Advocacy
Elevating communities.
Our Advocacy Approach
CASL advocates at every level of government. CASL’s advocacy agenda includes advancing early childhood education policies and older adult services at the federal level to expanding access to behavioral health care, legal support, and hate crime training in Illinois.
We actively work with public officials, government agencies, and community-based organizations to amplify voices of the communities we serve.
From direct engagement with city leaders to statewide coalitions, we partner across sectors to build lasting protections for AANHPI communities and beyond.
Our advocacy work stretches beyond Chicago to communities nationwide. Through our Change InSight initiative, we collaborate with national partners to collect community-driven data and foster data-informed decision making. Change InSight provides data to help lawmakers make informed decisions around policies and funding priorities.
Community Well-Being
We push for expanded mental health services, older adult support, food access, and more.
A Place for Everyone
We advocate for legal protections and language access for all age groups.
Data-Driven Advocacy
Through the Change InSight initiative, we partner with other organizations to center data-informed practices and lived experiences in policy work.
Advocacy Days in Action
Every year, CASL brings community members, youth, and staff to Springfield for Advocacy Day and Youth Advocacy Day. These events give participants the opportunity to meet directly with legislators, share lived experiences, and advocate for policy changes that reflect the needs of AANHPI communities. From public testimony to face-to-face dialogue, these days are powerful moments of civic engagement and visibility.
How CASL Advances Policy
More Ways We Advocate
Our advocacy is driven by data, informed by community, and made possible by trusted partnerships—from City Hall to the Capitol.
Testifying on Key Issues
CASL staff and partners testify on legislation that impacts AANHPI and immigrant communities.
Supporting New Laws
We support legislation like the TEAACH Act, which ensures all Illinois students learn about Asian American history, promoting understanding and inclusion in our schools and beyond.
Legislative Meetings
We meet with elected officials to educate them about issues that directly impact the CASL community, such as public health, housing, and education.
Policy Campaigns
CASL works with coalitions and advocacy networks on shared justice-focused campaigns.
Hosting Policy Dialogues
We convene roundtables and forums that connect community leaders and policymakers.
Advocacy Informed by Data
Through Change InSight and data from CASL’s direct work, we bring real-time insight and lived experience into local and state policy decisions.
How Our Advocacy Works
Funders, policymakers, and partners often ask how CASL advocates and what sets us apart. Here’s a look at our approach.
What is CASL’s Advocacy Agenda?
Our agenda outlines our legislative priorities across key issue areas—mental health, older adult care, education, legal services, and public safety. It is shaped by community voices and is updated regularly.
What makes CASL’s advocacy unique?
We combine lived experience, community trust, and real-time data to co-create policies from the ground up, not just from behind a desk.
How does Change InSight support this work?
Change InSight provides disaggregated data that surfaces the needs often overlooked in AANHPI communities. This data supports CASL’s testimony, policy asks, and resource advocacy. Beyond CASL, Change InSight also brings together a national coalition of partners to co-collect data–not only to better understand our communities, but to push for accurate and community-centered data systems across the country.
How can I support advocacy if I’m not a policymaker?
You can join our advocacy efforts, help collect community input or join our mailing list to stay informed and activated.
How can I share my story to support CASL’s advocacy?
Your voice matters. Sharing your experience helps shape the policies we fight for and leads to community-led solutions. Stay tuned for opportunities to share your story through upcoming campaigns or public comment efforts.
What victories have come from this work?
We’ve helped secure state funding for hate crime training, expanded ESL programs, and supported AANHPI-focused pandemic recovery investments.
Who does CASL partner with?
We collaborate with grassroots coalitions, state alliances, national nonprofits, and advocacy networks.
Help Advance Our Advocacy
From neighborhood voices to national coalition, your voice matters in this work.
Stories that Move Policy
Real experiences help shape better laws. Tell us what matters to you.
Where Insight Fuels Action
See how community data drives our advocacy–through Change InSight, policy strategy, and impact reporting.
Coalition Building
Work with us on local or statewide advocacy efforts that drive real change.