New Futures' Celebrates Inaugural Empowered Families Advocacy Program

CONCORD, N.H. - New Futures, New Hampshire's leading health policy nonprofit, celebrated the successful conclusion of its first-ever Empowered Families Advocacy Program, a six-month initiative designed to turn everyday Granite State families into confident, capable advocates for the policies shaping their communities.

Launched in October 2025, the program brought together New Hampshire families with firsthand experience navigating complex systems and equipped them with tools to translate those lived experiences into powerful advocacy. Over six sessions held both online and at Lakes Region Community Services, participants learned how New Hampshire’s legislative process works, how to craft and share their personal stories with policymakers, how to testify effectively, and how to build lasting relationships with legislators and fellow advocates.

“We created the Empowered Families Advocacy Program because we know that the families most impacted by the policies we fight for every day are also among the most powerful voices for change,” said Lauren Martin, Early Care and Education Community Engagement Coordinator. “Watching this first cohort grow in confidence and skill over six months has been incredibly inspiring. These advocates are ready to make a real difference at the State House and in their communities.”

Participants represented a diverse cross-section of New Hampshire families united by a common desire to improve systems affecting their children, loved ones, and themselves. The group included people with unique experiences and challenges related to disability advocacy, youth mental health supports, and LGBTQ+ rights.

"I love that the Empowered Families Advocacy Group brings families and professionals together to share lived experiences and learn from one another,” said Angela Fletcher, a participant in the program. “Whether you are new to advocacy or a seasoned veteran, you still walk away learning something new. It really creates a space where people come together to learn and build upon their strengths while working towards the common goal of creating a brighter future for our loved ones.”

The Empowered Families Advocacy Program is part of New Futures’ larger effort to prioritize the voices of those most affected by policy change in New Hampshire. By investing in the advocacy skills of families across the state, New Futures aims to develop a stronger, more diverse movement for policies that support the health and well-being of Granite Staters.