Head Start Heads to the State Capitol
Team Izzi was joined by Wu Yee Children’s Services and Kai Ming Head Start in a group of around 300 total Head Start staff and educators marching around the State Capitol for Head Start Advocacy Day. Our group also met with the offices of Senator Josh Becker and Assemblymember Diane Papan to raise awareness on the impact of Head Start.
"Head Start is the best start!"
"Great teachers deserve great pay, support our teachers every day!"
Q: Why was it so important for you to show up yesterday?
Veronica Guzman (VG): It’s so important because it provides a platform to advocate for crucial funding, resources, and policies that support our Head Start Programs. These programs offer vital early childhood education, healthcare, and family support services to underserved communities.
Silvia Espinoza (SE): It's an opportunity to be a voice for those who rely on these services, and to help ensure that Head Start continues to receive the support and funding it deserves.
Moana Lupe (ML): Singer Tobymac said: "If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now? If we gotta start somewhere, I say here. If we gotta start sometime, I say now!" So if not now then, when? If not us, then who? I show up because I know who I am, and I understand the power of my voice. When it's added to the mass of powerful voices that join in any worthy cause, it will shake things up and cause a ripple effect like the ocean.
Q: What was the best part of Head Start Advocacy Day?
VG: Sharing our real-life stories with lawmakers and how it has helped highlight the positive impact in Head Start with our children and families.
SE: The best part of Head Start Advocacy Day was it feeling empowering to come together as a community. Make sure our voices are heard by decision-makers who have the power to make a difference.
ML: During our march we passed by shops, restaurants, parking lots, and places where people enter because there's a need, I thought of how all of these are connected to education, we must learn it to walk in it! No matter who we are and what we do...education is important for reaching what we are destined to be and do!
Q: How would you encourage others to also help advocate for Head Start in different ways (ex: calling state reps, joining a rally when schedule allows, sharing impact of Head Start, etc.)?
VG: To be an advocate & represent families who may not have the opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers, ensuring their needs are heard. This is a direct engagement with policymakers & can drive legislative decisions that expand or protect funding for Head Start programs.
SE: I would encourage others to advocate for Head Start in any way they can, whether it’s calling state representatives, sharing personal stories about the impact of Head Start, or joining a rally when their schedule allows.
ML: When you see the opportunity to be a voice...speak! When you see the opportunity to send a letter to those who represent us...write it! When the opportunity to go comes...Prepare and GO! When time is given...MAKE IT COUNT! Don't be silent on things that are good and right!
Shout out to the posters from our programs and sites and thank you Head Start California for organizing just an important day to make sure our voices are heard!
