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big picture
Jan. 19, 2020
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Eastern)

Training: Intro to Phonebanking

Organizer: RepresentUs

New to phonebanking? If so, this is the call for you! Learn how to support the most urgent anti-corruption campaigns across America on this training led by RepresentUs organizers. Phone calls are one of the most effective ways to activate supporters and help win campaigns. Join this training to learn how to use our call tool to reach anti-corruption supporters, what to say when making calls, and how phonebanking fits into our movement's strategy to solve America's corruption crisis. The Action Brigade Call Team is on the front lines of anti-corruption campaigns across the U.S. and we want you to be a part of it.

Location: Virtual

Register

civic ed
Jan. 20, 2020

Screening: 'Bring It to the Table'

Organizer: Bring It to the Table

"Bring It to the Table" is a documentary film, participatory online platform, community engagement campaign + web series aimed at bridging political divides and elevating the national conversation about issues that matter to us all. The project is for those who want to listen to what their fellow students, co-workers, neighbors, friends, family members, and even total strangers, really think.

Location: Mid Michigan College, Harrison, MI

Learn more

gerrymandering
Jan. 20, 2020
10:00 AM - 11:45 AM

'Slay The Dragon' Documentary

Organizer: Chandler International Film Festival

A secretive, high-tech gerrymandering initiative launched 10 years ago threatens to undermine our democracy. "Slay the Dragon" follows everyday people as they fight to make their votes matter.

Location: Harkins Chandler Fashion 20, 3159 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, AZ

Register

gerrymandering
Feb. 1, 2019
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Pontiac - Redistricting Commission Application Workshop

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Please join Voters Not Politicians to learn more about the Citizens Redistricting Commission. You can complete your application at this event. Please bring photo ID so you can have your application notarized. This event is in the gym. Please park at the basketball court and follow the signs.

Location: New Birth International Church - Pontiac, 124 W Columbia Ave, Pontiac, MI

Register

congress
Jan. 21, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

What to Expect When Meeting with a Member of Congress and Staff

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Every year, thousands of Americans work with their associations, nonprofits, or companies to attend "fly-in" events or "lobby days" in Washington. But many participants don't know what to expect when they meet with their legislator, or their perceptions are shaped by the media. This presentation provides an overview of congressional offices; outlines staff roles in meetings; and offers tips for successfully meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs.

This webinar is for citizen advocates as part of the Partnership for a More Perfect Union. To register or to learn more about the Partnership, please contact Jaime Werner, jwerner@congressfoundation.org.

Location: Webinar

Register

civic ed
Jan. 22, 2020
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Workshop: Fast, Easy, and Free Data Tools for Your Work

Organizer: Open Gov Hub

Fast, Easy, and FREE: Using Kaggle, BigQuery, and DataStudio to Solve Problems in Four Hours or Fewer." A short session on how to use some fantastic tools to actually DO something worthwhile for your organization. We will practice a range of skills via structured small group interactions.

Location: OpenGov Hub, 1110 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC

Register

civil discourse
Jan. 24, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
Jan. 24, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Judy Schneider’s Lessons on How to Succeed in Congress

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

There have been 45 American presidents, 54 Speakers of the House of Representatives, and ONE Judy Schneider! For more than four decades working at the Congressional Research Service, Judy has coached and trained thousands of congressional staff and Members on the intricacies of succeeding in Congress. Please join the Congressional Management Foundation in collaboration with the House Chiefs of Staff Association for this special training program to kick-off our 2020 senior manager training series.

Judy has been recognized by dozens of congressional affiliated groups, including Women in Government Relations, who in 2015 established the Judy Schneider Fellowship in honor of "the thousands of women she has mentored, developed, and trained.'' Two years ago, when Judy Schneider received the inaugural Staff Lifetime Achievement Democracy Award from the Congressional Management Foundation, the Roll Call article on the event stated that ''hundreds of members of Congress know how to legislate because Judy Schneider taught them.''

