By Darcee Kilsdonk, Executive Director |

Check out photos from our visits to Washington D.C. and the Oregon State Capital here!

One of the things that makes Head Start truly unique—and what initially drew me to this work—is its unwavering emphasis on parent advocacy. Where else do parents, the very customers of the program, have such a powerful and genuine voice in shaping how services are delivered? 

This past month, I had the honor of traveling with two of our incredible Policy Council parents, Miranda (PC Chair) and Alesia (PC State Representative), to Washington, D.C., for the Winter Leadership Conference and to Salem for the Winter Oregon Head Start Association Conference. These experiences weren’t just about attending meetings; they were about empowering parents to use their voices in ways they never imagined possible. 

From Capitol Hill to the Oregon State Capitol: Parents Making an Impact 

In Washington, D.C., we had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers on leadership, managing transitions, community health, and resiliency. But perhaps the most powerful moments came when Miranda and Alesia stepped into the role of advocates, sharing their personal Head Start experiences with key lawmakers, including Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, Representative Maxine Dexter, Representative Suzanne Bonamici, and Representative Val Hoyle. 

Reflecting on the experience, Miranda shared: 

“We met with six or seven senators in D.C. It was overwhelming but also incredibly eye-opening. I was pushed way out of my comfort zone, but it felt so empowering. Normally, I would never do something like this, but now I realize how important our voices are!” 

Alesia echoed this sense of empowerment: 

“Meeting with lawmakers face-to-face—people I’d only ever seen on the news—was surreal. And they actually listened to us! It completely changed my perspective on advocacy. I’ve always wanted to do better for my children, but this experience made me realize just how much power we have as parents. Every parent should have this opportunity—to understand that their voice truly matters.” 

Bringing Advocacy Home: A Powerful Presence in Salem 

After their time in D.C., Miranda and Alesia took that same passion for advocacy to Oregon’s State Capitol, where they met with 17 legislators representing Clackamas County. They didn’t just talk about policy—they shared real stories of transformation, proving how Head Start is changing lives. 

Alesia, for example, spoke about how Head Start’s financial literacy training had reshaped her family’s future: 

“That class was life-changing for my husband and me. Because of what we learned, we are now completely debt-free—except for our mortgage. I never imagined we could achieve that, but Head Start made it possible.” 

Why Parent Advocacy Matters 

What Miranda and Alesia accomplished is exactly what makes Head Start so special. Parents aren’t just recipients of services—they are leaders, decision-makers, and advocates for change. 

At Clackamas County Children’s Commission, we are incredibly fortunate to have parents like Miranda and Alesia leading our Policy Council, standing up for their children, and representing the voices of countless families in our community. 

Their stories remind us that when parents are empowered, children thrive, families grow stronger, and communities benefit. 

So, to all the parents out there: Your voice matters. Your story matters. And your advocacy can make a real difference. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, we invite you to join us—because together, we are shaping the future. 

Find out more about our parent Policy Council and ways to get involved here.