Do you have an idea to change your community for the better? Do you have questions about policymaking on a local or state level? Do you want to explore your inner policymaker?

Come get answers, ideas, and strategies from our center's staff, experienced attorneys, and policymakers at our Policy Cafe!

This is a two-part event! You can come to both or either.

1. From 5:00PM - 6:00PM: Teach-In on Regulatory Advocacy Training

Federal, state, and local agencies make regulations explaining technical, operational, and legal details necessary to implement law. Sometimes, these are more important than the law itself! A recent example is the Federal Communications Commission’s rollback of net neutrality. Concerned citizens submitted comments opposing the FCC's plan, but in the end they had little influence. On the state and local level, there is more opportunity to be heard. This regulatory advocacy training will teach participants how to effectively speak up and influence the implementation of laws.

2. From 6:00PM - 7:30PM: One-on-One Policy Consultations

From 6:00pm - 7:00pm we'll be offering the individualized consultations portion of our Policy Cafe for folks who want to discuss their specific policy ideas and get advice on questions, such as:

• What are the next steps after I have come up with my policy idea?

• How do I draft a piece of legislation?

• How do I approach council members, county supervisors, or other legislators about my idea?

• How do I navigate the legislative process?

• In what ways can my nonprofit participate in policy advocacy?