National Call-In Days for Head Start: November 18 and December 3
Head Start advocates across the country will call Congress together, and Wisconsin’s voices need to be part of it.
Why call now?
This summer, HHS proposed a rule that would remove most of the national Head Start Program Performance Standards. These standards protect things like health and developmental screenings, class size limits, support for children with disabilities, and parents’ role in program decisions. More than 40,000 people submitted public comments on the proposal, and an analysis of about two-thirds of those comments found nearly 89% opposed it.
HHS hasn’t issued a final rule, and nothing is changing in Head Start programs right now. Congress has to pass a spending bill to keep the federal government funded, and that bill can include language that stops HHS from finalizing this rule. Members of Congress are deciding what goes into it now.
A wave of calls on the same day shows Members how many people care about Head Start. Calls count separately from emails, so even if you’ve already sent a message, your call still makes a difference.
How to Call (about 2 minutes per call)
- Find your members of Congress. You have one U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators. Not sure who they are? Look them up at congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
- Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Ask to be connected to your Representative or Senator’s office.
- Ask for the staff member who handles Head Start, child care, or education. If they’re not available, you can share your message with whoever answers or leave a voicemail.
- Use the script below. Then repeat for each of your three offices.
Call script
“Hi, my name is [your name], and I’m a constituent in [your town], Wisconsin. I am a [Head Start parent / staff member / director / community member]. I’m calling to urge [Representative or Senator NAME] to protect Head Start by telling the administration to withdraw the proposed rule and supporting language in the next federal spending bill that prohibits HHS from eliminating Head Start’s current required standards and services. Can I count on [Representative or Senator NAME] to support this?”
If you reach voicemail: Leave your message, then say your name, town, and phone number at the end.
Tips for a great call
- You don’t need to be an expert. Staff just want to know who you are, that you live in their district or state, and what you’re asking for.
- Add a sentence about your own experience. For example: “Head Start caught my daughter’s speech delay early,” or “I’ve been a Head Start teacher for 12 years.” Personal stories are what offices remember.
- Be friendly and brief. The staff member answering the phone is usually taking many calls that day.
- Call all three offices. Your Representative and both Senators each have a vote on the spending bill.
Spread the word
Share this information with friends, family, coworkers, and other Head Start families. The more calls Wisconsin’s offices get on November 18 and December 3, the stronger our message.
Want updates on future advocacy opportunities? Join WHSA’s Advocacy email list: https://bit.ly/WHSA-advocacy-emails
Advocacy Is How Head Start Wins
Advocacy is central to WHSA’s mission. Whether it’s protecting funding, shaping policy, or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people doing this work, your voice matters. Here’s how to get involved:
Join Our Advocacy Email List
Stay informed on policy updates and action opportunities
Send a message to Congress using our Action Alert
Start with your own voice. WHSA’s action alert sends a message to your U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators in about two minutes.