The event will include a special segment, "Questions I Always Wanted to Ask Judy Schneider...But Was Afraid To." In this session, Judy will answer written anonymous questions from the audience. (If you have attended a previous Judy Schneider event, you'll definitely understand the value of this segment.)

Location: 2075 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC

Register

gerrymandering
Jan. 25, 2019
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Flint Farmers Market Application Workshop

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Stop by the Flint Farmers Market any time between 9am and 3pm to complete an application for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Volunteers will be present to answer questions, assist as needed, and notarize your application for free.

Location: Flint Farmer's Market, 300 E 1st St, Flint, MI

Register

ranked-choice voting
Jan. 25, 2020
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Represent Tucson: Ranked Choice Voting 101

Organizer: RepresentUs

Join local anti-corruption leaders to learn how Ranked Choice Voting can help end corruption and put the power back into the hands of the people. At Ranked Choice Voting 101, you will:

  • Meet with anti-corruption leaders and volunteers from your area
  • Hear a presentation from RCV advocate Adam Friedman, followed by a Q&A
  • Learn how you can make your voice heard and your vote count

If you are interested in understanding one of the solutions to America's corruption problem and how you can help, this is the perfect opportunity to join the conversation in Arizona.

Location: Junior League Building, 2099 E River Rd., Tucson, AZ

RSVP

gerrymandering
Jan. 28, 2020

National Phonebank to Stop Gerrymandering in VA

Organizer: RepresentUs

Right now, politicians in Virginia pick their voters instead of the other way around. In fact, Virginia is one of the worst gerrymandered states in America. If you are tired of self-serving politicians drawing districts to ensure their hold on power, now is the time to act. The Virginia State House is considering an amendment to end partisan gerrymandering and return power to the voters… but they could just as easily do nothing and keep the corrupt status quo. That's why they need to hear from thousands of Virginia voters. It's the last opportunity to make a difference before voting districts are redrawn in 2021.

Join RepresentUs members across America for the national phonebank to pass an anti-gerrymandering amendment in Virginia. We'll call Virginia voters and connect them to their local representatives to show them that voters are putting this issue front and center.

Location: Virtual

RSVP

gerrymandering
Jan. 28, 2020
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Citizen Lobby Day to End Gerrymandering in VA

Organizer: RepresentUs

Represent Virginia will meet with politicians in person to demand action in a Citizen Lobby Day. Join the lobby day and show politicians that the people demand action.

Right now, politicians in Virginia pick their voters instead of the other way around. Virginia is one of the worst-gerrymandered states in America, allowing self-serving politicians to ensure their re-election by making safe districts that were drawn or influenced by political appointees and insiders. This is our last opportunity to stop gerrymandering before voting districts are redrawn in 2021. If we don't win now, we'll have to wait another 10 years to fix Virginia's corrupt status quo.

Location: Suntrust Building, 919 E Main St., Richmond, VA

RSVP

fair districts ga
Jan. 29, 2020
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fair Districts GA Lobby Days

Organizer: Fair Districts GA

Lobby Days are our chance to meet with legislators in person to encourage them to support legislation that reforms the redistricting process. We will urge a transparent process, specific standards for districts maps, and citizen involvement, the core elements of the Democracy Act. We'll also ask them about their expectations for the 2021 redistricting process.

Location: Room 125 Georgia State Capitol Building, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA

Register

civil discourse
Jan. 29, 2020
7:30 PM (Eastern)

'America in One Room' and the Future of Democracy

Organizer: Center for the Study of Liberty

The Center for the Study of Liberty is excited to bring you a LIVE online interview and discussion with the architects of "America in One Room," a ground-breaking experiment conducted in September 2019. Could our democracy work better if citizens were actually able to think through policy proposals and deliberate?

To explore the possibilities, Professors James Fishkin and Larry Diamond brought together over 500 individuals as a random representative sampling of American voters for a 3-day experience in self-government. The "America in One Room" participants tackled 5 of today's most controversial issues: immigration, healthcare, foreign policy, the environment, and the economy.

