Our Events
We know the most effective way to create change is through gathering in physical and digital spaces to share ideas, challenge systems, teach one another and grow as a collective.
Past Events
Parent Power Summit
This year we hosted our Parent Power Summit virtually! Joined by almost 100 participants from the three central coast counties, we were once again inspired by the incredible strength and resilience of parents. Our conversation focused on collective recovery for all families by advocating for children with special needs, establishing strong relationships with our schools and improving public communication. Stay tuned for a video recap!
Centering Children & Families at the Heart of Recovery: Town Hall with Representative Jimmy Panetta
In collaboration with Core Investments Santa Cruz, CCECAN hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting featuring Congressman Jimmy Panetta and multiple esteemed panelists. This discussion was centered on families, children and our collective recovery from the current economic, social and environmental challenges we are facing. With childcare, education, health and racial equity at the forefront of our discussion, we heard from community members and experts to unpack systemic factors that hinder families’ ability to thrive and explored how we can use our voices as advocates to evoke positive and lasting change.
Centering Children & Families at the Heart of Recovery: Advocacy Workshop
This workshop invited community members, parents, and advocates to come together and build on previous workshops to prepare attendees for the Town Hall Meeting: Centering Children and Families at the Heart of Recovery. Focusing on community recovery from the three pandemics (wildfires, racism, COVID-19), facilitators worked with participants to practice storytelling skills as a tool for advocacy. Using our identities, personal experiences and values, we can convey a powerful message and make a difference on behalf of children and families.
Parent Power Summit
Parents are some of the strongest leaders in our network and in society. Our Parent Power Summit creates a space for parent leaders & advocates from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties to connect and learn more about working to support thriving children and families. With a focus on Leadership & Community Organizing, Advocating for Our Children at School and Demystifying Systems of Power, this summit fosters individual and group development, social connections and discussion.
Bolder Advocacy Workshop
Lobbying and Advocacy 101: Lobbying is not only legal – it’s one of the most effective means for nonprofits to advance their missions. Whether influencing your state’s budget, protecting Medicaid, or passing marriage equality laws, there are many reasons that 501(c)(3) public charities choose to lobby to achieve their policy goals. This comprehensive workshop explains what lobbying is and why it is so important.
Nonpartisan Advocacy in Partisan Times: You know your 501(c)(3) organization is supposed to stay nonpartisan, but are you allowed to praise a politician who champions your issues? Can you criticize the policy decisions of someone running for re-election? This workshop teaches you how to how to engage in public policy activism, while understanding and respecting the guidelines.
Children’s Funding Workshop
Central Coast Early Childhood Advocacy Network is joined by Margaret Brodkin from Funding the Next Generation for a workshop on the ins and outs of establishing secure Children’s Funding. This workshop teaches participants strategies to optimize the amount of funds allocated for children and youth development programs that support their success and well-being. Learning how to properly navigate securing funding and gaining confidence in your to do so enhances your ability to be a champion for youth everywhere.
