PLA members (l. to r.) Dana Wockenfuss, Kelsey Schnoor and Kimberly Puntney met with State Senator Dover at the Capitol.
Members of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) Class 6 spent the day at the Nebraska Capitol February 5th engaging with their State Senators. Their focus? Advocating for key bills and policies that impact maternal health and child care—two critical areas that shape the well-being of families across the state.
Understanding civic engagement
Civic engagement refers to the process of individuals actively participating in the political structures that shape their communities. It can take many forms, from voting to engaging their State Senator as well as advocacy efforts. At its core, civic engagement is about using one’s voice and actions to contribute to the democratic process and effect meaningful change. Effective advocacy leads to more people participating in civic engagement in an informed and credible way.
Learning to navigate the civic structure
For the PLA class participants, this was a front-row seat into the day-to-day workings of Nebraska’s Legislature. While this is not the whole of great advocacy, understanding the intricacies of state government and policymaking is fundamental. By walking the halls of the Capitol, attending committee hearings and engaging in one-on-one conversations with senators, these emerging leaders gained firsthand experience in navigating the civic structure.
Maternal health and child care: Priorities that matter
The class was united by a shared commitment to ensuring Nebraska families have access to essential maternal health services and high-quality child care. These issues are more than policy debates—they directly impact the lives of parents, children and entire communities.
Chelsey Sullivan and State Senator Bob Hallstrom
By discussing specific bills and sharing personal stories, the participants helped put a human face on these legislative issues. Their efforts underscored the fact that strong maternal health policies and a robust child care system are not just social benefits but economic imperatives that strengthen Nebraska’s workforce and future generations.
The power of being heard
One of the most impactful takeaways from the day was the realization that one measurement of effective advocacy is when people step up to use their voices in a credible and coordinated way. State senators listened, asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful dialogue. This reaffirmed that the democratic process thrives when citizens take an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives. The experience was not just about learning; it was about demonstrating that every individual has the opportunity to advocate for change and the real power is in doing it together.
A lasting impact
As Class 6 members left the Capitol, they carried with them new ideas for elevating the value of early childhood and maternal health in their local communities, ultimately working together to elevate that conversation at the public policy level. Their experience reinforced that policy is not just something that happens in government buildings—it is shaped by the voices of those willing to speak up for their communities. For Nebraska families, and for the future of maternal health and child care policies, that is a hopeful and inspiring outcome.
Read more:
Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy kicks off 2024-25 program
Breaking down advocacy, activism, lobbying and educating: Distinct roles in driving change
