You made it to the first session, and this is where it all starts to click.

A lot of people come into advocacy feeling like the legislative process is something that happens to them, not something they can actually influence. By the time you finish this session, that should feel very different. You now know how government is structured, how a bill moves through the process, what lobbying actually means and most importantly, that you have every right to show up and do it.

The SICAA case study in this session proves something that can feel abstract until you see it: ordinary people with extraordinary personal stakes can change federal law. It took three years, a lot of persistence, and survivors willing to tell their stories in rooms that felt intimidating. That’s it. That’s the formula.

Take your time with the material. If something is unclear, ask below. If something resonated, share it! Your perspective might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

And when you’re ready, I’ll leave you with this week’s discussion question to get the conversation going:

What is the issue you care most about, and what would it mean to you — and to others — if it became law?

No pressure to have a fully formed answer. Even a sentence or two is a great place to start.

— Chelsea Filer
Executive Director & Founder, ICAPA Network