BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Social Current - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Social Current X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.social-current.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Social Current REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260312T171230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T201854Z UID:10000596-1775739600-1775743200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:The Essentials of Advocacy and Lobbying DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Advocacy is one of the social sector’s most powerful tools for advancing community well-being and strengthening our missions\, but lobbying restrictions and persistent misconceptions often create uncertainty about when and how nonprofit organizations can engage. \nThis webinar is designed to support human services organizations in engaging in responsive\, strategic advocacy by clarifying the legal responsibilities and opportunities available to 501(c)(3) organizations. Participants will examine the distinctions between advocacy and lobbying through practical case studies\, and gain clarity on what activities are permitted\, restricted\, or reportable. The session will also introduce the 501(h) election and key considerations for organizations deciding whether to file. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to distinguish advocacy\, lobbying\, and permissible nonprofit activities\nKey federal and state advocacy pathways to support responsive\, strategic advocacy\nInternal roles in advocacy (staff\, leadership\, board)\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\, MSW\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\, MSW\n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Abigail Levine\, MSW\, joined Social Current in 2024 as its field mobilization and policy manager. Abigail has worked closely at the state and local levels to implement robust trauma-informed programming\, increase children’s access to positive childhood experiences\, and promote safer experiences within schools for children with disabilities. In her previous role as a policy analyst\, Abigail worked closely with multiple stakeholders\, including parents\, educators\, and law enforcement\, to develop\, advocate for\, and implement legislation representative of their community’s unique needs. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/the-essentials-of-advocacy-and-lobbying/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T163559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T161018Z UID:10000580-1773838800-1773842400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Cultivating Policy Expertise: Building Skills\, Confidence\, and Clarity Among Human Service Professionals DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Engaging in policy and advocacy often presents complex challenges\, especially as the federal environment shifts rapidly and the resulting regulations and legislation carry far-reaching impacts. This webinar is designed to demystify policy conversations and provide practical tools to help staff feel informed\, confident\, and empowered to participate in advocacy efforts. \nParticipants will review strategies to simplify complex policies into clear\, relevant messaging\, while connecting program experiences to broader systemic issues. This session will include strategies for preparing staff to speak with legislators\, funders\, community partners\, and the media\, regardless of prior experience. Participants will explore how advocacy can amplify their organizations’ missions; discuss pathways to communicate unified\, strategic concerns; and review considerations to ensure advocacy does not restrict their roles and responsibilities. \nThe session will also address common challenges\, including differing levels of policy literacy\, uncertainty about nonprofit advocacy rules\, and anxiety around answering difficult questions. Facilitators will offer tools and templates to lead advocacy trainings and create a values-aligned culture that supports policy engagement. \nTakeaways\n\nApproaches to helping staff increase comfort\, fluency\, and preparedness for policy discussions\nTools to translate complex policies into accessible and action-oriented messaging\nTechniques to connect frontline experiences to systems-level challenges and opportunities\nGuidance to prepare staff for legislative meetings\, site visits\, public events\, and media interactions\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/cultivating-policy-expertise-building-skills-confidence-and-clarity-among-human-service-professionals/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T155904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182856Z UID:10000579-1773320400-1773324000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Crisis Communications & Rapid-Response Strategies for a Quickly Evolving Policy Environment DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Executive orders\, agency memos\, legislation\, and litigation have contributed to a rapidly shifting and increasingly complex federal environment. The number and scope of federal actions have created key barriers to compliance\, amplifying the need for organizations to communicate quickly and clearly to ensure staff and partner organizations are prepared to adapt and that clients understand expected changes. \nThis webinar offers a practical framework for crisis communications and rapid response planning\, helping human service professionals establish protocols that prepare their organizations to respond to a rapidly shifting climate. Participants will review strategies for preparing an organizational plan\, including ethical considerations for ensuring thoughtful\, purposeful responses remain issue focused and values driven. \nParticipants will also examine common challenges\, including procedures to ensure all organizational actions remain accurate and timely as issues continue to evolve rapidly. Through collaborative discussions\, participants will gain the tools needed to navigate uncertain environments\, mobilize stakeholders\, and build long-term resilience in their advocacy. \nTakeaways\n\nCore components of a rapid response and crisis communications plan\nStrategies to monitor and evaluate advocacy campaigns in real time\nPathways to leverage organizational data to shape decisions and drive change\nApproaches to integrate feedback loops to support continuous improvement\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nCommunications and advocacy teams leading rapid response