Early childhood advocacy organizations are frequently in positions of power. Their brands and credibility, built on years of policy, data, and research expertise, provide access to and influence with people who have political power. AND they are funded to advocate and sit at decision making tables. Those with lived experiences – parents, practitioners, and other community members –face real barriers to influence policy decisions and advocacy strategies because they have not been recognized as experts on the problems and solutions designed to support them. How can traditional advocates shift their practices to ensure parents and providers not only have seats at the table, but also the power and resources to be effective leaders? In this interactive discussion, state allies from Louisiana and North Carolina will share how they are making inclusivity the norm in advocacy.