COABE Advocast

Why do some advocacy messages stick while others fall flat? In this short Toolbox episode, we break down how PR and media professionals prepare sound bites that sound natural, not rehearsed, and how adult education advocates can use the same approach. You will learn the simple 10, 30, and 60 second model for delivering one clear idea in real time. This works for policymaker meetings, funder conversations, and on-the-spot questions. No scripts. No rambling. Just clear, confident messaging that is easier to remember and repeat. A practical, no-fluff listen for adult education professionals and advocates.

Effective advocacy isn’t about saying more—it’s about saying what matters clearly and credibly. In this episode, Lauren Zelt draws on her experience in media production, public affairs, and issue-based communications to break down what makes advocacy messages stick. Together, we explore how adult education advocates can use storytelling, sound bites, and message discipline to communicate complex work with confidence—especially in high-stakes conversations with funders, policymakers, and decision-makers.

When we talk about adult education, it’s easy to focus on confidence, community, and personal growth—but in workforce conversations, we also need to speak the language of skills and economic mobility. In this Advocast Toolbox episode, Erin Vobornik shares practical ways to frame adult education in workforce terms without losing the heart of your message. Learn how to connect with employer and policymaker priorities while still advocating for all learners, regardless of their path or goal.

Adult education and workforce development share the same goal: building opportunity for people and prosperity for communities. In this episode, Erin Vobornik speaks with Jaimie Francis from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation about where these systems naturally align—and how education and employer voices can come together for greater impact. Jaimie shares national insights, real-world success stories (including the Kalamazoo childcare collaborative), and practical advice for policymakers and advocates working at the intersection of learning and labor.

In this Advocast Toolbox episode, Erin Vobornik outlines how educators, mentors, and COABE Ambassadors can coach adult learners to prepare and deliver their stories with confidence. Learn how to create safe spaces, guide with empathy, and connect personal stories to advocacy goals—key skills in the COABE Ambassador Training program.

Adult learner Shyanne Ross knows the power of a personal story. In this episode of the COABE Advocast, she shares why she chose to speak with lawmakers, how she prepared, and the advice she has for others who want to use their voices to advocate for adult education.

Learn how to make your advocacy more powerful by connecting personal stories to compelling data. In this Advocast Toolbox episode, you’ll get practical tips on choosing the right data points, weaving them into your story, and making a clear, persuasive case for adult education — all in under 10 minutes.

Join COABE for this special Advocast episode, Empowering Through Access: Digital Skills for All, featuring guest Nell Eckersley. In honor of National Digital Inclusion Week, we discuss why digital access and skills are essential for adult learners, strategies for bridging the digital divide, and resources that help communities thrive online.

Every day, lawmakers and their staff are inundated with requests, proposals, and stories from dozens of organizations. How do you make sure your adult education message rises above the noise? In the latest Advocast episode, “From Noise to Noticed: Crafting Messages That Move Policy,” Erin Vobornik sits down with Elyse Wasch and Alysha Bold, two public policy strategy experts from Penn Hill Group, to share insights you can put into practice immediately: Standout Messaging: What makes a message grab attention and stick Common Pitfalls: Mistakes that can make even the best story fall flat Actionable Tips: How to connect with legislators and their staff effectively Why it matters: Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to adult education advocacy, these insights will help you tell your story in a way that resonates and drives impact. Next Steps: Listen to the full episode — hear the experts break it down step by step. Visit COABE.org/advocacy — access resources, templates, and guides to support your advocacy. Subscribe to the Public Policy Pulse newsletter — stay up to date on the latest policy developments, success stories, and ways to take action.

In this episode, Katie Donoviel, 2025 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) for Utah, discusses the power of advocacy, her SAAEF experience, and how to be a strong advocate for adult education.

From GED learner to U.S. diplomat—Aminata Sy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story, from overcoming challenges as an adult learner to serving in the U.S. Foreign Service. Tune in to hear how advocacy, determination, and education shaped her path.

In this special episode, we are joined by COABE’s 2025 Outstanding Local Excellence in Advocacy award winner, Mark Hux! Join in to hear what each of us love most about adult education advocacy.

In this episode, we talk to Debra Tavaras of Atlanta Public School Adult Education and COABE’s 2023 SAAEF fellow for Georgia about how to persevere through the challenges of advocacy. She discusses an event that she created and her hopes for the future of advocacy in Georgia. We are also joined by former adult learner Gaelle Petit Homme who discusses what adult education has meant to her and how she found the courage to share her story.

In this episode, we speak with COABE CEO, Sharon Bonney, and President Elect, Hector Martinez, about the past, present, and future of COABE. We are also joined by former adult learner Kimberly Lee who shares her story full of struggle and resilience. Her story will inspire adult learners and mothers everywhere. You won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode, we talk to Christine Valdez, 2023 SAAEF Fellow from Connecticut, about how she and her peers expanded their advocacy during AEFL Week. We are also joined by Stone Dixon who shares his journey from an adult education student to a graduate.

In this episode, we discuss highlights of Advocacy April, including the Spring Legislative Briefing with two of the briefing’s panelists, Hector Martinez of the Kansas Board of Regents and Joyce Warrington of OAASIS. We also talk to adult learner TT Martinez about her passion for elevating student voice and empowering change.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in adult education. Carmine Stewart provides a program director’s view on ensuring all voices are at the tab;e where decisions are made. Cydnee Sanders shares what DEI looks like in a classroom and shares her influential work on the topic. Lastly, we speak with adult learner Mardgrina Leonce on the impact of attending the COABE National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

In this episode, we discuss the process for organizing effective rallies. You will hear from Jeff Campbell of the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) about adapting to virtual events, managing tasks, and engaging participants. We are also joined by Madison Flannery, a former adult education student who is enrolled in Lewis and Clark Community College’s paralegal program.

In this episode, we discuss adult learner success stories, setting your advocacy goals for 2023, and why legislators need to hear from adult learners. Join us as we chat with 2022 California SAAEF fellow Karina Ravkina-Matousov and adult learner Brandy Martinez. You won’t want to miss their stories and insights as we head into 2023, the year of advocacy.

In this episode, we chat with Sharon Bonney and Jeff Abramowitz of COABE about how the nation celebrated AEFL Week this year. We also speak to Megan Linzy, adult education alumni and current COABE committee member, about her experiences in adult education and her advice to students.