Susan and Renee share their experiences from a recent advocacy day at the North Carolina General Assembly.

From organizing behind the scenes to meeting with legislators face-to-face, they reflect on what it really means to be an everyday advocate—and why personal stories remain one of the most powerful tools for change.

Susan shares what it was like helping coordinate the event, training new advocates, and encouraging people to move beyond talking points to speak authentically about their lived experiences in public education, disability advocacy, and community organizing. Renee reflects on nine years of advocacy work, the nostalgia of returning to the legislature, and the importance of holding lawmakers accountable for public school funding and educational equity.

The episode also explores something rarely discussed in activism: the physical and emotional toll advocacy work can take. Renee and Susan openly discuss chronic pain, burnout, boundaries, aging in advocacy spaces, and why sustainable activism requires caring for both your body and your mental health.

With honest conversations about coalition building, legislative visits, public education funding, Leandro, and the realities of long-term grassroots organizing, this episode is both a reflection and a rallying cry for anyone wondering how to keep showing up in difficult times.

🎧 In this episode:

• Advocacy at the North Carolina General Assembly
• Grassroots organizing and coalition work
• Storytelling as a tool for political advocacy
• Public education and school funding
• Legislative meetings and accountability
• Chronic pain, burnout, and sustainable activism
• Building confidence as a first-time advocate
• Why community and persistence matter in advocacy work

Whether you're a longtime activist, a parent advocate, educator, organizer, or someone looking for ways to get involved locally, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical insight into the work of advocacy and civic engagement.

Stay connected at: https://saveourschoolsnc.org/