Congratulations on being selected to serve as a Children and Youth Action Network (CAN) Coordinator! Below, please find a repository of resources that can support you in your policy and advocacy work with CEC.

CAN Coordinator Role and Responsibilities

As a leading advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, CAN Coordinators play an integral role in advancing federal policy. CAN Coordinators support CEC policy initiatives by building a strong grassroots network capable of effectively communicating policy priorities.

CAN Coordinator responsibilities include:

• Development of an effective network of advocates at the state and local level 
• Regular communication with the network to keep members informed about policy and advocacy, including circulation of CEC’s weekly policy newsletter, Policy Insider
• Activation of the network for CEC calls to action via our online letter-writing campaign tool, the Legislative Action Center
• Attendance and participation in CEC policy and advocacy webinars and events
• Attendance at CAN trainings offered virtually and at the annual convention, if in attendance
• Active participation in the CEC CAN Community

An effective CAN network is pivotal to making progress on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, and in state government by elevating the voices of the special education profession to connect lawmakers with local experts.

The CAN Community

As a CAN Coordinator, you are automatically added to the CAN Community, within the CECommunity. [is there a way to hyperlink?] The Community serves as a forum for sharing information and making inquiries about policy and advocacy with other CAN Coordinators and the CEC team.

CEC Policy and Advocacy Resources

Familiarize yourself with the policy and advocacy resources CEC has to offer by visiting the Policy and Advocacy section of our website. There, you can find the following information and more:

• CEC’s policy agenda, which guides the work we do at the federal level with Congress and the Administration.
• CEC’s position statements, which are developed by the Policy Steering Committee, with an opportunity for the full CEC membership to provide feedback.
• Information about the basics of advocacy including key tips for becoming an advocate as well as information about the legislative and annual funding processes.
• The Legislative Action Center, where you and fellow advocates can participate in coordinated and timely letter-writing campaigns.

In-person Advocacy in Washington, DC

CEC encourages CAN Coordinators to attend/lead state teams at the Special Education Legislative Summit, an annual advocacy event for special educators which includes a two-day training, culminating with meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Additional information about this in-person event, held each July, can be found here.