Building Power in Human Services: Advocacy in Action

Join us for a dynamic training series designed to prepare human service professionals to effectively engage in state-level advocacy. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the legislative process, learn key advocacy strategies, and develop skills in communicating with policymakers. Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, attendees will explore how to connect with legislators and key decision makers, mobilize supporters, and track policy developments that impact human services. This training series will also provide opportunities to network with peers and collaborate on strategies to strengthen collective advocacy efforts. Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to refine your skills, this series will offer practical tools to make an impact. At the end of the training program, participants will have the opportunity to put the skills they learned into action by joining the Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign for advocacy efforts both in Springfield and in their local areas. Participants are encouraged but not required to attend all sessions.

• January 12 (Monday) - Introduction to Advocacy
• January 20 (Tuesday) - Developing an Advocacy Strategy and Galvanizing Support
• January 26 (Monday) - School House Rock for Illinois
• February 2 (Monday) - Open Panel on Lessons from Illinois Advocates

Cost for the series: $100 per person

Discounted Rate: $50 for participants from organizations that have contributed financially to Illinois Partners in our current fiscal year FY26 (since July 1, 2025). Check here to see if your organization is a contributing partner.

A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals who are not sponsored by an organization or whose organization cannot cover the costs of this training. Apply for our scholarship by January 7.

*You will only receive a calendar invite for the first session with this registration. One week before the event you will recieve the other invitations from Katherine Cavanaugh.

*All sessions will be recorded and sent to registrants after the session.

If you need any accomodations including ASL or other interpretation services to participate in this training, please reach out to Katherine Cavanaugh at Katherine@IllinoisPartners.org.

Learn more about Illinois Partners here.