“Your Voice: Learning to Lobby for Social Change” Workshop

NCJW/LA’s Advocacy Department is hosting a free half-day workshop to help train students, activists, and multi-disciplinary professionals in the art and craft of lobbying for social change. The goal is to empower individuals by equipping them with the tools to effectively influence public policy.

The keynote speech will be presented by Abbe Land, mayor pro tem of the City of West Hollywood and executive director/CEO of The Trevor Project. Afterward attendees will have the opportunity to attend two of three breakout sessions led by facilitators with expertise in lobbying for social change:

• "Policy Process 101: Transforming Ideas into Policy"--Emily Austin, J.D., director of Policy and Evaluation for Peace Over Violence, will explore the process through which public policies are created and changed.
• "Mobilizing Your Base: Grassroots and Grasstops Lobbying"--Serena Josel, director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, will teach how to mobilize the public and prominent figures to support and advance a cause.
• "The Art of Persuasion: Winning Them Over"--Matt Leighty, MPP, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, will strengthen the ability of participants to formulate and deliver oral arguments.

The workshop is co-sponsored by NCJW/LA, Women Helping Women Community Counseling & Support Services, the Jewish Women's Conference of Southern California, the City of West Hollywood, NARAL Pro-Choice California, Peace Over Violence, and Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

Pre-registration is required. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jade Wollman at 323-852-8514 or jade@ncjwla.org. Please specify your two workshop session preferences.

A flyer for the event is available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/98235887.