Medina Students Learn to Take Action: Essentials First Hosts Two-Part Advocacy Workshop

November 8 & 15, 2025 — What does it take to create real change in our community? Essentials First showed Medina Academy students how during a dynamic two-part online Advocacy Workshop Series, where participants explored the history, strategies, and practical steps of effective advocacy. From understanding the difference between legislative and grassroots advocacy to learning how to contact elected officials, students left empowered with the tools to make their voices heard. The workshops also highlighted Essentials First’s mission to provide hygiene access to those in need and demonstrated how advocacy drives social impact.

Session One: Foundations of Advocacy

The first workshop, held on November 8, explored the history and impact of advocacy movements. Students learned about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the women’s suffrage movement, Black Lives Matter, and campaigns addressing issues like the “pink tax.” These historical examples demonstrated how organized, persistent action can lead to meaningful social change.

Irene Muller, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Essentials First, hosted the session. She explained how her team is advocating at the Washington state level to:

• Protect funding for existing essential needs programming
• Address the high cost of commissary products in DOC facilities
• Improve access to subsidized essential hygiene products for people incarcerated in Washington, reducing financial hardship and debt for families

Muller also highlighted that 32,000 Washingtonians rely on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), which provides flexible cash assistance for basic needs not covered by other programs. However, TANF currently does not provide adequate funding for essentials such as hygiene and housekeeping supplies, leaving many families struggling to cover these critical needs.

Students also learned the difference between legislative advocacy, which focuses on influencing laws and policy, and grassroots advocacy, which mobilizes communities to take collective action. The session included practical exercises on identifying elected representatives and understanding the avenues available to raise concerns and advocate for change.

Session Two: Understanding Government & Advocacy Pathways

The second workshop, held on November 15, focused on how government works and where advocacy can have an impact. Students explored the various levels of government—from HOA and city councils to state and federal agencies—and learned which issues fall under each jurisdiction.

Participants brainstormed issues they are passionate about, whether at the community, city, state, or federal level. With guidance from facilitators, they identified the appropriate officials to contact and discussed how to strategically advocate for change. This interactive exercise reinforced the idea that every individual has the ability to influence decisions in their communities.

Empowering the Next Generation of Advocates

Through both sessions, Medina students gained historical context, practical skills, and the confidence to take action on issues they care about. Essentials First continues to inspire and equip the next generation of advocates, showing that meaningful change is possible when people are informed, engaged, and empowered to raise their voices. Learn more about Essentials First here