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Pre-K Now
Engaging Community Leaders

Support from community leaders - whether they are leaders in business, faith, civic, or social organizations - helps pre-k advocacy campaigns reach influential people and gain access to existing networks for communication and action.

"Grasstops" leadership is often critical to getting the attention of policymakers who are faced with a wide array of demands. Their involvement signals to policymakers that an issue is serious and urgent enough for these busy leaders to donate their limited time and political capital.

We gather below examples of pre-k campaigns that have made outreach to community leaders a key tactic. These models can likely be replicated in your community and can show these leaders why their pre-k support matters.

Outreach to Faith Leaders

Reaching out to faith leaders gives pre-k advocates valuable experience in framing messages for unique audiences and connects campaigns to powerful voices who are already well-known for their commitment to improving the future for all children.

For instance, in 2007, the Alabama School Readiness Alliance successfully engaged the Alabama Faith Council to endorse a position statement in favor of expanding state-funded pre-k.

Created by an Episcopal bishop in Birmingham, the Alabama Faith Council provides an outlet for faith leaders throughout the state to come together, have discussions, and speak out collectively on issues concerning social justice. The Council's members include leaders of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith communities who meet regularly to adopt positions on issues confronting the state.

Because of their efforts to secure the position statement, advocates in Alabama now have an important voice on their side and a strong document that helps answer a common question from policymakers: "Where do people of faith stand on this issue?"

The position statement also assists pre-k advocates as they continue their outreach to faith leaders. The statement urges each church, synagogue, and mosque to aid the pre-k movement in whatever way it can. This call to action may motivate people of faith to participate not only in advocacy efforts but in the implementation of pre-k expansion plans as well. Congregations, for example, may consider using their resources and buildings to provide pre-k to Alabama's young children as the state-funded program grows.
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Meeting the Challenge of Rural Pre-K
Families everywhere struggle to find high-quality pre-k programs for their children, but the problem is even more acute in rural areas. Pre-K Now has come out with recommendations for federal policymakers to help states meet the unique challenges of rural pre-k.
download the white paper (PDF)
see our other federal policy work
Video: Briefing on America's Pre-K Movement
Pre-K Now held a briefing for congressional staff, cosponsored by Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kit Bond, on October 1. Hear what a governor, three superintendents, two directors of early childhood programs, and a national teacher of the year think Congress should do to increase families' access to quality, state-funded pre-k.
watch and learn more
Good parenting is enhanced by a high-quality pre-k program.