Have you ever wondered how the voices of WIC families and staff make their way into the halls of government? One key way is through the dedicated work of WIC Ambassadors—local WIC agency staff who step up to become powerful advocates for the program and the families it serves.
WIC Ambassadors from Lunquist WIC meet with Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Who Are WIC Ambassadors?
WIC Ambassadors are staff members from local WIC agencies who take the initiative to connect with state and national elected officials. They bring their on-the-ground experience directly to policymakers, helping to shape better-informed decisions about WIC policies and funding.
Whether they’re a WNA, RD, breastfeeding peer counselor, or program director, a WIC Ambassador uses their expertise and passion to tell the real story of WIC—how it helps families thrive, where it can grow stronger, and why ongoing investment in WIC matters.
What Do WIC Ambassadors Do?
WIC Ambassadors engage in legislative education and advocacy. Here’s what that can look like:
- Meeting with Elected Officials: Ambassadors schedule meetings—virtually or in-person—with state legislators or Members of Congress to talk about the impact of WIC in their community.
- Sharing Stories: They bring the heart of the program to life by sharing stories from participants and staff that show how WIC supports nutrition, breastfeeding, and family health.
- Explaining Policy Needs: Ambassadors help explain why timely funding, program modernizations, and support for different initiatives (i.e. the Farmers Market Nutrition Program) are essential to ensuring WIC can meet the needs of families.
- Building Relationships: Through ongoing communication and follow-ups, WIC Ambassadors help create strong, lasting relationships between policymakers and the WIC community.
Why Does It Matter?
Elected officials are asked to make big decisions about WIC and other programs that WIC families depend on every year—but many have never visited a WIC clinic, spoken to a WIC participant about their experience, or heard directly from someone working on the front lines. WIC Ambassadors fill that gap, offering insight and stories that no report or data set can fully capture.
When policymakers hear firsthand how WIC helps a parent breastfeed successfully, prevents food insecurity, or connects a family to health care—they listen, especially when the families receiving help are their voters! That’s the power of local voices in action.
“If I become a WIC Ambassador, do I just have to get out there and do it on my own?”
No! CWA is here to support you every step of the way! We usually arrange visits with policymakers and invite WIC Ambassadors to join a few times a year, but you can arrange a visit or invite your member of Congress, Assemblymember or state Senator to an event at your WIC site any time, and CWA will be there to help! We can help you find out which legislators represent the areas where your WIC office is, provide template invitations or requests for appointments, provide template letters regarding pieces of legislation that are important for WIC, talking points, helpful facts and figures and attend appointments with you!
Want to Become a WIC Ambassador?
Anyone working at a local WIC agency can step into this role! Whether you’ve never done a legislative visit before or you’re already building those relationships, we’re here to help. Contact Sarah to be added to the WIC Ambassador list, or with any questions.
Learn how: Check out the recording of our recent Legislative Advocacy Visits Webinar for practical tips and tools to get started.
WIC Ambassadors are everyday leaders creating change. They ensure that the people who make decisions about WIC hear what’s working and what families need. With each visit, email, or conversation, they’re building a stronger WIC program with more broad support among policymakers!