The Advocacy Cohort is a group of LA’s BEST staff who are trained to share their experiences and advocate for students, families, and communities across Los Angeles.
After months of preparation, this year’s cohort brought that work to life with a day at City Hall, meeting with City Council Members and their offices to put their learning into practice.
Throughout the day, cohort members shared their lived experiences working alongside students and families, demonstrating the power of storytelling in shaping how decision-makers understand the real impact of expanded learning. These conversations reflected not only their personal commitment to the work, but also their growing confidence as advocates for their communities.
Held ahead of the Mayor’s budget release on April 20, these meetings reinforced a clear and timely message: since 1988, LA’s BEST has been a system that works. As families across Los Angeles navigate rising childcare costs and increasing demand for safe, engaging spaces for their children, LA’s BEST continues to serve as a proven and essential model of support.
Cohort members also highlighted how this work aligns directly with the City’s priorities around safety, affordability, and support for children and families, grounding each conversation in both lived experience and broader community need.
These conversations were thoughtful and engaging, and we were proud to highlight how this work directly aligns with the Mayor’s priorities around public safety, affordability, and support for children and families.
We closed the day by recognizing our cohort members with certificates from Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Los Angeles City Council President, honoring their civic leadership and commitment to advocacy. Together, they are elevating the voices of more than 24,000 students and families and advancing opportunities for youth across Los Angeles.
