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Pricing:
The Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day is a comprehensive and interactive three-day event in Washington, D.C., designed to empower individuals in the social sector with fundamental and advanced advocacy skills. Participants will learn how to transform their expertise into impactful strategies, foster relationships, and mobilize support around policy issues that are important to the sector.
The two-day training will equip attendees with the information and skills to effectively
participate in Hill Day. Social Current facilitators and guest speakers will drive engagement throughout the event.
On day one, participants will learn fundamental aspects of effective advocacy and develop a strong foundation for future advocacy efforts. The session will cover the following topics:
On day two, participants will focus on advanced advocacy strategies, equipping them with the skills to navigate policymaking and advocate for their causes. The session will cover the following topics:
On day three, participants will gain real-world experience through Capitol Hill visits. You will meet with legislators and staff to advocate for critical issues and deliver persuasive messages based on the training received the previous days.
Social Current will arrange these meetings with members of Congress on your behalf. Using the addresses you provide during registration, we will schedule meetings with your respective legislators, ensuring that you have meaningful interactions with key decision makers.
Participants must attend both days of training and Hill Day.
Any staff or volunteer at a community-based organizations. No prior experience or skills are required.
Blair Abelle-Kiser
Senior Director of Government Affairs
Social Current
Blair Kiser, Ph.D., joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill, the nonprofit sector, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently, Blair served as director of government relations & advocacy for NephCure Kidney International.
During her time in public service, she served as a professional staff member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. She led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee, she worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), where she served as a health policy fellow. In Senator Brown’s office, she led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020.
Prior to public service, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Her work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. She earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011.
Day 1 and 2 (Advocacy Amplified Training)
Metro Offices – DuPont Circle
L’Enfant Training Room
1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Day 3 (Hill Day)
Capitol Hill
1 First St NE
Washington, DC 20543
Participants are welcome to stay at the hotel of their choice. Nearby hotels include:
Courtyard Washington, DC DuPont Circle
1733 N St NW
Washington, DC 20036
Hotel Madera
1310 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown
1250 22nd St NW
Washington, DC 20037
8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Welcome Table
9-9:20 a.m. | Opening Plenary: Why Advocacy, Why Now
Understand the stakes for human services and the unique role of advocacy in advancing justice and equity.
9:20-10:30 a.m. | Session 1: Take Back Your Narrative – Advocacy 101
Learn how to frame your personal and organizational story, develop confidence in sharing your lived experience, and make a focused policy ask
10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break
10:45-11:45 a.m.| Session 2: School House Rock for the Social Sector
Develop foundational understanding of how Congress works, how committees impact social policy, and how nonprofits can influence decision-makers.
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch
12:45-2 p.m. | Session 3: Policy Analysis 101 – From Issue to Impact
Build skills in researching policy, identifying key levers, and turning community needs into a clear policy case.
2-3 p.m. | Session 4: The Federal Budget – A Primer for Social Sector Advocates
Understand the federal budget process and where advocacy fits in, with a focus on funding streams that impact children, families, and communities.
3-3:15 p.m. | Break
3:15-4:15 p.m. | Session 5: Framing Messages That Break Through
Practice crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological lines and resonate beyond the “choir.”
4:15-5 p.m. | Session 6: Building and Sustaining Relationships with Policymakers
Learn how to engage congressional offices, follow up effectively, and become a trusted advocate over time.
8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Day 1 Recap
9-10 a.m. | Session 7: Policy Literacy, Media, and Message Discipline
Learn how internal message alignment supports external advocacy success, and build a plan to integrate media into your advocacy work.
10-10:15 a.m. | Break
10:15-11:30 a.m. | Session 8: Campaign Strategy – Lessons from Sectors That Win
Explore why some sectors succeed politically and extract practical strategy lessons to apply in the social sector.
11:30 a.m.-Noon | Session 9: Community Wide Advocacy
Examine the benefits of joint advocacy campaigns and involving partner organizations. Learn strategies to build grassroots advocacy campaigns and develop coalitions.
Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch: Policy Consultations with Blair Abelle-Kiser
Receive direct feedback and support on your organization’s advocacy goals and Hill Day strategy.
1-2 p.m. | Session 10: Constructing an Effective Policy Ask
Develop a clear, compelling, and concise ask tailored to your target legislator or staffer.
2-3:30 p.m. | Session 11: Hill Day Roleplay – Sharpening the Ask
Practice delivering your ask, respond to tough questions, and receive real-time coaching and peer feedback.
3:30-4:15 p.m. | Session 12: Logistics, Protocols, and Office Dynamics
Understand Hill Day logistics, how to read the room, and what to expect during meetings with congressional staff.
4:15-5 p.m. | Closing Circle: Commitments, Confidence, and Capitol Hill Sendoff
Solidify your strategy, build collective confidence, and leave equipped to make an impact.
6 p.m. | Group Dinner
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