Course Meets Online and in Washington D.C. May 13-18, 2024
Democracy functions best when policymakers receive information on the likely impacts of proposed policy. Located in Washington D.C., participants will learn effective advocacy strategies and skills directly from active professionals. Participants will be able to develop an advocacy plan; frame an issue and present a cause to stakeholders; lead education campaigns; motivate decision-makers; recognize allies; and identify threats to success. Students will hear from elected officials, legislative staff, interest group leaders, lobbyists, communication professionals, and think tank representatives. Students will have increased their knowledge about advocating in Washington D.C. and improved their skills around developing an effective advocacy plan.
Class Format:
Prior to the Maymester, each student will meet with a representative of the Patman Center or will take an online survey in order to identify specific areas of interest. Site visits and professional development meetings will be tailored to the best of our ability to the students’ areas of focus. Prior to traveling to D.C., one or two online meetings will occur in order to discuss the course deliverables with those students getting course credit. John Daly, author of the required reading book, will be invited to offer instruction during one of those times. Students will travel to Washington D.C. and will have a mix of course instruction, site visits, and professional development opportunities as a part of their daily activities.