Why Attend?
Meet members of Congress to advocate for Head Start two weeks before the government’s funding expires.
Learn the latest updates on nutrition, eligibility, communications, and local flexibility.
Protect and strengthen Head Start by bringing your story to a face-to-face meeting with lawmakers in D.C.
March proudly in the Rally for Head Start on Capitol Hill alongside colleagues from across the country.
Rally with the national network of passionate Head Start leaders united for the children and families we serve.
Network with your peers who understand the daily joys and challenges of working in Head Start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Institute is open to everyone—all NHSA members, Head Start alumni, and advocates. If your life is impacted by the importance of early childhood education, you are a stakeholder.
Some Institute attendees have been following early childhood education legislative issues for many years, but many are first-time advocates. Our goal is to fully prepare all attendees for their meetings on Capitol Hill.
100% yes. Research by the Congressional Management Foundation shows direct constituent interactions have more influence on lawmakers’ decisions than other advocacy strategies. In three surveys of congressional staff over a 10-year span, over 94% consistently said that “in-person visits from constituents” would have “some” or “a lot” of influence on an undecided lawmaker.
State delegations typically attend meetings together. For this event, we look to partner with a State Captain from each state. State Captains are lead advocates who help schedule and coordinate meetings, receive additional information from NHSA, and stay in touch with other in-state advocates to ensure that the day runs smoothly. If no other representatives from your state are able to attend, an NHSA staff member or another experienced advocate can attend the meeting with you.
The IRS has developed guidelines that ensure nonprofit groups and private citizens can advocate legally. Still concerned? The National Council of Nonprofits has resources to help.
If your products and services support the healthy development of young children or help Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate more efficiently and effectively, take a look at the many partnership opportunities we offer.
Explore the Nation’s Capital
The Institute will be held in downtown Washington, D.C. – near Capitol Hill, close to the White House, and within walking distance to the National Mall, Washington Monument, and other nearby D.C. attractions.
To make the most of your time in the nation’s capital, you’re invited to a Moonlight Monuments Tour on Wednesday evening. Climb aboard a comfortable, all-weather stadium trolley for a guided nighttime ride through the city. Certified tour guides will bring D.C.’s rich history to life with expert narration that’s engaging and interactive.
Attendees must register for the Fall Leadership Institute to sign up for the tour.
Exhibit and Engage the NHSA Network
NHSA is committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. We are the voice for more than 1 million children, 275,000 staff, and 1,600 grant recipients in the United States. Since 1974, NHSA has worked for policy changes that ensure all income-eligible children have access to the Head Start model.