Illinois Advocacy

Advocacy allows you to use your voice and share your story on how an issue, policy or decision has or may impact your life or the lives of those you love. Each year, Illinois legislators and community leaders make important decisions at the state and city levels that have real impacts. 

Illinoisans should feel empowered to contact your legislators to help them understand what their decisions mean for communities. For example, crafting a state budget is one of the most important things legislators do. Your advocacy can ensure they consider and priorities early childhood priorities in their decision-making. 

Lawmakers made it to the legislature because they were voted in by Illinoisians like you. Therefore, these lawmakers represent their constituents—you! And you probably have advocated before, but didn’t realize it. Advocacy means building support for an issue. You advocate when you speak up and educate someone on a topic. Anyone can advocate by simply sharing their personal stories. 

Is your community group interested in hosting a dialogue with Illinois legislators about the importance of early learning and care? Or do you have questions on the legislative session or the resources offered? Contact us at Advocacy@StartEarly.org and follow us on Twitter @EarlyEdIL. 

Want to learn more about how to be a stronger early childhood advocate in Illinois but overwhelmed on where to begin? We’ve prepared a helpful resource to get you started!

To learn more about the many different ways to advocate, how the Illinois legislative process works, how to work with media and more, check out our Early Childhood Advocacy Toolkit!

Raising Illinois, powered by Start Early, is our state’s Prenatal-To-3 coalition, committed to supporting our youngest generation by ensuring families can access high-quality health care, engage in quality learning experiences and establish economic security.

Visit the Raising Illinois Action Center to take action on behalf of Illinois’ infants, toddlers and expecting families.