Education & Training
We lead 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 and open to food systems stakeholders in New York (and beyond)! Our workshops cover topics such as demystifying local and state budgets, providing effective public testimony, advocacy 101, the power of storytelling, and more. Sign up for our upcoming workshops below.
2026 workshops
Crafting Effective Testimony
Testifying at a City or State hearing is one powerful way to influence change, and it's easier than you think. Participants will learn what testimony is, why it matters, and how to craft and deliver their own message. Join us to turn the daunting "two-minute timer" into a powerful opportunity for influence, ensuring your story isn't just heard, but a catalyst for policy change. All levels welcome, from first-time advocates to seasoned community leaders! Led by Mikaela Perry.
Using Advocacy to Build an Equitable & Sustainable Food System
Passed
Translate your values into impactful action with a timely workshop about effective grassroots advocacy. Participants will learn about the core tenets of advocacy and on-the-ground legislative strategies, plus an interactive exercise to outline their own advocacy campaign. Led by Mikaela Perry.
More spring and summer workshops to be announced soon!
PARTICIPANTS’ FAVORITE WORKSHOPS
Youth Advocacy Training
We also provide youth advocacy training with our partner organizations. In 2022, with support from the Levitt Foundation, Equity Advocates launched a Youth Food Justice Organizers initiative with Teens for Food Justice, recruiting a cohort of young New Yorkers committed to deepening their policy knowledge and advocacy skills to advance food justice in communities across NYC. In 2024, we expanded our work to partner with East New York Farms, Green Guerillas, Riseboro, Youth Food Justice Network, Teens for Food Justice, and The Campaign Against Hunger to hosta Train-the-Trainer series, a 2-days workshops series aimed to equip youth food justice leaders with the tools and knowledge of policy and advocacy to teach back to their peers, colleagues, and families. We’re proud to give youth leaders an opportunity to meet like-minded food justice advocates in NYC and the confidence to pursue careers in the political field.
Equity Advocates provides one-on-one training and coaching for organizations and advocates in or outside of New York to develop advocacy workplans, customized public testimonials, and provide support with building relationships with policymakers. Contact us directly with inquiries.
