Project 3: The “we need a state coalition to make great things happen” project

Through collaboration of the players and the strategic use of data and technology, we can find a way to ensure that no child or parents lacks access to parent support programs. We are not trying to simplify our nation and states’ most complex challenges in a sentence. We are advocating for the start of long local dialogue about how we end parenting support disparities. This is a conversation that’s been going on for decades involving the public and private sector. This particular project is about joining or creating a countywide and statewide network of parent support program advocates who believe that these services are not a luxury, it’s what civilized governments ensure. A coalition will allow you to have a strong voice in your community as well as your city, county and state government. You may find that local lawmakers, while sympathetic to issues, do not see addressing parent support disparities as the role of county or city government. For this reason, coalitions matter and they can be a force for awareness.

Your county and/or state coalition can educate local lawmakers about a new role for government: ensuring all caregivers have access to parent supports. This group can also work to elect officials who will prioritize access to parent support. Technology can connect everyone in the network with shared understanding as to the vision, goals, activities, use of data, use of communication and messaging, and evaluation process es. Your action teams starts with identifying who is in the lead with parent support reform.