Jump Start 2026

Advocacy doesn't have to be a drag! While engaging policymakers can feel intimidating, the secret is simple: they’re just people who want real connection. As an afterschool pro, you already have the superpowers needed to win them over. In this session, we’ll ditch the "scary" stuff and discover how to use your existing skills—the same ones you use to connect with youth and families—to become an advocacy rockstar. Let’s reshape how you make the case for your program and turn "cumbersome" into "connection!"