Head Start Advocates: Time to cross off items on your bucket list!
Experiences that can only be found in Washington, D.C.
Join hundreds of your colleagues for a week of in-depth policy discussion, practical training, and advocacy opportunities with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., from September 23–26, 2019, at the National Head Start Association’s Fall Leadership Institute.
NHSA is making sure the 2019 Fall Leadership Institute is like no other, with a variety of before and after-session activities. These experiences highlight the best D.C. has to offer as well as some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can cross off your personal “bucket list.”
1. Visit the latest and greatest museums
Sunday, September 22 |Offered complimentary before the Institute
Before we kick off the week, attendees will have the opportunity to visit D.C’s newest Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). NHSA has secured a limited number of complimentary passes for Sunday admission for Institute attendees.
The NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. The founding director of the museum, Lonnie Bunch, said the purpose is to “tell the American story through the lens of African American history and culture. This is America’s Story and this museum is for all Americans.”
2. See the national monuments by moonlight
Sunday, September 22 | Offered for an additional price before the Institute
You haven’t seen Washington, D.C. until you’ve seen it by moonlight. When evening comes, the city resonates with a power you can only feel here. Institute attendees will have the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital on Sunday during a Moonlight Trolley Tour.
Professional tour guides will take attendees to some of the city’s most popular monuments, stopping at the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial in northern Virginia, as well as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials.
3. Take a stand on Capitol Hill
Wednesday, September 25 | Open to all
Congress is about to make critical funding decisions for Head Start programs, including on cost-of-living adjustments for staff, support for responding to children’s challenging behaviors, and increasing services to infants and toddlers. Right now, it is essential that members of Congress hear from you — the advocates, parents, alumni, providers, educators, and other constituents who know most intimately the importance of increasing funding for Head Start.
During the Institute, Head Start parents from across the country, representing every state and hundreds of programs, will gather in Washington, D.C. to show the strength of our voice by rallying on Capitol Hill for Head Start.
Don’t miss this historic show of unity for the Head Start community! We encourage you to join the Families Unite for Head Start group on Facebook to connect with other members of the Head Start community. You can also RSVP to the Rally on Facebook.
4. Meet with Congress to talk about the issues that matter
Wednesday, September 25 | Fall Leadership Insitute attendees
After the rally, Institute attendees will have time dedicated to meeting with members of Congress. These meetings are critically important to the future of Head Start. Meeting face-to-face with your members of Congress and their staff is one of the most influential ways to communicate to these decisionmakers the unique, innovative, and high-quality nature of Head Start.
5. Develop advocacy, policy, and leadership skills
Monday - Thursday, September 23–26 | Fall Leadership Insitute attendees
The week-long Institute will feature sessions, panels, and workshops covering a wide variety of topics. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect during our time together:
- Head Start in Today’s Political Climate
- Engaging in the 2020 Census: Counting Young Kids
- Immigration’s Impact on Head Start: No End in Sight
- Childhood Trauma: Existing Policy and New Opportunities for Head Start
- Crisis Communications Tips for Head Start Programs
- Head Start Town Hall
- and more!
Take a look at the full schedule to explore all of the sessions that will be offered.
6. Connect with Office of Head Start officials and other national Head Start leaders
Thursday, September 26 | Fall Leadership Insitute attendees
Dr. Deborah Bergeron, the Director of the Office of Head Start, will update attendees on her agency’s work. She will answer questions and offer guidance on how to be a stronger advocate for Head Start in your community. Members of her senior leadership team will also be available to connect and provide detailed updates.
Come join us!
Make sure you register for the conference and claim your spot for these activities today. If you’ve already registered for the Institute, log in and add these activities to your schedule.
We can’t wait to see you at the 2019 Fall Leadership Institute! If you have any questions, please contact conferences@nhsa.org for assistance.
