By Sarah Zang, The Village at Action for Children Program Coordinator
Learn more about Action for Children.
As a participant in Groundwork Ohio’s fellowship program, I’m thrilled to share some reflections on this powerful experience so far. The Groundwork Ohio Fellowship is all about helping early childhood professionals grow as leaders and advocates. It’s a hands-on program with inspiring speakers, online learning, discussions with policymakers, and small group projects. Fellows get the chance to connect with others who care about young children and their families while learning how to be strong voices for change in their communities. By the end of the program, we’re better equipped to advocate for ourselves, the children we serve, and the families who rely on us.
I wanted to join the Groundwork Ohio Fellowship because it felt like the perfect opportunity to grow as an advocate and make a bigger impact in early childhood. The idea of learning from experts, working alongside other passionate professionals, and gaining real tools to create change really spoke to me. I’m deeply committed to supporting kids and families, and this fellowship felt like a way to take that commitment to the next level.
Each session has expanded my perspective on Ohio’s child care policies and early childhood education landscape. Here’s a glimpse into our first few sessions and the inspiring work we’ve engaged in to prepare for Advocacy Day in March 2025, when hundreds of early childhood advocates and supporters from across the state will come together for a day of learning and advocacy and engage with state policymakers to ensure all children in Ohio are supported through early childhood efforts and policies.
Laying the Groundwork: Our First Session
Our journey began with introductions and an overview of Ohio’s child care policies and programs. I was excited to meet my fellow participants—each of us coming from diverse backgrounds yet united in our commitment to supporting young children and families across Ohio.
This initial session offered an eye-opening look at the wide range of policy areas that intersect with early childhood development, from access to quality child care to family support programs. Through high-level discussions, we began exploring key issues impacting child care in Ohio and identified the critical need for a cohesive, well-supported approach. It was evident from this early discussion that Ohio has tremendous potential to make meaningful progress in this field.
However, it also became clear that significant barriers remain—barriers that dedicated advocates, practitioners, and policymakers must work collaboratively to overcome.
The fellowship already felt like a launchpad for something bigger, setting the stage for our upcoming sessions focused on equipping us to influence positive change.
The Momentum Institute: Building Inspiration and Connection
In September, my fellow participants and I attended Groundwork Ohio’s Momentum Institute, where we joined early childhood professionals and members of Ohio’s prenatal-to-3 coalition. It was a day full of motivation and insight, centered on innovative tactics and strategies that will drive forward early childhood policy in Ohio. This gathering was particularly meaningful, as it underscored the importance of collective efforts and encouraged us to look at action-oriented solutions.
Throughout the day, we learned about both broad, systemic policy changes and targeted, community-based initiatives. The discussions reinforced the power of collaboration and highlighted that real progress often happens when a community unites around a common cause.
I left the event feeling inspired and more committed than ever to advocate for Ohio’s youngest citizens.
Advocacy 101: Equipping Ourselves for Change
Our October session was an immersive introduction to advocacy, led by Brittany Boulton, Groundwork Ohio’s vice president. In her presentation on Advocacy 101, Brittany guided us through foundational concepts that would serve as building blocks for the rest of the fellowship. We explored what advocacy means, how it functions within a policy context, and the various forms it can take. More importantly, we learned about specific strategies for effective advocacy, which we discussed further in smaller breakout groups.
These discussions were incredibly valuable. Engaging with my fellow participants allowed me to hear diverse perspectives and share my own. We worked together to define advocacy and the steps involved in the advocacy process. Brittany’s session emphasized that advocacy isn’t limited to public speeches or large events; it also includes everyday actions, such as educating communities or engaging with policymakers. We each identified specific advocacy strategies that align with our personal strengths and the unique needs of our communities.
The session ended with a focus on preparing for Groundwork Ohio’s upcoming Advocacy Day in March 2025. This day will offer us a platform to bring attention to critical early childhood issues, with the goal of influencing Ohio’s policy landscape.
Equipped with new knowledge and techniques, I feel ready to join my peers in advocating for policies that prioritize children’s well-being and provide families with the resources they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on these experiences, I am immensely grateful for the chance to participate in Groundwork Ohio’s fellowship program. Each session has reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy and deepened my understanding of Ohio’s early childhood landscape. As we continue to prepare for Advocacy Day and future advocacy opportunities, I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and contribute to a stronger, more supportive system for Ohio’s young children and families.
This journey has been transformative, not only in shaping my knowledge but in building a community of passionate advocates dedicated to creating lasting change. Together, we are working toward a future where every Ohio child has access to quality care, education, and the resources they need for a strong start in life.
Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.