work\nExecutive leaders overseeing crisis decision making\nData and evaluation staff supporting measurement efforts\nPolicy and government affairs professionals responding to legislative or administrative change\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/crisis-communications-rapid-response-strategies-for-a-quickly-evolving-policy-environment/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T150932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182737Z UID:10000578-1771419600-1771423200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Community-Driven Policy Development: Facilitating Powerful Listening Sessions and Gathering Authentic Input DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Effective policy development requires a holistic understanding of individuals’ lived experiences to fully understand central issues and how they manifest. This webinar will review multifaceted strategies to better understand the unique concerns\, needs\, and challenges communities face and to translate shared wisdom into actionable policy priorities. \nParticipants will discuss strategies for planning and facilitating a range of engagement methods\, including listening sessions\, interviews\, surveys\, peer-led conversations\, and embedded feedback loops. The session will emphasize pathways to centralize informed consent\, guide evolving discussions\, and collaboratively develop sustainable policies. \nThe webinar will also introduce tools for capturing community insights in structured\, analyzable formats. Participants will discuss pathways to identify themes across stories\, map structural barriers\, minimize facilitator bias\, and translate qualitative input into clear policy recommendations. \nThe session will also address critical challenges\, including reaching underrepresented voices\, building trust\, and closing the feedback loop so communities see their influence reflected in policy. \nTakeaways\n\nGuidance to plan and facilitate accessible\, trauma-informed listening sessions\nPractices to continue building trust and fortifying community partnerships\, including through peer-led approaches\nTools for identifying policy themes and maintaining data integrity\nApproaches to integrate community input into formal advocacy agendas\, legislative priorities\, and systems-change strategies\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/community-driven-policy-development-facilitating-powerful-listening-sessions-and-gathering-authentic-input/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T150119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182650Z UID:10000577-1770901200-1770904800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Digital Influence & Public Voice: Amplifying Advocacy Through Media Relations DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Media relations is a cornerstone of effective advocacy\, but navigating relationships and engaging with various outlets presents key challenges. This webinar will provide clear\, actionable guidance to help human service professionals communicate confidently and strategically. \nParticipants will learn how to craft compelling press releases\, frame stories that resonate\, and establish trusted\, long-term relationships with reporters. The session also will discuss strategies to prepare organizational leadership\, staff\, and individuals with lived experience to deliver clear\, authentic\, and impactful messages in interviews and public forums. \nThe webinar will address common challenges organizations face\, including limited media experience\, fast-moving news cycles\, and the nuances of supporting community members through public storytelling. Participants will gain practical tools to increase visibility\, strengthen message alignment\, and ensure their organization’s voice is heard. \nTakeaways\n\nConsiderations for writing effective press releases\nStrategies for pitching stories and building lasting relationships with journalists\nTechniques for preparing spokespeople to deliver confident\, mission-aligned messages\nApproaches for supporting community storytellers in media settings\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutive leaders and program directors serving as organizational spokespeople\nCommunications\, marketing\, and advocacy staff\nCommunity engagement teams preparing lived-experience storytellers\nPolicy and government affairs teams elevating organizational priorities\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/digital-influence-public-voice-amplifying-advocacy-through-media-relations/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T145333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T202103Z UID:10000576-1769000400-1769004000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Amplifying and Supporting Community Voices DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Our stories are one of the most impactful and effective assets the human services sector has when developing and advocating for key changes. However\, meaningful\, sustainable\, and authentic storytelling requires thoughtful practices to safeguard participants’ agency and well-being. This webinar will focus on helping organizations build trauma-informed\, empowering pathways for clients and community members to shape the narrative of central issues within and beyond our communities. \nParticipants will discuss strategies to cultivate supportive environments\, prepare individuals to speak publicly\, and ensure storytellers maintain agency and control over how their experiences are shared. The session will highlight ethical considerations\, consent practices\, and emotional safety planning strategies to promote dignity and mutual respect. \nThe webinar also will address challenges\, including pathways to safeguard privacy and navigate organizational goals. Participants will leave with ideas for amplifying community voices while centering trust\, safety\, and respect. \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies for empowering community members to speak with confidence while maintaining safety and agency\nTrauma-informed and ethical considerations for honoring the gift of receiving and sharing lived experience\nApproaches for preparing and supporting storytellers through every stage\nPathways to ensure narratives strengthen advocacy while safeguarding privacy\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/amplifying-and-supporting-community-voices/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20260106T144148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182457Z UID:10000575-1768482000-1768485600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Digital