Advocacy Skills Series for 2009!

New from the Western North Carolina Alliance!

 

“Passion into Action:  Policy Advocacy Skills"
This is a remarkable opportunity to attend a five-session workshop presented by the Western North Carolina Alliance!  Learn the skills for taking action in a variety of situations, with a particular focus on policy development, from the longest established conservation organization in WNC. Whether you are a concerned citizen looking for  better direction or an organization wanting to fine tune your mission objectives, you'll find a wealth of information from experienced speakers.

This series coincides with WNCA’s annual meeting, Saturday August 22nd at the Southern Energy & Environment Expo with session times and descriptions listed below, all presentations will be in Classroom #1. The Annual WNCA Meeting will be held from approximately 11:30 to 1:30 adjacent to the Classrooms area, look for the signs, the public is invited.

 

10:30 -11:30/ Basic Citizenship: Passion into Action- Policy Advocacy Skills #1

This presentation provides the framework for policy advocacy by explaining our governmental structure at the federal, state, and local levels, who makes what decisions and how, and how citizens can become involved in those decisions.  Understanding this framework is critical to taking effective action and how to engage in effective policy advocacy.  Presenter:  Greg Kidd, attorney, policy advocate

 

1:30 – 2:30/ Written and Spoken Advocacy: Passion into Action- Policy Advocacy Skills #2

Be it a comment letter or oral comments at a public hearing, a letter to the editor/op-ed, meeting with reporters, or talking one on one with policy makers, being able to communicate effectively in writing or in person is a fundamental skill of effective advocacy.  This workshop will focus on the basic methods and strategies for clearly communicating your message in writing and in oral presentations.  Presenter:  Jim Grode, attorney.

 

2:30 – 3:30/ Campaign Planning: Passion into Action- Policy Advocacy Skills #3

A cohesive, comprehensive, organized campaign vastly increases the likelihood of success in policy advocacy.  Learn the basic elements of campaign planning and working in collaboration with others, tips for effective media work and much more from one of the longest running environmental organizations in the region, the WNC Alliance.  Presenter:  Julie Mayfield, attorney, Executive Director, WNCA and Ryan Griffith, WNCA Outreach Coordinator

 

4:30 – 5:30/ Social Media: Passion into Action- Policy Advocacy Skills #4

  The ways in which we communicate messages and mobilize the public has changed drastically in the last few years.  This workshop will cover how to use various social media outlets, such as Facebook, MySpace, blogs, and Twitter, to effectively communicate with the public.  Presenter:  Ryan Griffith, Community Outreach Manager, WNCA.

 

5:30 – 6:30/ Negotiation: Passion into Action:  Policy Advocacy Skills #5

Effective advocacy efforts often lands citizens in a position “at the table” with policy makers and other stakeholders for the outcome they seek, but understanding basic elements of negotiation can make the difference between success and failure.  How to structure negotiations, how to develop an effective negotiation strategy, how to move through obstacles, and when to withdraw are invaluable tools to have!.  Presenter:  DJ Gerken, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center.

 

See Full Schedule