10 Years of SiX

Ten years ago SiX launched as an organization designed to support the leadership of powerful state legislators across the country.

SiX has gone through many changes over the years, and as we prepare for the leadership transition of Neha Patel and Jessie Ulibarri, SiX’s co-leadership, we know that SiX has never been in a stronger position.

Thank you to all of the state legislators, state and national partners, board members, and staff who have built this place over the past decade and everyone who is still here, building for the future.

Legislators Visit the CDC to Learn About Public Health Preparedness

SiX facilitated an eye-opening visit with state legislators to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offering a unique opportunity to explore the agency’s vital role in protecting public health. The visit highlighted a critical statistic: 80% of the CDC’s funding is allocated to state-level implementation, reinforcing the essential partnership between federal and state governments.

Legislators left with a deeper understanding of the CDC’s role and a renewed commitment to championing public health infrastructure in their home states. As misinformation and health inequities persist, this experience underscored the importance of science-based leadership to build trust and protect lives.

Southern Voices, Bold Solutions

At this year’s conference, leaders from Georgia and Mississippi shared inspiring stories of resilience and innovation, underscoring the power of people-centered movements in the South. In Mississippi, Senator Hillman Frazier recounted a 14-year battle to pass the state’s first tenant-landlord bill, a victory achieved through grassroots mobilization and community hearings. In Georgia, Representative Lydia Glaize highlighted transformative efforts to expand scholarship programs, ensuring access to higher education for underserved students without creating financial burdens.

These stories remind us that systemic change often begins with the leadership and vision of those rooted in their communities. Whether addressing housing inequities, lack of living wages, or education disparities, Southern leaders are redefining what progress looks like. Their work proves that real wins come from centering the voices and experiences of everyday people.

PGA Conference Training—Building Leaders for Collaborative Governance

This year’s Progressive Governance Academy (PGA) post-election training brought together state legislators to focus on leadership development and strategic planning. Attendees ranged from first-time legislators eager to make an impact to seasoned lawmakers seeking fresh approaches to governance. The training provided a unique space for participants to reflect on their leadership styles, set bold visions for the future, and strategize for the upcoming legislative sessions.

Through interactive modules, legislators explored the tools and practices needed to advance community-centered policymaking. From discussions on navigating leadership challenges to actionable goal-setting, participants were empowered to think beyond their individual roles and embrace collaborative governance. The program also encouraged peer learning, as legislators shared ideas and built lasting connections with colleagues across states.

Election Reflections and Future Strategies

This year’s election cycle underscored the challenges and opportunities in shaping post-election narratives. During the conference, leaders like Georgia Senator Kim Jackson, Iowa Representative JD Scholten, Arizona Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of BISC, and Maurice Mitchell, national director of Working Families Party shared insights on how we can build trust and foster unity in politically divided times. They emphasized the importance of engaging deeply with our communities, crafting inclusive messages, and rejecting survival fallacies that pit progressives against each other after losses.

Panelists highlighted the critical need for coalition-building and forward-thinking strategies. These reflections pointed to a shared understanding: election outcomes shape the terrain, but it’s the stories and strategies we craft afterward that determine the path forward.

Healing Justice for the Long Haul

Amid the intense challenges of leadership and advocacy, this year’s conference emphasized the transformative power of healing justice. State leaders and community advocates reminded us that prioritizing care—both for ourselves and our communities—is not just necessary but revolutionary. Rest, connection, and humanity are essential tools in dismantling systems of oppression and sustaining the fight for justice.

The sessions on healing justice highlighted how centering well-being allows leaders to show up authentically and effectively. Participants explored practices for stepping back when needed, leaning on community for support, and fostering environments where everyone feels valued. This approach strengthens not only individuals but also the broader movements we are building together.

As we look ahead, let’s carry forward the lessons of healing justice. By making space for rest and resilience, we strengthen our capacity to dream, organize, and lead. Together, we can create systems and structures that not only fight inequity but also nurture the humanity at the heart of our collective work.

State legislators, if you’d like to go deeper into SiX’s issue areas, join our legislator cohorts: the Economic Power Project, the Cohort for Rural Opportunity and Prosperity, and the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council!