Every day, lawmakers and their staff are inundated with requests, proposals, and stories from dozens of organizations. How do you make sure your adult education message rises above the noise?

In the latest Advocast episode, “From Noise to Noticed: Crafting Messages That Move Policy,” Erin Vobornik sits down with Elyse Wasch and Alysha Bold, two public policy strategy experts from Penn Hill Group, to share insights you can put into practice immediately:

• Standout Messaging: What makes a message grab attention and stick
• Common Pitfalls: Mistakes that can make even the best story fall flat
• Actionable Tips: How to connect with legislators and their staff effectively
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Why it matters: Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to adult education advocacy, these insights will help you tell your story in a way that resonates and drives impact.

Next Steps:

1. Listen to the full episode — hear the experts break it down step by step.
2. Visit COABE.org/advocacy — access resources, templates, and guides to support your advocacy.
3. Subscribe to the Public Policy Pulse newsletter — stay up to date on the latest policy developments, success stories, and ways to take action.

Raylena Hayes came to adult education after dropping out as a teenage mom. After getting married and having four children, Raylena couldn't see a career path forward for herself, until she enrolled in a career adult education program. After failing the exam 6 times, Raylena persevered and finished her HSE. Her teachers asked her to be the keynote speaker at her graduation, and today she has a fulfilling career as a motivational speaker! 

In this episode, Katie Donoviel, 2025 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) for Utah, discusses the power of advocacy, her SAAEF experience, and how to be a strong advocate for adult education.

From GED learner to U.S. diplomat—Aminata Sy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story, from overcoming challenges as an adult learner to serving in the U.S. Foreign Service. Tune in to hear how advocacy, determination, and education shaped her path.

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In this episode, we talk to Debra Tavaras of Atlanta Public School Adult Education and COABE’s 2023 SAAEF fellow for Georgia about how to persevere through the challenges of advocacy. She discusses an event that she created and her hopes for the future of advocacy in Georgia. We are also joined by former adult learner Gaelle Petit Homme who discusses what adult education has meant to her and how she found the courage to share her story.

In this episode, we speak with COABE CEO, Sharon Bonney, and President Elect, Hector Martinez, about the past, present, and future of COABE. We are also joined by former adult learner Kimberly Lee who shares her story full of struggle and resilience. Her story will inspire adult learners and mothers everywhere. You won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode, we talk to Christine Valdez, 2023 SAAEF Fellow from Connecticut, about how she and her peers expanded their advocacy during AEFL Week. We are also joined by Stone Dixon who shares his journey from an adult education student to a graduate.

In this episode, we discuss highlights of Advocacy April, including the Spring Legislative Briefing with two of the briefing’s panelists, Hector Martinez of the Kansas Board of Regents and Joyce Warrington of OAASIS. We also talk to adult learner TT Martinez about her passion for elevating student voice and empowering change.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in adult education. Carmine Stewart provides a program director’s view on ensuring all voices are at the tab;e where decisions are made. Cydnee Sanders shares what DEI looks like in a classroom and shares her influential work on the topic. Lastly, we speak with adult learner Mardgrina Leonce on the impact of attending the COABE National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.