Our network gathered in Washington, D.C. to influence members of Congress at a pivotal moment – before key funding and implementation decisions are made. This summit was designed specifically for enthusiastic workforce advocates who want to protect the programs community relies on and envision a more fair and prosperous future for everyone.

If we truly want to support working families, workforce development shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be a national investment in our nation’s greatest asset: people. As we approach the new year, we will fight to protect the modest public investments we’ve managed to secure, and push for a bolder future for workforce development — one that reflects the diversity and dreams of today’s workers, is rooted in fairness and opportunity, and delivers on a new promise of work: valuable skills, good jobs, and shared economic prosperity.

Congress is making major decisions about federal funding for workforce and education programs—and they need to hear from you. Urge lawmakers to invest in the training, support services, and opportunities workers and businesses rely on.