Early Edge Convenes Ninth Community of Practice of the California Leading From Home Program
On May 23rd, Early Edge convened its ninth Leading from Home (LFH) Community of Practice (CoP) which featured guest speaker Robin Swanson, a strategist and communications expert with over 30 years’ experience working at the federal and state level and founder of Swanson Communications. She provided LFH members with a training on media and communicating a policy pitch. As FFN leaders continue to prepare for their advocacy day, which will take place at the State Capitol at the end of June, Robin was able to provide expert insight on how FFNs can best approach their stories effectively when engaging with audiences, including policymakers and the media, to foster policy change and action.
FFN leaders were able to develop personal stories that identified problems, possible solutions, and calls to action through several thought-provoking activities that helped bridge the personal experiences and the need for policy changes. FFN leaders identified a number of policy issues and challenges they face in providing care, such as pathways to licensure and adequate compensation and benefits, as they honed their individual stories.
Early Edge is enthusiastic about the participation of ten passionate and seasoned FFN providers in our initiative to gain profound insights into the unique needs and barriers faced by FFN providers and ultimately amplify their voices throughout California. For further details about this program, please visit the California Leading From Home webpage on the Early Edge website.
The California Leading from Home (LFH) Program, which seeks to support Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers in developing their advocacy skills and help them establish grassroots support networks within their communities. These monthly CoP gatherings aim to foster mutual learning and collaboration, empowering these caregivers to elevate their voices and needs within their local communities and across the state. The purpose of LFH is to invest in and empower FFN caregivers, enabling them to inform policymakers about the importance of FFN child care and what is needed to support them in their caregiving. The cohort members also receive a monthly stipend for their participation and commitment to the program.