Help Build a Better Future for Nebraska’s Children & Families
by Jodi-Renee Girón, FFN Grassroots and Advocacy Advisor
For the past nine years, First Five Nebraska has been investing in advocates—people with conviction and a readiness to take the next step in their advocacy journey and move from personal passion to public policy.
The magic of policy advocacy and community organizing is that it takes everyone. Different walks of life, professions, areas of expertise, ages, orientations, races and ethnicities—all of it is needed to shift the public conversation and create lasting change. No single person, occupation or demographic can transform a whole community. That’s the point.
The Vision Behind the Policy Leadership Academy
The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) was built on a foundational belief that a small group of thoughtful, committed people really can change the world, but most powerfully when they’re equipped to do so. Effective advocacy requires skills, tools and knowledge. And because the political and social landscape is always evolving, the most powerful advocates are also constant learners.
PLA brings together community members and professionals who are ready to learn, ready to sharpen their skills and ready to fill their toolbox. Together, participants explore how public policy has historically been shaped by those most impacted by it, and how they can do the same. From that foundation, cohort members identify where they can make the greatest impact and discover how their unique leadership styles strengthen a community’s entire advocacy infrastructure, and how they can become part of the decision-making process at the legislative level.
Who Should Apply
There is no background, sector or lived experience that isn’t welcome in PLA. Whether you work in education, health care, business, faith communities, nonprofits or anywhere else, if you want to make a difference in early childhood and maternal health and are ready to level up, the PLA was designed for you.
Even the application itself is part of the experience. Through thoughtful prompts and tailored questions, applicants are invited to reflect on what they want to learn and how they want to apply it to the needs of Nebraska families. It’s a meaningful first step, not just a form to fill out.
How to Apply
Applications for the next PLA cohort are open now through June 12. Take advantage of this early window—it’s an opportunity to explore what you might contribute to your colleagues and community by refining your skills and sharpening your practice.
And if the PLA isn’t quite the right fit for you right now, consider passing this along to someone in your life or professional circle who is already making a difference and looking for the next step.
Questions are encouraged. Curiosity is one of the most powerful traits an advocate can have. Reach out to PLA Facilitator Jodi-Renee Girón at jgiron@fFirstFiveNebraska.org with questions or help navigating the application process. We’d love to hear from you.
Watch a short Q & A video to learn more about PLA