NUEL Pre-Meeting

   

National Urban Extension Leaders

Pre-Meeting Session: Policy, Politics and Positioning
23 May 2016 in Columbus OH

Bi-Annual Meeting: May 23-26, 2016 in Columbus, OH

The Call
Join your Extension colleagues and a diverse array of non-profit professionals from across the country for an interactive National Urban Extension Leader (NUEL) policy preconference. Engage with elected officials and learn alongside other professionals who desire to position themselves and their organization to effectively navigate and engage with policy makers and systems in an effort to promote positive outcomes for their organizations and communities.

Purpose
The purpose of this policy workshop is to help Extension and non-profit professionals effectively navigate the complex intersection of policy and politics to best position their organization and constituents for improved policy oriented outcomes and support.

Target Audience
This is a public policy workshop for Extension and non-profit professionals actively engaged in metropolitan communities.

Agenda

Policy Revealed: Engaging in Public Policy to Make Difference 
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us as we examine the multiple points of entry in which you and/or your constituents can engage with public policy at the community, city, county, and state level. Learn how to leverage Extension and/or your organization as a resource to advance policy creation and change without crossing the line of lobbying. We will also discuss tools to remain up-to-date with legislation and issues under current consideration.

Where’s the Map? Navigating Policy Structure and Systems 
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Ever wonder where to start in the legislative process? You’re not alone! In this session we’ll discuss local government structures and how to best navigate the complex interplay among city, county, and state legislators to address a policy concern. We’ll also explore how to most effectively communicate with policy consultants and legislative aides to assist in the process.

Break 
11:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. 

Connecting the Dots: Moving Beyond the Brushstroke to a Policy-informed Masterpiece 
11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

You’ve secured a foot in the door – now the fun begins! Learn how to set effective agendas for meetings with policymakers, capitalize on timely decisions or events to gain support for your work, and prepare for opposing viewpoints and a corresponding rebuttal – all while positioning your organization as a highly-capable and available resource. We’ll also explore how to best identify existing advocates within a community and proactively build and activate an internal support structure, such as an Advisory Committee.

Lunch, Learn, and Legislate: A Gathering of Local and State Legislators 
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (4-H Center, 5th Floor)

Connect with a panel of well-respected city, county, and state legislators over lunch and hear first-hand how to best communicate with them in person, through electronic correspondence and /or at community events. Learn how to best discern what issues are important to them, ways to help them understand the relevance of your work to these and other community needs, and strategies to garner their support.

  • Senator Charleta B. Tavares
  • Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady
  • Columbus City Councilman Michael Stinziano
  • City of Hilliard Mayor Don Schonhardt
  • City of Upper Arlington Council President and Mayor Debbie Johnson

Break 
1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Policy and Politics: Practice Your Positioning 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

It’s time to put our newly-acquired skills into action! We’ll break into teams and select an issue relevant to your work. Working together, you’ll then craft a discussion to best position your team to engage with local community leaders in an effort to influence positive change.

Register Today