Influence & Public Voice: Digital Storytelling for Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Storytelling is one of the most effective and impactful strategies to lead effective\, impactful advocacy campaigns. However\, as rapidly evolving technology shapes how our organizations operate and our communities communicate\, it becomes increasingly important to reconsider pathways for intentional\, ethical storytelling that elevates community voice\, while protecting privacy. \nThis webinar will offer strategies to leverage digital tools and narrative techniques to communicate impact\, strengthen organizational visibility\, and amplify advocacy engagement. Presenters will share practical approaches for designing ethical social media campaigns\, creating accessible data visualizations\, and developing strategies to increase outreach and grow engagement. Participants will learn how to pair compelling stories with concise metrics to build trust\, inspire action\, and amplify advocacy messages. \nThe session will also explore common challenges\, including privacy considerations\, limited design capacity\, and interpreting channel analytics to assess campaign performance. Participants will leave with strategies for building impactful online narratives that align with core organizational values and increase impact and influence. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to design digital storytelling campaigns that protect privacy while honoring participants\nTechniques for data visualization to enhance message clarity and engagement\nStrategies for converting advocacy actions into broader mobilization efforts\nHow to track\, interpret\, and apply digital analytics to improve advocacy outcomes\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nCommunications and advocacy professionals designing social content\nProgram and evaluation staff using data to illustrate impact\nCommunity engagement teams mobilizing supporters online\nLeaders looking to integrate digital storytelling into broader advocacy strategies\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/digital-influence-public-voice-digital-storytelling-for-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20250822T194531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151050Z UID:10000519-1765458000-1765461600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:State & Local Policy Engagement  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n While federal advocacy often gets the spotlight\, many impactful policy changes happen closer to home. This webinar will explore how to navigate state legislatures\, local councils\, and administrative bodies\, including where and when to engage. Participants will learn how to align local advocacy strategies with federal priorities\, build relationships with state and municipal policymakers\, and mobilize community voices to influence change.  \nTakeaways\n\nIdentify the unique structures and processes of state and local policymaking\nMap advocacy opportunities at the state and municipal levels\nLeverage federal-state policy interplay to maximize impact\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/state-local-policy-engagement-2/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20251009T210207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T210235Z UID:10000533-1765285200-1765288800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Strategies for Community-Wide Advocacy  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Our strength lies in our communities and our collective impact. Social Current’s December Grassroots Advocacy Network convening will discuss strategies to translate our shared power through community-wide advocacy.   \nThis interactive session will focus on how to develop representative\, sustainable grassroots networks and coalitions; collaboratively lead effective advocacy campaigns; and to sustain momentum and engagement.  \nHuman and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. Join the grassroots advocacy network online.    \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools.   \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies and tips for developing representative\, effective\, and sustainable advocacy campaigns\nHow to leverage power mapping to identify opportunities to expand your outreach and challenges that may hinder your advocacy campaigns\nStrategies to mitigate common challenges coalitions face in leading shared advocacy initiatives\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/strategies-for-community-wide-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20251023T190947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T160122Z UID:10000535-1764853200-1764856800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:From Numbers to Narratives: The Art of Data Storytelling DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Advocacy can often feel overwhelming\, especially when resources are limited\, and decision-makers are inundated with competing priorities. This webinar with Social Current Strategic Industry Partner CCNY\, Inc.\, is designed to show participants how to use data and storytelling strategically to advocate for their programs\, influence funding decisions\, and inform policy. Rather than theoretical guidance\, this session will focus on actionable approaches attendees can immediately apply to their organizations. \nAttendees will learn how to pair quantitative data with compelling narratives to make advocacy efforts more persuasive and memorable. The webinar will explore practical tools for translating program outcomes into digestible metrics\, crafting concise data-driven one-pagers\, and leveraging stories from those served to humanize numbers. By examining examples from human service programs\, participants will gain insight into how organizations can amplify their voice and strengthen relationships with funders\, policymakers\, and community partners. \nThe session will also address common challenges\, including limited data capacity\, low data literacy among audiences\, and translating program metrics into a persuasive advocacy message. