How a Community Coalition Mobilized for Early Learning Success

 “The power in this work is in the power of your partnerships. If you can engage your community in authentic ways that speak to the values of the folx that represent the communities, cities, and neighborhoods where you live, the work moves forward. Make sure you hold sacred the power of partnerships in your community.” – Jillian Delos Reyes   

This webinar explored the story of how a passionate team of early childhood advocates mobilized to secure approximately $21 million in annual funding for early childhood programs through the passage of a voter measure. Attendees learned the background of the New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and the role each presenter brought to the coalition’s work. Strategies impacting voter engagement, samples of messaging and key takeaways were also shared.   

Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, opened the session and provided background information about how the local New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading began.  

“We all know that access to high-quality early care and education is essential and recognize what we can do for parents and families today will pay dividends in the future.” – Michael Williamson  

Jillian Delos Reyes, the Director of Education and Youth Initiatives with United Way of Southeast Louisiana, presented an overview of the New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and how the early childhood funding initiative fits in with the shared strategies of their coalition.  

“We connect experts to local programs and increase community awareness and understanding of what works. Helping our community members understand why grade-level reading and school readiness are so important ― not just for the sake of our children and families, but for our community.” – Jillian Delos Reyes  

Ron McClain, Executive Director with the Institute of Mental Hygiene, shared the timeline of how the New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading relaunched and became reenergized. He also provided insight about each milestone leading up to the historic passing of the voter measure to use property tax revenue toward early childhood programs, teacher retention and family wraparound support.    

“There are more and more people talking about the importance of early childhood and brain architecture in the first three years of life. All these things are so connected to quality early care and education. We’ve changed the narrative in our community and that’s a huge win.” – Ron McClain  

Hamilton Simons-Jones, Founder and Principal with ResourceFull Consulting, described the coalition’s strategies for inspiring the public to support the measure. He shared the key messages used and provided examples. Simons-Jones also talked about the partners who joined in support of advocating for their campaign.  

“Our partners were groups from the business councils, the New Orleans Chamber, progressive grassroots and organizing groups, nonprofits, health-focused organizations, and political and civic engagement organizations. We made this, very intentionally, a cross-sector and bipartisan issue and advocacy campaign.” – Hamilton Simons-Jones 

Rochelle Wilcox, Co-Founder of For Providers By Providers, described the volunteer engagement and direct advocacy timeline and efforts led by her team.  

“We knew that it would take more to get people out to vote for this only thing on the ballot. But, if you show people that they matter, they are going to call their friends, family members and co-workers in support. Everybody had to see themselves in this and that they could make a difference.” – Rochelle Wilcox 

Bill Hammack, Senior Partner with Link Restaurant Group, represented the business sector on the team. He shared the importance of gaining support from the local business community and how this helped to build momentum during their advocacy campaign.   

“We were able to bring a message that talked about workforce and economic development and return on investment. The goal was to resonate with business leaders because those business leaders are influential, and they are politically connected. We needed their support.” – Bill Hammack 

Morgan Shannon, Director of Strategic Partnerships with Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, discussed how her team and organization provided coaching, the mobilization of volunteers and support with the direct engagement of voters.    

“We used our field infrastructure, knocked on doors, had crucial conversations, mobilized and organized community to make sure that voting isn’t transactional.” – Morgan Shannon 

The final portion of the webinar described key takeaways and a Q&A conversation with all panelists.