Location: Webinar

Register

civic ed
Feb. 3, 2020

Screening: Bring It to the Table

Organizer: Bring It to the Table

"Bring It to the Table" is a documentary film, participatory online platform, community engagement campaign + web series aimed at bridging political divides and elevating the national conversation about issues that matter to us all. The project is for those who want to listen to what their fellow students, co-workers, neighbors, friends, family members, and even total strangers, really think.

Location: University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL

Learn more

big picture
Feb. 3, 2020
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Book Tour Event: Rick Hasen in Conversation with Trevor Potter

Organizer: Campaign Legal Center

Join Campaign Legal Center for a conversation between CLC President Trevor Potter and Rick Hasen, Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine and author of "Election Meltdown: Dirty Tricks, Distrust, and the Threat to American Democracy." This event is open to the public and copies of Election Meltdown will be available for purchase.

Location: 1101 14th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005

RSVP

gerrymandering
Feb. 4, 2019
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Benzonia - Application Workshop & Potluck

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Join us at this potluck education & application event! Bring a dish to pass and learn all about the Citizens Redistricting Commission. We'll have applications and a volunteer notary public, so you can complete your application on the spot.

Location: Grow Benzie, 5885 Frankfort Hwy # M-15, Benzonia, MI 49616

Register

campaign finance
Feb. 8, 2020
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Represent San Diego Presents: The ABC's and PACs of Campaign Finance

Organizer: RepresentUs

Local ethics attorney Matt Strabone will present "The ABCs and PACs of Campaign Finance" discussing all the ways money corrupts our political system and 5 ways we can push back at a local level. Join us for Matt's presentation and then learn how to get involved helping our local chapter of Represent Us bring Ranked Choice Voting and Campaign Finance Reform to San Diego.

If you are interested in ending corruption in California and want to learn how you can contribute, join this meeting and become a part of the movement!

Location: Linda Vista Library, 2160 Ulric St., San Diego, CA

RSVP

election security
Feb. 13, 2020
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Guarding our Democracy: Responding to Malicious Influence Campaigns in a Digital World

Organizer: American University Washington College of Law

On February 13th, American University Washington College of Law will officially launch the Technology, Law & Security Program. The launch event is titled "Guarding our Democracy: Responding to Malicious Influence Campaigns in a Digital World" and will take up the issue of foreign interference efforts from a tech, law and security perspective. Admiral (Ret) Michael Rogers will provide a keynote and we are lining up a great panel of public and private sector leaders to be moderated by Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post).

Location: American University Washington College of Law, 4300 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Register

big picture
Feb. 17, 2020
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Unbreaking America Screening at Meridian Library

Organizer: RepresentUs

Everyone knows our political system is broken. Here's what most people don't know: We can fix it. Unbreaking America shows why nearly every issue we face as a nation is caught in the grip of corruption – and what we can do to stop it. At the Unbreaking America Screening at Meridian Library, you will:

  • Watch the two Unbreaking America short films starring Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Douglas, followed by a discussion about America's corruption crisis
  • Connect with current RepresentUs members in the Treasure Valley
  • Learn how you can make an impact locally and nationally in the anti-corruption movement

Whether you're a longtime volunteer or brand new to the movement, this is the perfect opportunity to get informed and involved in Idaho.

Location: Meridian Library, 1326 W Cherry Ln., Meridian, ID

RSVP

civil discourse
Feb. 19, 2020
12:00 PM (Eastern)

Ideas at Work: Repairing Our Social Fabric

Organizer: Center for the Study of Liberty

The Center for the Study of Liberty is delighted to bring you a LIVE online conversation with John Wood, Jr. and April Lawson of Better Angels. Better Angels is a national citizens' movement to reduce political polarization. By bringing "reds" and "blues" all across the country together in workshops, debates, and community alliances, they aim to teach practical skills and strategies for communicating across political differences. Yet their vision extends far beyond getting us all through the 2020 election. The leaders of this movement are asking questions like:

  • "Can we change the trajectory of our civic culture?"
  • "Can we repair our torn social fabric?"