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for turning routine program data into advocacy tools that not only highlight impact but also support systemic change. \nTakeaways:\n\nHow to translate program metrics into accessible\, compelling advocacy materials\nTechniques for pairing data with human stories to strengthen persuasive impact\nPractical tools for creating one-pagers and other advocacy visuals\nHow to address common challenges in data-driven advocacy to ensure your message is credible and compelling\n\nWho Should Participate:\nExperience level: All levels welcome—if you work with program outcomes or organizational data and want your insights to resonate\, this session is for you. \n\nExecutive directors and program leaders presenting organizational outcomes to boards\, funders\, and community stakeholders\nData and evaluation staff making performance metrics and outcomes more accessible and actionable\nDevelopment and grant professionals using data to strengthen funding narratives and showcase results\nQuality improvement and advocacy teams leveraging evidence to drive continuous improvement and systemic change\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shannon Wichlacz\, PhD\n \n Senior Evaluation Associate\nCCNY Inc. \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shannon Wichlacz\, PhD\n Senior Evaluation Associate\nCCNY Inc. \n \n Shannon Wichlacz holds a doctorate in educational psychology and is a senior evaluation associate with CCNY\, where she supports the evaluation of community-based health and human service programs. She has over 20 years of experience in public health research\, workforce development\, program evaluation\, and survey design\, and has authored or co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications. \nShannon specializes in translating complex data into actionable insights using strengths-based and user-centered evaluation methods. At CCNY\, she leads data analysis\, dashboard\, and evaluation projects for behavioral health and community programs\, managing teams and supporting continuous program improvement. She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis\, survey design\, logic modeling\, and creating clear\, compelling visualizations for diverse stakeholders. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Loewer\n \n Marketing Manager\nCCNY Inc \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Loewer\n Marketing Manager\nCCNY Inc \n \n Anna transforms complex data analytics into compelling content for health and human services organizations. With over three years of experience in project management and communications\, she creates engaging digital marketing campaigns at CCNY that showcase the real-world impact of data-driven decision-making. \nHer expertise spans content creation\, email marketing\, social media management\, and campaign analytics. Anna excels at translating complex program evaluation and data analytics concepts into clear\, actionable content that helps organizations leverage their data for community impact. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/from-numbers-to-narratives-the-art-of-data-storytelling/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Policy-Advocacy_5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T143000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20250822T194528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151020Z UID:10000521-1763470800-1763476200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Framing Messages That Break Through   DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Effective advocacy campaigns require successful messaging. This webinar will support participants in crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological divides and resonate with diverse viewpoints. Through an interactive exercise\, participants will collaboratively develop language that captures attention\, builds bridges\, and motivates action.    \nTakeaways\n\nDevelop a messaging framework that resonates across diverse audiences\nTechniques to leverage values-based communication\nHow to tailor messages to an audience’s concerns\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/framing-messages-that-break-through/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20251009T211013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T183150Z UID:10000531-1763038800-1763042400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Delivering Impactful Advocacy Initiatives within Congress   DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Effective messaging is essential for leading successful advocacy campaigns. Social Current’s November Grassroots Advocacy Network convening will discuss opportunities to tailor language and message framing to the unique priorities and concerns representatives have for their districts.    \nOur interactive session will focus on considerations to amplify your reach by leading impactful advocacy initiatives within Congress\, especially through strategic timing\, opportunities to broaden your outreach\, and approaches to deliver targeted\, effective policy requests.     \nHuman and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. Join the grassroots advocacy network online.   \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools.   \nTakeaways\n\nIncrease confidence in developing and delivering a clear\, actionable policy ask\nPrepare to diversify messages according to your audience’s unique priorities and concerns\nReview opportunities to strategically time your outreach\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/delivering-impactful-advocacy-initiatives-within-congress/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20251028T211017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T211102Z UID:10000537-1762174800-1762178400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Millions at Risk: Understanding the Shutdown’s Impact on Children\, Families\, and Human Services DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n The federal government shutdown is creating immediate and escalating risks for essential human services. Programs like WIC\, SNAP\, and Head Start are operating on limited or contingency funding and face rapid disruption as reserves run out. Nonprofits are already experiencing funding freezes\, delayed reimbursements\, stalled grants\, and increased demand—all while operating without clear guidance from federal agencies. \nThis briefing will outline the current shutdown landscape\, its impacts on nutrition and early childhood programs\, and what community-based organizations should expect in the coming weeks. We will also cover practical and urgent advocacy steps organizations and individuals can take to protect children\, families\, and the social sector workforce. \nTakeaways\n\nHow the federal shutdown is impacting WIC\, SNAP\, Head Start\, and related human service programs\, including funding timelines\, operational risks\, and state-level variations\nThe real-world consequences for nonprofits and communities\, such as