Written by Data & Research Fellow, Jasmin Rubalcava-Duran
This past month, on January 29th, Sound Reengagement Collaborative hosted their first Advocacy Day, which I was able to attend on behalf of CCER. We came together in Olympia and collaborated with over 30 other program providers and student representatives. We were specifically advocating for wraparound services for Opportunity Youth and Adult Learners, meaning individuals who have completed high school but have not enrolled in postsecondary education or the workforce. It was important to raise awareness of the needs of these groups of students and adult learners to better equip them with the tools and resources they need to succeed; these include housing, basic needs, mentorship, and educational programs. We were able to meet with 16 state senators and representatives to speak on these issues, share our personal stories, and also specifically ask for support on HB 2089 and SB 2100. Both of these bills incorporate ways to increase access to financial resources, such as the WA college grant, and establish funds to provide basic needs, housing, and education.
I truly enjoyed going down to the Capitol to advocate for these needs that align with CCER’s priorities and my personal values. I was able to share my personal experience in K-12 and higher education as a first-generation college student and how important access to resources is for students of similar backgrounds. I also enjoyed connecting with others from similar organizations and learning from one another. Overall, it was an empowering experience coming together as a collective to advocate for wraparound services and resources to navigate these systems to meet both their educational and career goals.
Jasmin Rubalcava-Duran
One of my peers Nani, was also to attend along with me, and here she shares her experience:
“I had the privilege of attending the Sound Re-Engagement Collaboration (SRC) Lobby Day. I participated as both a CCER Fellow and a student to support and advocate for SRC’s collaborative initiatives and policy priorities. As this was my first experience engaging in lobbying, I found the opportunity both empowering and educational. I was inspired by the individuals I attended with and valued the opportunity to share my perspective on the importance of wraparound services and navigation support for Opportunity Youth and other students who are underserved by our education system. I am grateful to the facilitators for their guidance on effectively communicating with representatives, navigating political differences, and developing strategic approaches to advocacy. Overall, this was a highly meaningful experience, and I look forward to participating in similar efforts in the future”. – Nani Galoro