John and April will share their insights about the "unmooring" that took place in 2016, the influence of college campuses on our national dialogue, the importance of rebuilding our "emotional economy," and much more.

Location: Webinar

Register

civic ed
Feb. 19-23, 2020

Younify

Organizer: Mediators Foundation

The United States of America was founded on the belief that we are stronger united than divided. Yet, with the unprecedented levels of polarization we are experiencing, lately it feels like there are powerful forces that are dividing us and compromising our American spirit.

We need something to cut through the fog of division and build respect between people of all backgrounds and opinions in order to help us find a more perfect union benefiting all.

YOUNIFY will build upon, aggregate and grow the work that is already happening in pockets all across the country where people are beginning to come together to reach across divides and find common ground.

Location: Salt Palace and Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

Learn more

civic ed
Feb. 25, 2020
5:00 PM

Facts, Fake News & the Media

Organizer: Common Ground Committee

In a time of intense political division, is it still possible for the public to turn to the media to gain a shared understanding of facts? Common Ground Committee, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering civil public discourse in politics, is honored to partner with the Columbia University School of Journalism to welcome New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman and Fox News correspondent Chris Wallace to an important conversation on the role we all play in moving the country forward through our most explosive era of modern journalism.

Location: Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall, 3rd Floor Of Pulitzer Hall, 2950 Broadway, New York, NY

Register

big picture
Feb. 27-28, 2019

Civic Collaboratory

Organizer: Citizen University

The Civic Collaboratory is a national network of catalytic leaders, from across the political spectrum and many domains – immigrant rights, veterans advocacy, civics education, voting reform, tech in government, arts and culture, worker organizing, corporate citizenship, and more. We meet quarterly and provide a common platform and project incubator for this diverse community of civic innovators.

Location: National Center for Civic and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA

RSVP

civic ed
March 11, 2020

Screening: Bring It to the Table

Organizer: Bring It to the Table

"Bring It to the Table" is a documentary film, participatory online platform, community engagement campaign + web series aimed at bridging political divides and elevating the national conversation about issues that matter to us all. The project is for those who want to listen to what their fellow students, co-workers, neighbors, friends, family members, and even total strangers, really think.

Location: Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Learn more

civil discourse
March 18, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Advanced Facilitation Skills: How to Keep Your Cool When Things Get Hot

Organizer: Essential Partners

Anyone who leads meetings can be thrown off balance in difficult moments. The difficulty might be an unexpected tension among group members or challenges to the facilitator's legitimacy. As a facilitator, you avoid "deer in headlights" moments by developing the capacity to stay cool and think on your feet.

This workshop helps experienced facilitators navigate these delicate, confrontational, or explosive moments effectively, with purpose and poise. The curriculum leverages reflective practices and real-world scenarios to develop a facilitator's existing tools to meet the needs of the most challenging circumstances.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
March 19, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Building Relationships with Congressional Staff

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Advocacy days can vary in many ways. Regardless, when supporters receive their schedules, one thing always happens without fail. Someone complains that they have no meetings with their Members, just staff. While building relationships with Members of Congress is very valuable, this program makes the case that meeting and building relationships with congressional staff is equally important. Participants will learn what it's like to work in Congress as well as tips for building relationships with congressional staff.

Location: Webinar

Register

civil discourse
April 30, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

big picture
April 30-May 3, 2020

2020 SLLF Leadership Summit

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 2020 SLLF Leadership Summit will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 30 through May 3. Plan to join us at the National Constitution Center where we will reacquaint you with the founding fathers and remind you of their sacrifices and love of liberty. On day two we will shift our focus to how today's America fits into the framework of our Constitution.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent out in February 2020.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Learn More

congress
May 5, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

How to Create a Local Event That Will Attract a Member of Congress

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

As Tip O'Neil once stated, "all politics is local." CMF research shows that Members of Congress consider visits to local facilities to be one of the most valuable ways to understand constituent views and opinions – more than any other source of information. This webinar will show participants how to entice Members of Congress to attend local events or meet with key stakeholders. The program will walk participants through the steps to invite legislators to participate in a powerful in-person experience that promises to inform them about the impact your organization has in their district or state and educates them about your issues.

