We’re excited to share the third installment of our four-part reflection series highlighting the voices of our 2026 Advocacy Fellows. As a reminder, in this series, each Fellow shares what stood out from their conference experience and how it continues to shape their advocacy. Check out our blog to catch up on ones you may have missed here.
We’re also sharing the recording of the Fellows and alumni conference presentation alongside these reflections. Whether you attended the session or missed it, we encourage you to watch and hear directly from these incredible advocates. We’re grateful to continue sharing their perspectives and look forward to highlighting our final Fellow next week.
This week, we are sharing a reflection from Ash Littles below!
[ASH]:
” I prepared for my role at the conference by reflecting on my personal experiences, doing a lot of behind-the-scenes setup and prep work, and thinking about the key messages I wanted attendees to hear. I wanted to be honest about both the challenges and successes I have witnessed and experienced.
Sharing my perspective was empowering because it reminded me that lived experience is valuable and can help inform policies and programs that shape how a community moves forward and change lives. It was beautiful to see people actively listening and interested in learning from the experiences of MCH Fellows and alumni, as well as youth, advocates, and community members.
One of the most memorable parts of the conference was attending the workshop, “Built Different: Building and Sustaining a Youth Advisory Board.” It was amazing hearing directly from people with lived experience who are advocates for youth. I also appreciated conversations about collaboration between service providers, advocates, and community members because they demonstrated that meaningful change requires everyone working together.
Attending as an MCH Advocacy Fellow made me feel connected to a larger community of people from all walks of life who are committed to improving outcomes for youth, families, and anyone experiencing something as heartbreaking as homelessness or housing instability. It was inspiring to meet advocates, professionals, and community leaders from across Minnesota who share similar goals. The experience strengthened my confidence as an advocate and showed me that my voice can contribute to important conversations and solutions.
I would absolutely recommend and invite a family member or friend to attend the conference in the future. I would tell them that it’s a great opportunity to learn about the realities of homelessness, hear powerful stories, and connect with people who are making a difference. I would want them there because the experience shows how everyone expresses and shares empathy, understanding, and action, while also helping each other learn how they can support positive change.
“Moving forward, I hope we continue to prioritize listening to people with lived experience and involving them in real decision-making processes. I also hope we strengthen collaboration across organizations and communities to address the root causes of homelessness. Sustainable solutions require not only housing, but access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and supportive services. Most importantly, I hope we continue approaching this work with compassion, dignity, and a commitment to equity.
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and participate as an MCH Advocacy Fellow. The conference provided valuable learning experiences, meaningful connections, and renewed motivation to continue advocating for youth, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Thank you for creating a space where different perspectives could be shared and valued.“
At this year’s conference, our Fellows also joined Advocacy Fellowship Alumni for a conversation about leadership, lived experience, and the importance of making space for those most impacted by homelessness in our advocacy work. Check out the Fellows Advocacy Spotlight from the Conference here.
