How can collaboratives ethically and effectively use data and storytelling to advance systems change? This session explores practical strategies for unifying diverse expertise in policy, community engagement, and data systems to create authentic, equitable advocacy. Participants will learn how to start with the data, interpret it accurately, and weave it with lived experience to call policymakers in as partners, not targets. Presenters from Liftoff WNY and CCNY will share how their collaboration increased early childhood developmental screenings and shifted local systems to better identify and support young children. Participants will leave with clear guidance on how to build trust, translate data into consumable information for shared understanding, and craft advocacy narratives that move decision-makers to act while maintaining ethical standards and building relationships.

Learning Question:  How can collaboratives ethically use data and stories to call in decision-makers as allies in collective impact efforts?