Profiles in Advocacy

The Honorable Nancy Wyman
The first woman elected State Comptroller in Connecticut history

How did you come to advocacy? Describe your inspiration, the first problem or issue you advocated on

I was a mom, a member of the Tolland PTA and we were facing problems with the Superintendent of Schools in town. Teachers who spoke out about problems in the school system were being targeted by the Superintendent and were resigning. The Board of Education at the time illegally signed a new contract with the Superintendent and parents were outraged. I decided to do something and contacted my local Democratic party to get involved. I ran for the Board of Education, won, and the Superintendent resigned within two weeks of my election.

After I was elected and the original problem was solved, I worked hard to keep in touch with other parents and serve the community. I served for eight years on the Board, four as Vice-Chairperson. When I later ran for and served in the House of Representatives for another eight years I learned that, while education was my primary issue and I served as Chair of the Education Committee, it is important to expand your advocacy into other areas. Trained as an X-ray technician, I became a strong champion for affordable health care access and quality for all Connecticut residents.

I have always considered myself an advocate, no matter what office I hold. It is critical that everyone understand that advocacy can take many forms, and you don't have to run for office, but it is critical that you get involved. Everyone can make a difference.

How do you feel that you've been most effective?

I've been most effective by speaking out publicly about important issues. All the research and data in the world will not make a difference unless voters hear about it. I have spent my last eight years as Comptroller traveling across the state speaking to diverse groups speaking not only about the state's finances and economic outlook, but also about affordable health care coverage, prescription drug costs, health care access for seniors, and the issues that really matter to people.

What advice would you give to new advocates? How can they be most effective? What lessons have you learned?

It is critical to stay in contact with other advocates - share resources and experiences. It is also critical to know your facts. No one can do this alone; it is critical to use your time and energy to best advantage and that happens when you work with others. Often you can bring your issue to a much wider audience by reaching out to other advocates. Every voice makes our message stronger.

Why is it important for consumers to advocate for systems change as well as for themselves and their families?

If you don't do it, no one will. We all benefit from the efforts of advocates who have come before us - who didn't allow their work to stop at just fixing the problem for them and their family, but made sure that the system was fixed so that no other family had to face what they went through. This is only the way systems will change in sustainable ways for everyone.

Back to Profiles in Advocacy