Have you ever wondered how to engage elected representatives to advocate for a cause you feel passionately about? In this special extended episode of The Fosgail Mindset, Myka Kennedy Stephens sits down with author and non-partisan activist Cynthia Changyit Levin to explore how advocacy can unlock personal and collective potential, even amid uncertainty and political polarization. Cynthia shares her journey from new mom to seasoned advocate, offering practical strategies for engaging in effective, bridge-building activism—whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned organizer. The conversation highlights the power of community, the importance of organizing, and the unique strengths that caregivers, especially mothers, bring to advocacy work. Cynthia also addresses the emotional realities of activism, including anger, grief, and joy, and offers self-care practices to sustain long-term engagement. Special attention is given to librarians and others facing challenges in today’s political climate, with actionable advice for organizing, storytelling, and leveraging existing resources to defend vital institutions. The episode wraps with a preview of Cynthia’s upcoming handbook, Advocacy Made Easy, designed to empower anyone to take impactful civic action, and an invitation to connect for further advocacy resources and community support

Contact Cynthia Changyit Levin: https://www.changyit.com/contact

Order From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started: https://www.changyit.com/books

Cynthia’s Advocacy Made Easy blog: https://ccylevin.substack.com/

Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/06/15/2025-06-15_advocacy-as-path-to-potential/

Sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/

Join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org

Recorded May 20, 2025 with Descript.