April Advocacy Event & Legislative Visits: Full Schedule

Welcome to the April Advocacy Event and Legislative Visits!
Today, we unite our voices to champion quality early learning opportunities for Wisconsin’s children. Whether you’re a parent, educator, community member, or supporter, your presence makes our advocacy stronger.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear powerful stories, join our Capitol rally, and meet directly with legislators to share how Head Start and early childhood programs transform lives. Together, we’re building a future where every child has access to the educational foundation they deserve. Thank you for being part of this important day!

12:00pm CDT

Event Check-in Station Open

Tuesday April 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Welcome to today's event!

Please check in at the registration desk to collect your personalized name tag before getting settled in. Your first session begins promptly at 1 PM, so we recommend arriving with enough time to find your seat and prepare for an engaging afternoon.

Tuesday April 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club 1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

1:00pm CDT

Program Leadership

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

This training is designed specifically for Program Leadership (Directors and Management Team Members). This specialized session brings Wisconsin state representatives on-site to facilitate critical conversations about the state of early childhood education in our state. The Wisconsin Office of Head Start Collaboration and other key Wisconsin representatives will lead interactive discussions focused on strengthening our collective voice for Wisconsin's youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

As part of WHSA's commitment to advocacy and strategic partnerships, this training will provide you with essential tools to effectively communicate the impact of Head Start programs throughout Wisconsin. Through collaborative dialogue with policymakers, you will develop strategies to advocate for the children and families we serve throughout the state.

Participant Opportunities:

Engage directly with Wisconsin state representatives on early childhood education priorities
Learn about current and upcoming legislative initiatives affecting Head Start programs
Share program successes and challenges with key decision-makers
Network with fellow program leaders to strengthen collective advocacy efforts
Contribute to the development of WHSA's advocacy priorities

Speakers

Jillian Clemens

Director, Head Start Collaboration Office

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

Raising Your Voice for Change

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

1 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703

Join Rachel Peller, Director of Wisconsin Partners, for "Raising Your Voice for Change," a practical workshop designed specifically for parents and Head Start providers eager to create meaningful change. Participants will explore inspiring examples of everyday advocacy success stories, then engage in hands-on practice connecting personal narratives to policy goals in ways that build bridges rather than divisions. This workshop provides essential preparation for legislative visits, offering both practical tools and valuable practice opportunities to effectively communicate your message.

Expected Outcomes:

Learn from real-world examples of successful grassroots advocacy
Develop skills to connect personal stories to specific policy objectives
Practice advocacy techniques that unite rather than divide
Gain confidence and preparation for upcoming legislative visits
Understand the asset-based, relational approach used by Wisconsin Partners to address root causes

Speakers

Rachel Peller

Director, Wisconsin Partners

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
University C/D 1 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703

2:30pm CDT

Refresh & Connect Break

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Take a moment to recharge with our afternoon refreshment break. Light snacks and beverages will be provided to help you refuel after our first session.

This is your opportunity to check in with yourself - stretch, reflect on what you've learned, and prepare for the upcoming content. It's also the perfect time to connect with fellow attendees, exchange insights, and build meaningful connections. Return refreshed and ready for our next session at 3:00 PM.

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club 1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

3:00pm CDT

Advocacy: The Hows and Whys of Head Start Advocacy

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

1 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703

Join presenters Tanya Wooden and Kayla Gardner of Raising Wisconsin for "Advocacy: The Hows and Whys of Head Start Advocacy," a comprehensive workshop covering essential advocacy skills. Participants will learn to craft compelling personal stories, understand ECE advocacy history and the state budget process, develop strategies for engaging families, and build effective partnerships with businesses and community leaders. This session provides practical tools for advocating at all levels to strengthen early childhood education programs.

Expected Outcomes:

Develop a framework for sharing your personal Head Start story with elected officials
Gain understanding of the state budget process and its impact on ECE funding
Learn practical strategies for engaging families in advocacy initiatives
Acquire techniques for building successful partnerships with businesses and community leaders

Speakers

Tanya Wooden

ECE Engagement Specialist, Raising Wisconsin

Kayla Gardner

Engagement Specialist, Raising Wisconsin

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
University C/D 1 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703

3:00pm CDT

Program Leadership *continued

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

This advocacy training is designed specifically for Program Leadership (Directors and Management Team Members). This specialized session brings Wisconsin state representatives on-site to facilitate critical conversations about the state of early childhood education in our state. The Wisconsin Office of Head Start Collaboration and other key Wisconsin representatives will lead interactive discussions focused on strengthening our collective voice for Wisconsin's youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

As part of WHSA's commitment to advocacy and strategic partnerships, this training will provide you with essential tools to effectively communicate the impact of Head Start programs throughout Wisconsin. Through collaborative dialogue with policymakers, you will develop strategies to advocate for the children and families we serve throughout the state.

Participant Opportunities:

Engage directly with Wisconsin state representatives on early childhood education priorities
Learn about current and upcoming legislative initiatives affecting Head Start programs
Share program successes and challenges with key decision-makers
Network with fellow program leaders to strengthen collective advocacy efforts
Contribute to the development of WHSA's advocacy priorities

Speakers

Jillian Clemens

Director, Head Start Collaboration Office

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
University A/B 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

4:45pm CDT

Networking Reception

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm CDT

1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

Join us for an evening of meaningful connections at our Networking Reception. This relaxed social event provides the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow Head Start advocates in a comfortable setting. Share your experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships with others who share your passion for early childhood education.

