What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is extremely important to the success of Head Start. As Head Start is funded primarily by public sources, securing adequate funding for our grantee members' academic, social, health, and family services is one of our primary advocacy objectives. To accomplish this, we educate families, lawmakers, service providers and other decision-makers about the wide range of services Head Start programs provide. We also raise awareness about the successes of children and the families, offer information about research-based practices that drive positive outcomes, and outline savings that ultimately benefit society.

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Advocacy Versus Lobbying
A lobbyist is someone who is compensated for their service and who tried to influence a legislator for or against a specific piece of legislation. They need to comply with various ethical and lobbying disclosure laws governing their activities. Describing the importance of Head Start to you and your family is a form of advocacy, not lobbying. 

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Why Voting Matters
Be sure to register to vote. It's easy! The only requirements are that you are a U.S. citizen, resident of Maryland, and are at least 16 years old (You may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote unless you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election). You can click here to become a registered voter.  You can also click here for more information.

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Once you've registered, it's important to vote in local, state and national elections -- both General Elections and Primary Elections where candidates are selected for the November run-offs. So be informed about the issues and the candidates, and be part of the process.  Don't sit back and let other people decide who will represent you in City Hall, the state House or Congress. Vote and you will make a difference!