Advocacy 101, 2012

Advocacy 101 is an entry-level workshop that is designed for those with little to no experience working in political advocacy, but wish to do so.  The presentation blends advocacy theory, New Mexico nonprofit political history and hands-on practical skill building.

Participants will learn about the legal parameters which guide nonprofit advocacy work, why advocacy and long-term policy change is critical to their missions and how to think strategically and long-term about their work.

Participants will learn the theory, strategy and process for developing effective issue-based messages to communicate with decision-makers and community members.  Participants will also learn to adapt the message to the particular audience being addressed.  Developing a clear, concise and effective message will ensure the greatest success in achieving the goal.

At the end of the training, participants will know how to develop a clear, concise and effective message and they will possess a deeper understanding of how grassroots and organizational political advocacy intertwine with policy and electoral work to affect change in their communities.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the interconnectedness of advocacy, policy and politics
• Understand long-term strategy and sustainable systems
• Be able to develop a concise message

Level
Beginner

Audience
Executive Directors, Program Managers, Organizers and anyone working to affect change in their community.

Presenters
Ariel Bickel is a political and nonprofit consultant with a background in immigrant rights and the environment, however she works on all variety of social, environmental, and economic justice issues.  She earned her Bachelor’s in Spanish from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and specializes in organizing in Spanish-speaking communities.  Ariel entered the world of civic engagement organizing in the 90’s, when she became involved in social justice issues, specifically immigrant rights. Since then, she has worked on numerous candidate and issue campaigns around New Mexico, most recently working on voting rights issues with rural communities in southern Doña Ana County.  Ariel continues to develop her community organizing skills and public education tactics through her work, and is a member of the Wellstone Action national training team.

Erin Marshall is an independent consultant with more than 10 years experience as a public health specialist and has a Bachelor’s in Anthropology.  She has worked as a lobbyist in the New Mexico Legislature and understands how policy-making works.  In her work, Erin focuses largely on the intersection between health and natural and built environments.  She has extensive fundraising and grant-writing experience, as well as an understanding of both political and organizing work.  Aside from having fundraising and executive/project management experience, Erin is a known and trusted advocate around New Mexico, particularly in underserved and rural areas where health issues are critical.  She spends a large portion of her time traveling around the state, cultivating new allies, building relationships and training communities how to become active in the political process.