Advocacy Action Center


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Advocacy Today!

Head Start and a variety of programs that our families rely upon are under pressure at the federal level. Deep cuts and program elimination to some key programs are being considered. Recently, it was reported “I am committed to protecting the promise of Head Start, as envisioned by my uncle who created the program 60 years ago,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “And I will ensure that the next generation of families living in poverty have access to this vital program that offers what they need to thrive.” HHS Press Release, 5/19/25.

However, even the commitment of the Secretary will not be enough to ensure Congress funds Head Start at such a level to ensure we are able to provide the highest quality of services to the communities we serve.

Now is the time for you to join others in our community to PROTECT this program. See TAKE ACTION steps below. Also, join us for our upcoming Head Start After Hours Café, times and links below and our Federal Update.

Head Start After Hours Café– Be Alert, Be Informed, Be Active! The Cafe is intended to serve as a place for the community to gather. Each cafe will begin with a brief presentation about the items most pressing to our communities and then provide space for networking and problem-solving.

We ask staff, parents, and friends of Head Start to join us for the latest on Head Start in the news, and to come together to discuss challenges and opportunities in your community to protect Head Start. We will have a Spanish-language interpreter join us.

Invitamos al personal, padres y amigos de Head Start a unirse a nosotros para estar al tanto de las últimas noticias sobre Head Start y a conversar sobre los desafíos y las oportunidades en su comunidad para proteger a Head Start. Contaremos con un intérprete de español.

Tuesday, May 27th @ 4 pm – Zoom Link

Federal Update Webinar – Please join us for a community update on challenges to Head Start and the urgent need for us to be alert, engaged, and ready to take action.

Thursday, June 26th @ 2 pm – Zoom Link

 

    To advocate for our programs, there are three actions you must take:
    • Call your Congressional representative and US Senators office and let them know how important Head Start is to your community. (Yes, call volume is VERY important, and they do keep a tally of the hot topics.) Key names and numbers listed below, and search links. Please call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, which will connect you to the correct Congressional or Senate office based on your location. A staff member will pick up the phone. If a staff member does not answer, please leave a message.
    • Click on NHSA’s Action Alert  Click here to send your representatives a letter. NHSA keeps these fresh so you may want to check back a couple of times in the month and send more messages.
    • Learn and share information you see and hear in the news. Talk with people in your family, neighbors, church, or other settings. Look for ways to engage and advocate for the priorities of food advocates, housing advocates, and education advocates. Each topic has leading groups that you will find when using search engines.

    Additional resources for your advocacy efforts

     

    In the Region 9 states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and the Outer Pacific, and Nevada, our KEY House Members are the following – If they are your representative, it is doubly important that you act!

    House Appropriations Committee

    Senate Appropriations Committee

    (** indicates this member sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Head Start funding)

    United States Senate Look Up

    United States House of Representatives Look Up

    Scroll down to the bottom of the page, for more advocacy resources in Region 9!

     

    Click here to contact us

     

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    Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.