Location: Webinar

Register

redistricting
May 6-10, 2020

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Las Vegas

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Las Vegas will host the third of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Register

civil discourse
May 12, 2020
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Designing Intentional Workplace Cultures

Organizer: Essential Partners

Organizational culture, once an afterthought in many workplaces, is recognized today as a key ingredient for the long-term viability of for-profit and nonprofit enterprises. Strong workplace cultures generate creativity, resilience, and accountability. They can improve employee retention and create genuinely inclusive environments. To achieve all that, staff members need to be able to communicate effectively—to navigate differences of opinions, goals, and identities without creating dysfunctional cycles.

For thirty years, Essential Partners has helped design constructive cultures of communication, equipping diverse teams with the skills they need to lead effective meetings and collective decision-making processes. This evening workshop will introduce a framework that allows you to identify your team's unique communication culture. You'll then receive the tools to design an intentional culture, one that is both inclusive and effective.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

big picture
May 15-17, 2020

Unrig Spotlight 2020

Organizer: RepresentUs

Unrig Spotlight 2020 shines a bright light on the most vital and unmissable content for the 2020 cycle – powerful speakers, inspiring leaders, world class entertainment and more. Unrig Spotlight is a more focused program in a more intimate setting, featuring an all-day mainstage lineup supported by a highly-curated slate of empowering trainings and connection-building activities.

Location: New World Center, 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Register

civic ed
June 3-6, 2020

2020 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting

Organizer: American Democracy Project

AASCU's American Democracy Project (ADP) and NASPA are committed to advancing the civic engagement movement in higher education. Join us in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for our annual conference, which brings together faculty, student affairs professionals, senior campus administrators, students and community partners. Together we will ensure that students graduate from our colleges and universities—both public and private—prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens that our communities and democracy need. Our 2020 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting (CLDE20) will facilitate exchanges of knowledge and develop a sense of community around our shared civic learning and democratic engagement work.

Location: Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 S 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 55402

Learn more

civic ed
June 11-12, 2020

Faculty Workshop: The Dialogic Classroom

Organizer: Essential Partners

From public universities to private colleges, Essential Partners has worked to adapt and innovate its approach to dialogue across differences for higher ed teaching. We call our model the dialogic classroom. From arts and humanities to STEM, we've trained hundreds of faculty to lead more open, productive discussions about difficult or divisive issues—topics like stem cell research, the role of race in American society, and gender identity. Join Essential Partners for a two-day training to learn how to implement the dialogic classroom. In first-year lecture classes and Ph.D. seminars alike, we have helped teachers and students make the shift to a dialogic classroom. The benefits have been broad and deep. Our research has found that the dialogic classroom:

  • Better, more constructive, more inclusive conversations about tough topics like race, immigration, gender, science and society, partisan polarization, or religion
  • Improved student retention of the course content
  • Greater student capacity to articulate and interrogate their own values and views
  • More consistent class participation among students who might be less likely to engage
  • Helps students feel like they belong.
Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge, MA 02138

Register

big picture
June 12, 2020
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Canvass Bonnaroo Art and Music Festival

Organizer: RepresentUs

Build momentum for anti-corruption wins at Bonnaroo! Join us in collecting signatures to gather support for the American Anti-Corruption Act. We'll talk to voters about our broken political system, the plan to fix it, and recruit new volunteers into the movement.

