Public Policy, Advocacy, and Communications in an Era of Change
Friday, May 15, 2009
University of Chicago, Gleacher Center
450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Overview | Agenda | Details & Directions
Overview
Whether building coalitions, developing grassroots momentum, or leveraging media coverage, every organization needs a communications and advocacy strategy that works with and supports overarching initiatives. And for those seeking to influence public policy on any level, communications and government affairs efforts must work hand-in-hand.
With a new administration in Washington, D.C., all types of organizations (public, private, and nonprofit) are assessing the changing landscape and devising advocacy and communication action plans. Now is the perfect time for your organization to re-evaluate and refine your key strategies. Does your plan target the right audience and emphasize the correct message? Are you confident that your organization can support these plans and implement any new initiatives that result?
This intensive one-day program will give you the tools you need to effectively accomplish strategic goals and advocate on behalf of your organization. The program will also help you sharpen your communication and advocacy skills as well as network with professionals from a variety of industries.
Key Benefits
In this program, you will:
- Develop public policy strategies and assess your organization's ability to implement them on the federal, state, and local levels
- Assess your organizational power base and access to direct and indirect policy makers and the media
- Identify the opportunities and risks involved in pursuing your public policy agenda and how best to frame issues
- Assess your governmental relations and communications departments' effectiveness in the public policy arena
- Examine case studies on advocacy, building coalitions, developing viable grassroots communications strategies, and utilizing the media to impact public policy
- Learn more about President Obama's key White House staff and the operations of the federal departments to support your advocacy initiatives
- Gain new perspectives on advocacy and "moving the needle" on your key issues
Who Should Attend
The program is designed for professionals in public policy, government relations, public relations, and communications-related roles from corporations, nonprofits, foundations, universities, associations, and special interest groups.
Expert Faculty
Ronald F. Gibbs is president of National & International Public Affairs Consulting and a lecturer at the Harris School. A nationally recognized expert in public policy and public relations, Ron has a track record of implementing highly successful public affairs campaigns by using coalition building, grassroots organizing and public awareness initiatives for corporations and nonprofits. He has direct work experience in crisis communications, philanthropy and reputation management. Ron has provided effective leadership on numerous public awareness and legislative campaigns dealing with urban and rural affairs, child welfare, health care, hunger relief, diabetes education, Medicare reform, veteran's affairs, immigration and global poverty. Read full bio >>
Fee
$295 Corporate
$195 Nonprofit
$145 Alumni
Program fee includes all course materials, coffee breaks, and lunch.
Contact Information
Email: exec-training@uchicago.edu
Phone: 773-702-2028
