Last month, the Karabelle Pizzigati Advocacy Training Institute held its inaugural in-person training program, titled “Your Voice, Their Future”. During the training, individuals working in social service agencies, health facilities and early childhood programs gathered to learn about navigating the federal policy-making and funding process and linking it to advocacy opportunities at the federal, state and local levels.
“Every day, people working in food banks, early childhood programs, child welfare agencies, juvenile homes, and other social services are helping children, youth and families thrive,” says Adele Robinson, Karabelle Pizzigati Endowed Professor in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families. “The Your Voice, Their Future advocacy institute gives these on-the-ground champions the advocacy skills they need to make a lasting policy impact.”
At the Institute, policy advocates helped attendees create and deliver effective messages for policymakers and the public. “The first cohort was attended by 18 people from five states,” Robinson adds. “They were provided workshops led by nationally-recognized advocates in federal spending and policies, framing and getting the message out, giving effective testimony and hosting a successful visit of a policymaker. They will continue to learn and share as a group.”
You can learn more about the Institute on their website.
