Advocacy and Policy Cohorts

Advancing Equity in Education

Fall 2024 Application can be found at the end of this page! Scroll ahead if you already know you’d like to apply.

As SESEC’s flagship program for building an effective education advocacy program, Advocacy and Policy Cohorts (APC) focuses on developing stronger, more effective voices in the Southeast Seattle community to champion equity in education for their children.

Using a cohort approach, APC engages emerging community leaders and parents/guardians through a speakers series to learn about policy work, develop and understand policies through a racial equity lens, ways to effectively advocate, how to work with the media, understand educational data, and how to do effective presentations at boards, committees, and commissions. At the conclusion of the cohort, members will have a deeper connection to policy work, stronger leadership skills and a better understanding of policy issues.

Each year looks a little different but here is an example of sessions from previous years:

• Starting with Relationships and Racial Equity
• What is Advocacy and Policy
• Family Engagement and Why it is Needed for School Based Advocacy
• Understanding the Basics of School Budgets
• Advocating to Decision Makers
• How to Give Effective Public Testimony
• How to Work with Media

This program is designed for:

The program is open to all but will be most useful to those living and/or working in Seattle who are involved in or connected to public education in some way. Many of our partners are nonprofit leaders serving families and students in Seattle Public Schools. That said, many of the tools, connections, and knowledge can be adapted to other contexts and spaces.

Priority will be given to SESEC partners and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). If you have any questions or concerns before applying, feel free to reach out to [email protected] and [email protected] to discuss whether the program is a fit for you.

Logistics (Program Dates Here)

APC is FREE to attend. We ask that you commit to attending most (ideally all) sessions. If you’re unsure of this time commitment, contact [email protected] and [email protected] before automatically opting out. We understand that things can come up and life happens, and consistent attendance contributes to the relationships within the cohort being stronger.

APC will be hosted IN-PERSON (If you need hybrid for some sessions, please email [email protected] to discuss) at SESEC’s office at El Centro de la Raza (2524 16th Ave S, Suite 306, Seattle, WA 98144) on the following Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Noon):

•   October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 
•   November 6, 13, 20
•   December 4, 11

Accessibility: The main entrance has stairs. The south entrance has stairs and a ramp outdoors. There is a wheelchair lift on the south side for the indoor stairs. The north side of the building has a wheelchair accessible entrance and elevator to the our office on the 3rd floor (#306). We recommend the south or main entrances if you are able. You’ll see stairs on the north side as well but those lead to the 2nd floor and are generally locked. There are doors on both side of the stairs that go to the 1st floor. If you are unable to get in that side, Mindy will provide her phone # via the welcome email and she can run down to let you in.

COVID Safety Measures: Please take a rapid COVID test at least 24 hours prior to each session. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. We will bring extra to test onsite for day-of testing if needed. It is up to each individual’s comfort level whether you would like to wear a mask or not. We will have masks available.  

Public Transportation: El Centro is right next to the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station. You can also take the 36, 60, and 107.

Parking: El Centro has a small parking lot on the north side of the building. Please be sure to read the signs for each spot as some of them are reserved. You can also look for street parking. Be sure to watch for 2 hr parking signs depending on where you park. There are residential streets if you’re able to walk a little further.

Application