Program Benefits

• Understand What It Really Takes to Influence Policy
  Great ideas don’t always win on the merit. In this course, you’ll unpack the real-world obstacles that policies face—from political opposition to competing priorities—and explore why evidence alone isn’t always enough to pass legislation. You’ll learn how to spot roadblocks, anticipate challenges, and build smarter strategies to overcome them.

• Build Power Through Stakeholder Engagement
  Policy change is a team sport. You’ll learn how to identify key decision-makers inside and outside of State legislatures, engage allies, navigate opposition, and build coalitions that amplify your impact. From grassroots to insider tactics, you’ll discover how science can shape policy when it's supported by the right relationships.

• Master the Skills of Strategic Advocacy
  Craft a clear and compelling message that resonates across audiences. You’ll practice building three-point pitches, speaking with confidence, and tailoring your communication to different policy environments, all grounded in real examples and expert insights.

• Learn from People Who’ve Been There
  Hear directly from policymakers, legislative staffers, and scientists experienced government and public relations. You’ll walk away with insider knowledge you won’t find in textbooks.

• Develop Your Policy Action Plan
  By the end of this course, you will receive a template to develop your own personalized policy action plan that outlines your issue, messaging, coalition-building strategy, and concrete steps to engage policymakers and stakeholders within your own community.