XSPP-075 - Leaders in Advocacy Academy

Course Description

Leaders in Advocacy Academy | Course Description

Partnering with the Close Up Foundation, the Leaders in Advocacy Academy will bring together a diverse group of students from across the United States and the world to participate in an intensive, hands-on program exploring various strategies for organizing people and influencing policy. You’ll be immersed in the real world of decision-making and advocacy, hearing directly from policy and media experts, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and influencers from both sides of the aisle. Through workshops, lectures, and leadership case studies, you’ll examine the complexities of major current issues and the practice of crafting persuasive arguments and compelling messages to support various positions. You’ll leave the program well equipped to take on leadership roles at school, in the local community, and in the global community.

How You'll Benefit

• Engage with leaders of nonprofits, liberal and conservative think tanks and organizations, lobbying firms, and community coalitions to learn strategies for influencing policy and public opinion

• Meet with Members of Congress and staff on Capitol Hill to learn how they think about and respond to different forms of advocacy and stakeholders

• Use memorials and museums to consider the impact of elected officials and private citizens

• Participate in workshops to learn and practice leadership and communication skills

• Gain exposure to a variety of perspectives and leadership roles

• Receive a Certificate of Participation Upon Successful Completion

Program Format & Subject Areas

As a student in the Leaders in Advocacy Academy, you'll spend your day immersed in a blend of virtual lectures, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Throughout the course of the week, you'll have the opportunity to explore the following subject areas:

• Case studies of leadership in 2020

• Coalition and consensus building

• Lobbying and advocacy (professional advocates)

• Organizing for community and citizen activism

• Decision-making at the leadership level

• Strategic messaging

• Networking

• Impacting current policy debates