Throughout the week, participants will participate in skills-building workshops to improve their public speaking, advocacy, and conflict resolution skills. They will learn effective organizing techniques and strategies to influence political issues.

They will be asked to apply what they learn through two exercises. During the institute they will work in groups to create mock action plans around specific political issues. They will work to gain expertise on an issue affecting the Cass-Clay community, prepare to defend an assigned policy position on the issue, and develop a plan for action. They will prepare press releases and present their action plans at a mock press conference attended by local media professionals and community leaders.

After the institute, participants will prepare a proposal for a real action that they plan to take after the institute. The proposal will address their plans for acting on a specific issue that is affecting the Cass-Clay community and surrounding areas. Once participants have completed their action plans they will be paired with a mentor from the community who will help them to carry out their action plans.

Thus, the skills that the participants develop in the program will be put to use immediately, as they use them to work on issues affecting our communities.

Other Key Components:

Faculty in Residence (FIRs)

Speakers

Promoting Diversity



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