Light refreshments will be served to enhance this valuable networking experience. Take this time to expand your professional circle and discover potential collaborations that can strengthen our collective impact on the children and families we serve.

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm CDT
Wisconsin Room 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

7:30am CDT

Event Check-In Station Open

Wednesday April 16, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT

1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Welcome to our big day of advocacy! Please check in at the registration desk to collect your personalized name tag as we prepare to amplify our collective voice for Head Start children and families. The morning registration period runs from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, giving you time to connect with fellow advocates before our first session. Join us in making a powerful impact today—your passion and presence are what will drive meaningful change for the communities we serve.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club 1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

8:00am CDT

Hot Breakfast Buffet

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Start your advocacy day with a nourishing hot breakfast buffet featuring scrambled eggs, sausage links (2 per guest), roasted breakfast potatoes, and assorted muffins served with preserves and sweet butter. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, Tazo™ tea, and chilled fruit juice to complete your morning meal. This energizing breakfast will fuel your important work ahead while providing an opportunity to connect with fellow advocates.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club 1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

9:00am CDT

Legislative Impact Session: Stories and Strategies

Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:00am - 11:15am CDT

1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

Get ready for a powerful morning of advocacy preparation! This comprehensive session will equip you with everything you need for successful legislative meetings. Beginning with welcome remarks and opening insights from our leadership team, you'll hear legislative perspectives directly from Rep. Joers and Sen. Johnson, followed by impactful Head Start stories highlighting our mission's importance.

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

Senator LaTonya Johnson - Champion for children and families in the Wisconsin legislature
Representative Alex Joers - Key voice on education policy in the State Assembly
Jennie Mauer - Executive Director, Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA)
Ruth Schmidt - Executive Director, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA)
Caty McDermott - Hamilton Consulting Group, presenting legislative strategy (30-minute main presentation)
Albert Wat - Senior Policy Director, Alliance for Early Success
Maria Estlund - NAEYC State Policy Specialist
Maggie Gau - Chief of Staff for Governor Tony Evers, delivering a keynote address with insights from the administration

The session culminates with a keynote address from Maggie Gau and clear instructions for our Capitol rally. By the end of this preparation, you'll be fully prepared with messaging, talking points, and confidence to effectively advocate for Head Start during your afternoon legislative visits.

Following our training, we'll walk together to the Capitol State Street Steps West for our 11:30 AM rally before breaking for lunch and proceeding to our scheduled legislative visits at 1:00 PM.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:00am - 11:15am CDT
Madison/Wisconsin Rooms 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703

11:30am CDT

Capitol Walk

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 11:50am CDT

Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

Pick up your advocacy sign as you exit the building and join us for a short walk to the West Entrance steps of the State Capitol on the State Street side. We'll gather as a unified group, bringing our signs and our passion as we prepare to make our voices heard for Head Start children and families. This brief walk gives us time to organize before our public demonstration. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing for our short outdoor journey.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 11:50am CDT
Wisconsin State Capitol Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

12:00pm CDT

Families and Kids First in Wisconsin Rally

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT

Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

Join us on the West Entrance steps (State Street side) of the State Capitol for our powerful advocacy rally supporting Head Start and comprehensive early childhood education in Wisconsin. Together, we'll demonstrate how quality early learning programs provide critical foundations for children's development and family support. Our compelling 30-minute program features personal impact stories from families and educators, clear policy messages about early childhood funding and access, and a unifying call to action.

This public demonstration highlights how investments in early childhood education, including Head Start, create stronger communities and brighter futures for Wisconsin's children. The rally will conclude with a powerful closing unity moment before we break for lunch and prepare for our afternoon legislative visits.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capitol Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

12:20pm CDT

Grab-n-Go Lunch

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:20pm - 12:35pm CDT

Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

Wear your advocacy shirt to the outdoor rally at the Capitol West Entrance! After our rally concludes, pick up your quality grab-and-go lunch provided by local favorite Ugly Apple Cafe right there on the Capitol grounds. These convenient meals are designed to keep you fueled and ready for the important legislative visits that follow! Lunches will be clearly marked as vegetarian or meat option. Just show your event badge/t-shirt to receive your meal.

FYI: Our friends from "Milwaukee Succeeds" will be enjoying their pre-arranged group lunch, so they'll be all set!

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:20pm - 12:35pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capitol Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

12:20pm CDT

Lunch Break

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:20pm - 1:00pm CDT

Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

Enjoy a brief respite to refuel before your important legislative meetings. Lunch will be on your own, with several quick dining options available near the Capitol. Grab-and-go lunches may also be available for those who prefer to maximize their time—we'll provide more details on this option soon! This break gives you an opportunity to reflect on the morning's rally, review your advocacy talking points, and prepare for your afternoon conversations with policymakers.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 12:20pm - 1:00pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capitol Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

1:00pm CDT

Legislative Visits

Wednesday April 16, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison

This is your opportunity to directly influence policy by sharing personal experiences about the impact of Head Start and early childhood education with Wisconsin legislators. Your scheduled meetings have been arranged by Raising Wisconsin, who will communicate specific details about your assigned lawmakers, meeting locations within the Capitol, and suggested talking points.

These face-to-face conversations are incredibly powerful in helping policymakers understand how quality early learning programs support children, strengthen families, and benefit our communities. Your authentic stories and passionate advocacy make a lasting impression that can shape future funding and policy decisions.

Wednesday April 16, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capitol Corner of State Street and the Capitol in Madison