“I like to find spaces where we can connect with stories, that is where I realize that we all have challenges on the path of motherhood. I believe that these spaces give us more than tools, they connect us with a support network that strengthens us, for me that is the most gratifying.”
- Lizeth Santana, Policymaking Cohort Parent
Parent voices leading policy change.
Our policy priorities are selected by parents to meet the needs of children and families.
Introducing the
CCECAN Policy Learning Community
In 2021, CCECAN established our first ever parent cohort of 8 Central Coast community leaders. These powerful parents came together to learn about the pathway of policy, share powerful stories and advocate on the behalf Central Coast families with their local representatives.
The Roadmap to Policymaking
Our first workshop introduced parents to the complexities of policymaking, including the importance of advocacy, the role parents play in the legislative process, how a bill becomes a law and who our local representatives are.
Storytelling
In the second workshop, parents explored the framework for shaping a powerful message that addresses the needs of their families and of their community. Through sharing personal experiences and linking with a call to action, the cohort drafted their own stories and practiced sharing their messages with the group.
Advocacy in Action
After learning and preparing together, the parents were ready to bring their story to our legislative members. The cohort spoke with their local representatives, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Senator Caballero, Assemblymember Mark Stone, Senator Laird and Congressman Jimmy Panetta to discuss the needs of children and families. The parents spoke honestly and openly about their experiences and the importance of investing more money into mental health, child care, our school systems, and economic relief. Our representatives were honored to hear stories from the community and recognized the growing need for support.
