SESSION 1: What Is Advocacy? From Values to Action
Goals
We hope attendees will leave with:
- Clarity on their own values and what motivates them
- Ability to match problems to the right level of government
STRUCTURE
Connection to Values and Types of Advocacy
- Advocacy in Jewish tradition
- Why do I want to be an advocate? What compels me to act?
- Distinctions between advocacy, activism, lobbying, and service
ADVOCACY IN PRACTICE
- How do I know where to go with my issue?
- What advocacy looks like at local, state, federal levels
- How to align issues with the right level of government
- How can community advocates like us make an impact?
- What influences lawmakers’ decisions? What moves them?
HELPFUL RESOURCES
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN: Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice
State and Local Government Primer (2020)*
How Do I Find My Local, State, and Federal Representatives? Who Represents Me?
Defining Education Community Service Advocacy and Direct Action
Where Decisions Really Happen: Authority Versus Power in Local Government*
Understanding Overlooked Government Influence: Hidden Levers of Government*
Self-placement within Advocacy: Knowing Your Roles within Local and State Government*
How Faith Groups Can Influence Policy at State Level: Texas Impact – Texas Faith Votes
Real-world Case Study: Angela Hunt, The Trinity Toll Road and Jugglers under the Overpass
*This resource has been graciously shared by Jim Schermbeck, Dean College of Constructive Hell-Raising.