Inside the Black Box - Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

depend more heavily on other funding sources, including private funds. These funding reductions and
restrictions motivated them to become more active in advocating for workforce funding among
policymakers and lawmakers. One program interviewee stated:
We’ve been getting a little more involved in advocacy because of the funding cuts that are coming,
that potentially could be coming, and that have come, with WIA and CDBG and CSBG. So we’re
getting a little more involved [in] going out and talking to people and getting a good sense of what’s
going on and having a voice. We always encourage our staff to call the senators, call their
representatives.
Most of the organizations noted that they work with federal, state, and local legislators and policymakers,
such as members of the US congress, the state’s workforce agency, and city government officials. They
often have to make the case for the effective cost savings of investing in workforce training. One
program, when WIA policy changes threatened their training program dollars, advocated with other key
stakeholders to demonstrate the demand for their sector’s jobs. Using data, the program succeeded in
retaining these occupations on the list of those jobs eligible for WIA training funding.
When program staff engage in policy and advocacy efforts, they frequently use data on their clients to
help support their case. Organizations need to convey information about the needs of those they are
serving, as well as the positive outcomes they are achieving, which is only made possible through their
outcomes data. One program interviewee recalled using the program’s data to convey the achievement of
positive job placement outcomes before federal policymakers in the US House of Representatives. While
the organizations in this study use available statistics as part of these efforts, they also noted the value of
sharing personal case stories of specific individuals served by their programs.
Support Promising Programs and Practices
Organizations not only advocate for funding for their programs, but also for promoting effective programs
and practices for workforce training. One program administrator noted he plays an active role on a federal
task force to address education and workforce training, where he informs them of promising efforts with
bridge programs and contextualized learning models. Another organization includes the word “advocacy”
in its mission statement. They conduct formal and informal advocacy for their organization and their
participants, and advocate with employers to ensure Latinos are being provided opportunities for career
pathways. They also advocate on behalf of their community when they need to encourage more
employment opportunities or to highlight the lack of programs serving people within the community that
would support better employment.
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