Advocacy
Advocacy at Clarkston Community Center
At the Clarkston Community Center, advocacy means action. Our Advocacy Program empowers individuals and families to be informed, confident, and active participants in civic and community life. Whether it’s making your voice heard at the ballot box, supporting your child’s education, learning English, or understanding your rights—we provide the tools, training, and support you need to succeed.
We currently offer four key advocacy initiatives:
Voting Access
We believe every voice matters. That’s why the Clarkston Community Center proudly serves as a designated voting site, offering a safe, accessible space for community members to cast their ballots. By providing a familiar and welcoming environment, we aim to increase voter participation and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in our democratic process.
Parent Advocate Training
Parent Advocates is a free training program designed to help parents champion high-quality education for their children. Graduates of the program walk away informed, empowered, and ready to take action—equipped with a strong community support network and tools to make a lasting impact.
The training focuses on three pillars:
INFORM
Understanding the education system
Knowing how to contact elected officials
Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals
Engaging with teachers through parents’ evenings
EMPOWER
Recruiting other parent advocates
Learning grassroots organizing strategies
Engaging decision makers effectively
MOBILIZE
Developing a campaign plan
Communicating clearly and confidently
Creating powerful, concise messaging
Hello English: Empowering Young Learners
Hello English is a student-led pilot program designed to help elementary school students—especially English Language Learners—develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a fun, inclusive environment.
By creating an engaging, real-world approach to language learning, Hello English helps students:
Build confidence in speaking English
Strengthen friendships and peer connections
Thrive academically and socially
This immersive program moves beyond traditional ESOL methods, encouraging risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration. Students learn through group projects, conversation, and shared experiences—making language learning joyful and personal.
Know Your Rights
Our Know Your Rights forums empower community members—especially immigrants and refugees—with essential information about their legal and human rights. These forums provide guidance on how to navigate schools, housing, employment, and civic participation. Participants gain knowledge about:
Understanding local and federal laws
Interacting with law enforcement
Advocating for themselves and their families
Through open dialogue, expert-led sessions, and community Q&As, we create a safe space for residents to ask questions, learn, and leave with clarity and confidence.