Pictured: Lordana Guillaume (front row, right) and the 2025 FCAN Advocacy Fellows. Courtesy of Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

During a recent trip to Tallahassee, I reflected on the power of advocacy as a vital tool for influencing decisions, whether in the halls of state government or in the personal development of students. At the state level, legislative advocacy follows a structured process to secure appropriations for critical initiatives, ensuring that public funds are allocated effectively. Similarly, students must cultivate self-advocacy skills to navigate their educational, personal, and career paths successfully. While the contexts differ, the fundamental principles of advocacy remain the same.

Advocating for state appropriations involves developing a compelling case and engaging stakeholders, including research, coalition-building, and drafting proposals that outline the benefits of the requested funding. Advocacy groups present their cases to legislators and state agencies, utilizing data and personal stories to reinforce their positions. Advocates must understand their audience and adapt their approach accordingly. The last step involves following up and rallying support to ensure that proposed funding allocations become reality. It is a skill that I am actively developing as the Education Foundation is doing its part to seek an appropriation this year.

Similarly, students must develop self-advocacy skills to take charge of their education and future. This might mean asking for additional support in a challenging subject, seeking accommodations, or negotiating an independent study opportunity. In a career context, it includes articulating strengths in interviews, networking, and addressing workplace challenges. The ability to advocate for oneself fosters resilience and self-confidence.

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children toward self-advocacy and knowing when to step back is essential. For example, when a student faces a grade dispute, instead of a parent immediately intervening, they can encourage their child to email the teacher or gather supporting information to present their case. When a student applies for jobs or internships, parents can coach from the sidelines, offering guidance on completing applications or practicing interview responses. These types of actions help the student build confidence in handling challenges while still having parental support in the background if needed.

There are opportunities for students to develop self-advocacy skills that reach beyond parents, and we saw an example of this last month when Lordana Guillaume, student success coach for the Education Foundation and PLANit Sarasota coordinator, traveled to Tallahassee with a group of student advocacy fellows for the Fourth Annual FCAN Advocacy Day. Supported by Florida College Access Network (FCAN), these high school students met with mentors over a period of several months to receive training and guidance in developing advocacy skills, all leading up to last month when the students met with state representatives to champion education policies surrounding college affordability and student success in Florida.

Lordana described a situation on their trip in which a representative stated that education wasn’t at the top of their priority list. The students eloquently presented their documented outcomes, and after listening to the students’ well-prepared research along with their personal stories, the representative shared that he learned about resources that could benefit his own children. It was a transformative moment for the representative and the students, who left Tallahassee with improved confidence in themselves, the system, and the power of advocacy.

These are the little wins that grow into big successes. Advocacy, whether in the political arena or in personal growth, is about making voices heard and affecting change. By teaching students the skills to advocate for themselves—just as policymakers advocate for funding and resources—we equip them with a lifelong tool for success.

Jennifer Vigne is the President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Pictured: Lordana Guillaume (front row, right) and the 2025 FCAN Advocacy Fellows. Courtesy of Education Foundation of Sarasota County.