Every day, legislators and decision-makers are buried under constituent emails, lobbyist visits, media coverage, and social feeds. So much noise. We are sure you feel the same way. So how do you break through? This session brings together communication strategy and activism to share what actually works — and what doesn’t — when you’re trying to move policy (or just get a meeting). Drawing from campaigns at the state agency, foundation, and grassroots levels, we’ll explore how to frame your issue, find your moment, and build relationships before you need them. Whether you’re advocating for your nonprofit’s mission or mobilizing a community, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your needle the sharpest in the haystack.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key elements that make policy communications memorable and actionable
• Apply message framing techniques and storytelling to engage your policymaker
• Develop a relationship-building approach to policymaker engagement (not just “ask” moments)
• Recognize timing and context factors that determine when your issue can gain traction