Connections and Conversations: Advocacy 101

Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic.

This session will highlight the budget process and state government in Pennsylvania. Participants will receive an overview of the Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA) campaigns, how early childhood education programs are impacted by the budget process, and ways professionals and families can use their experiences and knowledge to advocate. This session will also identify advocacy actions attendees can participate in or lead to advocate for early childhood. 

Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org or Sarah Grubb at sarah.elrc5@alleghenycounty.us. 

Session Details

• Session Date: Wednesday, July 22 | 6 - 7 p.m
• Instructors: Emily Neff, Cristina Codario, and Lindsey Ramsey
• CKC: K6.10 C1
• CDA Subject Area: Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.
• Registrations must be submitted by Monday, July 20. Space is limited.
• Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered. 

Session Rules and Guidelines  

These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. 

• Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively.
• Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. 
• Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person's authentic self-expression.
• Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session.
• Participants may use the "Raise Hand" feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator.
• Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share.  
• To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number.
• Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! 

More Information 

For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.