INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dozens of advocates and NAACP members on Monday filled the Indiana Statehouse to discuss policies that impact Hoosiers, particularly communities of color, on what organizers called Advocacy Day.

Advocacy Day is about the connection between community members pushing for change. Organizers say this event is all about empowerment and making sure critical voices are heard.

Sadie Harper-Scott, president of Indiana State Conference NAACP, said, “We all gathered so we have a better understanding of the bills — that are bad bills or the good bills — so that we can work the best together to find how we can make a difference to our community.”

The biggest concerns addressed were proposed bills about health care, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Students of the Indiana NAACP youth and college division also addressed their concerns about Senate Bill 289, which prohibits DEI training in K-12 public schools and restricts DEI programs at state universities.

A youth and college division board member, Jalen Day, said, “Programs such has mentoring, scholarships, academic achievement awards, celebrations of cultural differences that are designed to help students that come from backgrounds that may not be as privileged as others are being taken and stripped away because of legislation we see in buildings like these across the country.”

There are 11 student units of the youth and college division in Indiana schools. Day says it’s crucial that more young people get involved and pay attention to politics. “We are here to protect young people under 25 so that when legislation comes across that aims to hurt us or oppress us, we can be here just like we are today.”

Advocacy Day organizers hope Monday’s conversations lead to legislative action, holding lawmakers accountable, and making more connections within the community. Harper-Scott said, “Our legislators work hard for us, so we make sure we vote for the right people so we can get issues corrected that are not corrected. It’s not about any particular party. We all should be all in and working together to make a difference for our community.”

The NAACP plans to continue working with lawmakers. It’s also encouraging more community members to get involved in the process.