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From Lived Experience to Legislative Power: Meet Our Newest CPG Cohort
At CLASP, we believe those most impacted by poverty and systemic inequality should be shaping the solutions—not waiting for them. That belief is the foundation of the Community Partnership Group (CPG) , a cohort-based leadership and advocacy initiative for individuals with lived experience navigating public benefit programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
This June, we proudly welcomed three extraordinary advocates into the second cohort of the CPG:
* Christina Hasan from Philadelphia, PA
* Ashley Blair from Memphis, TN
* Tania Whitfield from Kentucky by way of Chicago, IL
Each of these leaders brings a wealth of lived expertise, deep-rooted commitment to their communities, and the courage to speak truth to power. Over the next six months, they will engage in political education, receive mentorship, build advocacy strategies, and lead a self-directed project focused on defending and strengthening public benefits.
But the CPG is more than a training ground— it’s a bridge to power.
With support from CLASP’s Public Benefits Justice team, each member will gain access to our national policy networks, learn to navigate Hill visits, and sharpen their ability to lead in policy spaces that have historically excluded them. They’ll return to their communities equipped to mobilize, organize, and influence decisionmakers.
In September, we’ll bring this new cohort to Washington, D.C. for a powerful in-person convening and Hill Day, where they'll put their training into action by meeting directly with federal policymakers. For many, it will be their first time engaging on the Hill—not as clients or guests, but as policy shapers.
This work is urgent. And it’s only just beginning.
We’re seeking dedicated funders who share our commitment to narrative change, grassroots leadership, and equitable policymaking. If you're interested in learning more about the CPG or exploring how you can support our September convening and the long-term sustainability of this work, check out the one-pager we’ve attached. [[link removed]]
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
* Parker Gilkesson Davis [[email protected]] , Senior Policy Analyst
* Lennox Atkinson [[email protected]] , Senior Manager of Institutional Giving
We’re excited to share more about what this next chapter of powerbuilding looks like—and how you can help make it possible!
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CLASP • 1310 L St. NW, Suite 900 • Washington, D.C. xxxxxx • (202) 906-8000

CLASP
1310 L St. NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States