Building Advocacy Capacity | Food Systems | Education | Policy | Publications

Does your organization want to get more involved in public policy advocacy? Would you like to have a greater policy impact at the local, state, or national level? Would your board and staff like to get clearer on your policy priorities and activity options?

NESAWG’s Building Advocacy Capacity can help groups working on food, farming, and related issues to introduce or better incorporate policy advocacy activities into their work. We’ll help build your group’s presence and power in policy change to:

We offer customized training and follow-up for board and/or staff. You can also work through our Building Advocacy Capacity Handbook on your own.

Groups that participated in our workshops significantly increased their understanding of policy advocacy principles, terms, and options. They strengthened their cohesiveness and sense of purpose around public issues among board members, staff and stakeholders. Participating groups highlighted the importance of collaborating in grassroots networks on advocacy efforts. Across the board, they noted the value of having a framework and skilled facilitation to make formerly overwhelming and amorphous discussions manageable and geared toward achievable actions.

As a result of this training, your organization will be better able to conduct effective public policy advocacy activities. Your staff and board will feel clearer, more secure, and more empowered to proceed with decisions and actions. You will be more effective in reaching your members, constituents and public, and in mobilizing their participation in farm and food issues that are important to you.

For more information, contact Kathy Ruhf at nesawg@nesawg.org or (413) 323-9878.