating for child care services?

I work as an active community member, fostering a nurturing place for children and families and keeping my community informed

I engage in parliamentary methods, lobbying, lawsuits, and referenda to bring about change

I engage in direct action, put child care issues in the public spotlight, and use strategic protests

I focus on organizing people, educating the majority, and creating participatory democracy for the common good

What is your attitude towards authority and existing power structures in child care advocacy?

I promote active participation in society and believe bringing together an informed community is the foundation of making change

I work with elected and appointed officials in mainstream institutions to move our goals forward

I challenge power holders and their institutions through direct action and put policies in the public spotlight

I focus on creating participatory democracy, involving the grassroots movements, and promoting long-term paradigm shifts

How do you handle setbacks or challenges in child care advocacy?

I believe in the power of community and mutual support, promoting positive values even in difficult situations

I use a variety of means within official institutions, and assure enforcement through close government oversight and follow up

I publically say NO to violations of values and spotlight issues, using direct action and strategic protests

I focus on educating and involving the majority, emphasizing long-term tactics, and promoting paradigm shifts even in the face of challenges

Unlock and Upgrade