These advocacy training FAQs will give you a better idea of our approach to training and what you will learn by attending. Got more questions? Fill out the contact form on our About page, and we’ll be in touch soon!
Why should I attend this training?
The Campaign Workshop offers a unique, one-of-a-kind training that goes beyond the basics and provides a hands-on experience for trainees. This intensive, two-day course covers everything you need to build a highly effective advocacy campaign. You’ll learn from real-world professionals who work everyday to build advocacy strategy for groups and organizations. The entire training is built around case studies, so you will learn from actual past advocacy successes and failures.
Take a look at a past training agenda!
What kinds of topics will be covered?
This advocacy training covers a range of topics. Expect to learn about messaging, fundraising, budgeting, digital integration, lobbying, content marketing, and much, much more! Each session focuses on presenting the latest in advocacy tactics, technologies, and best practices so you can take what you learn to build more effective advocacy campaigns. Our training is also chock-full of breakout sessions and exercises, so you learn both from our skilled group of presenters and from your fellow attendees.
Who should attend this training?
Intermediate to experienced level advocates will feel most comfortable in this training. At past trainings, we’ve had attendees who are program managers, communications directors, directors of advocacy, and executive directors. We really work to build off of your past advocacy campaign experiences, so we recommend that you have some level of past advocacy experience before attending our training.
How is our training different from other trainings?
Our trainings have on average around 30 attendees, so each attendee really receives personal attention. We feature a bipartisan training staff, so you get the latest from a variety of different perspectives. But what really separates our training from the rest is that we’ve been building training programs for groups and organizations for decades, so we know what works and what doesn’t. That’s why we use a layered learning approach, because each trainee digests information differently. Our signature exercises and breakout sessions provide practical experience because we believe that’s how you learn best. Through the breakout sessions, attendees become familiar with what’s covered and have an opportunity to ask questions.
What are the specific skills I’ll build/knowledge I’ll acquire?
The training will give you real tools, tactics, and strategies to enhance and build an advocacy program. These skills will include:
- Enhancing your messaging tactics using a message box, wheel, and triangle.
- Effectively using storytelling in your campaign and how to build and track success.
- Using the engagement funnel and learning how to move members from a simple action to a hard one.
- Running better programmatic advertising and social media campaigns.
- Embracing enhanced targeting through voter models and proximity mapping.
- Goal setting and determining primary and secondary goals for your campaign.
- Coalition building and developing the coalition you want vs. the coalition that you have.
Will I be able to ask about my specific issues with the trainers?
Our sessions follow a layered learning approach. They have exercises that are designed to develop real skills and allow trainees to get to know each other, learn from each other, and solve problems together. In addition, there will be many opportunities to work through any specific issues that trainees may have.
How can I access the virtual training?
The virtual training will be hosted using Zoom Conferencing. In order to participate in the virtual training, you will need access to a computer and a strong internet connection.