Join RepresentUs volunteers to:

  • Spread awareness about America's corruption crisis and how it impacts our lives
  • Learn how to use petitioning to build voter support for anti-corruption
  • Find new supporters to join Represent [city/chapter] and build support for campaign victories

Location: Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival, 627 Campground Rd., Manchester, TN

RSVP

congress
June 30, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

How to Hug a Porcupine: Relationship Building with Lawmakers and Why It's Important

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Building relationships with elected officials can sometimes be difficult and uncomfortable. It forces you and your key stakeholders to get close to politicians in ways that may feel "prickly" – like hugging a porcupine. This program will help participants overcome that discomfort, revealing the methods and benefits for building relationships with elected officials. Participants will learn: who Members of Congress and state legislators listen to; what congressional staffers believe are the most effective communications tactics for influencing undecided Members of Congress; and how to conduct effective in-person meetings, influence legislators at town hall meetings, as well as effective advocacy in the state/district.

Location: Webinar

Register

big picture
July 16-19, 2020

2020 Conference of State Majority Leaders

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 8th annual Conference of State Majority Leaders will take place in San Diego, California from July 16-19, 2020. Our host will be California Senate Majority Leader, Robert Hertzberg. This is the only meeting dedicated exclusively to our states' senate and house majority leaders. This unique program allows majority leaders to discuss their challenges, learn from one another and form friendships with other leaders from across the country.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent April.

Location: San Diego, CA

Learn More

civil discourse
July 28, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

civic ed
Aug. 19-22, 2020

Women's Leadership Seminar

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

An ability to handle chaos and curveballs can make or break your success as a legislative leader. This is a skills-based retreat for women in leadership interested better managing change as well as their chambers. By improving your ability to diagnose the legislative landscape, you will be able to generate a broader range of action options that help you make progress on the issues facing your state. Connect with other women legislative leaders in Cape Cod and come prepared to engage in a legislative problem or two that keeps you up at night, or reflect on a past challenge from which you can learn new lessons.

Location: Cape Cod, MA

Learn More

big picture
Sept. 9-12, 2020

National Speakers Conference

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 29th Annual National Speakers Conference will take place in Birmingham, Alabama from September 9 through 12. The meeting will be hosted by Alabama Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon. Speakers from all 50 states are invited to attend this annual event.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be send out in June.

Location: Birmingham, AL

Learn More

redistricting
Sept. 24-27, 2020

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Portland

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Portland, OR, will host the fourth of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Register

congress
Oct. 8, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Creating Effective Stories to Share with Lawmakers: How to Create Stories to Move the Hearts, Minds, and VOTES of Lawmakers

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

People have trouble remembering facts, but they never forget a good story. Effective advocacy appeals to the heart, the head, and political health of the legislator. Learn how to organize and present your stories exercising the tactics actors use. This presentation includes the key elements of public policy advocacy storytelling, and walks participants through an exercise to develop their own personal stories to move the hearts, minds, and VOTES of lawmakers.

Location: Webinar

Register

civil discourse
Oct. 26, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
Dec. 15, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Freshmen Spotlight: How to Build Relationships with New Members of Congress

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Many advocates wake up the morning after elections to discover that their long-standing champions for their cause have been sent packing, causing a scramble to cultivate new congressional proponents on the Hill. Based on CMF research, including the first-ever survey of freshmen congressional offices in 2019, participants will learn about what it's like to set up and work in a freshman congressional office and how that impacts the strategies that many advocates commonly use to introduce themselves to new Members of Congress. This webinar is for citizen advocates as part of the Partnership for a More Perfect Union.

Location: Webinar

Register

redistricting
Jan. 15, 2021

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Washington, D.C.

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Washington, D.C., will host the fifth of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Washington, DC

Register

civil discourse
May 17-19, 2021

Urgency of Civility: A Springboard for Action

Organizer: The Urgency of Civility

The planning for the 2021 Urgency of Civility has already started! The 2021 Urgency of Civility conference will be May 17-19, 2021. Mark the date in your calendar.

The location of the 2021 conference will at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. We will have one evening session at the US Capital Building, home of the US Congress in Washington D.C.

Location: George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA

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