Equity Advocates hOSTS an annual series of policy workshops designed to give food justice leaders the skills needed to further their missions through advocacy. Our trainingS are free & open to Food systems stakeholders in New York.
We also provide 1-on-1 training for organizations and advocates outside of New York or coalitions that want customized support for a small fee. contact us directly with your inquiries.
Research shows that engagements with elected officials are an impactful and necessary piece of any advocacy strategy, but many are intimidated or scared of meeting with policy makers. This training provides an overview of why meeting with elected officials is an effective advocacy strategy. Learn practical tips and skills to prepare advocates, community residents and nonprofit leaders to engage policy makers as well as how to leverage these relationships to advance an organization and/or campaign goals.
Being able to provide an effective testimony is key to getting your message across to elected officials. In this workshop we will discuss:
what testimony is
why testimony is important,
how to create, submit and deliver effective testimony,
and how to engage in the budget hearing process.
Your story matters! Learn how to tell it effectively to city officials and make an impact on NYC’s budget. We hope to build the skills and learn the knowledge to create change together.
Nonprofit staff and leadership play an important role in educating the elected officials and the public about policy issues. The widespread perception that 501(c)(3) nonprofits cannot lobby prevents many food systems experts from speaking up for the issues they hold dear. This training provides participants with a solid understanding of what activities and communications constitute lobbying, an understanding that 501(c)(3) organizations CAN in fact lobby, and an exploration of the broad range of activities nonprofits can engage in to influence public policy.
Advocacy + Lobbying | Tracking + Reporting Additional Resources
2024
During each year’s budget season, the NYC City Council and the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget publishes numerous documents pertaining to the City budget. This training, hosted in partnership UNH provides an accessible overview of the budget process and timeline, how to find key budget documents, navigate and read them to find out what the City spends on food related programs and relevant agencies.