reimbursement delays\, suspended grants\, increased demand\, and workforce strain\nKey messages and advocacy strategies to mobilize communities\, communicate with policymakers\, and elevate front-line experiences\nHow to take action quickly\, including through direct outreach to Congress\, coalition engagement\, and mobilizing local voices to protect critical services\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nLeadership\, policy\, and advocacy staff from community-based organizations\nExecutives and program directors overseeing WIC\, SNAP\, food security\, housing\, child welfare\, or early childhood services\nCommunications and public policy professionals responsible for advocacy or mobilization\nFront-line staff interested in how the shutdown affects program operations and families\nCoalition partners and stakeholders supporting safety-net services\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/millions-at-risk-understanding-the-shutdowns-impact-on-children-families-and-human-services/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20250822T194506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151009Z UID:10000520-1761656400-1761660000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Isn’t a Horror Movie – But It Sometimes Feels Like One!  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Advocacy is one of the social sector’s greatest powers\, but lobbying restrictions and common misconceptions can make it challenging to know when and how to advocate. This webinar will support organizations in engaging in responsive and strategic advocacy by reviewing the responsibilities of 501(c)(3) organizations. We will review case studies to outline key differences between lobbying and advocacy. We will also discuss 501(h) elections and considerations for nonprofit organizations should they elect to file. \nTakeaways\n\nReview key distinctions of advocacy and lobbying\nDiscuss responsibilities nonprofits hold because of their 501(c)(3) status\nStrategies to support responsive\, strategic advocacy\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-isnt-a-horror-movie-but-it-sometimes-feels-like-one/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251020T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251021T235959 DTSTAMP:20260411T211858 CREATED:20241020T230000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T172855Z UID:10000437-1760918400-1761091199@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:SPARK 2025 DESCRIPTION:About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Pre- and Post-Conference Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Workshops\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Keynotes\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Consultations\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n When registering\, you’ll be prompted to log in. If you do not have an account\, create one for free by clicking: Create an Account. \nSPARK 2025 will unite practice excellence\, innovation\, and federal policy advocacy to advance our sector’s impact and help all families and communities thrive. This in-person event will elevate important conversations around our most vexing challenges and showcase insight and expertise from the field. \nThis event is designed for leaders who are fueled by a commitment to improve the well-being of all people. Together\, we will share inspiration and practical tools for implementing innovative practice\, policy\, and research. Our keynote speakers and breakout sessions will address new insight and promising approaches related to: \n\nBrain-friendly and trauma-informed approaches\nChild\, family\, and community well-being\nCOA Accreditation and data-driven strategies\nEquity\, diversity\, and inclusion\nGovernment affairs and advocacy\nLeadership and organizational development\n\nJustification Letter for Travel Request \nThis draft letter outlines the benefits of attending the SPARK 2025 conference\, key dates\, and expected travel costs. Use this template to communicate the return on investment with your supervisor: \n\nDownload the letter template\nDownload the letter template for COA Accreditation primary contacts\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nExecutives\nDirector-level staff\nBoard members\nPerformance quality improvement staff\nProfessional and clinical services\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration & Pricing \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration must be received on or before Sept. 26 to receive the early bird rate. After that date\, regular rates apply. \nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation\nEarly Bird Registration $625\nRegular Registration $825 \nOther Organizations\nEarly Bird Registration $725\nRegular Registration $925 \nMultiperson Registration Discount\nRegister two (2) full conference participants from the same organization and receive $50 off all subsequent full conference registrations from the same organization. Only one discount per person; no other discounts apply. Once two conference participants are registered\, contact Social Current to receive the discount code for all subsequent full conference registrations. \nComplimentary Trainings for SPARK 2025 Registrants\nSocial Current is including two additional trainings with SPARK 2025 registration. \nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\nSunday\, Oct. 19 from 1-4 p.m. CT\nAdd this training when you register for the conference. \nBuilding Healthy Workplace Cultures in Challenging Times\nWednesday\, Oct. 21-Thursday\, Oct. 22\nOnce you register for SPARK 2025\, you will receive your discount code to register for this session on the registration confirmation screen and follow up email. \nCancellation by Participant\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after Oct. 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Participants unable to attend the conference may send an alternate participant. Notice of written cancellation or alternate participant requests must be emailed directly to Social Current. \nCancellation by Social Current\nIf Social Current cancels this conference\, all registration fees will be refunded in full. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Location & Lodging \n \n \n \n \n \n Hilton Chicago\n720 S Michigan Ave.\nChicago\, IL 60605 \nHotel Reservations\nSocial Current has arranged a special room rate of $259 for single or double occupancy\, plus applicable taxes. To receive the discounted rate\, book online or call the hotel at 877-865-5320 by Sept. 26 and mention the group name: Social Current SPARK 2025. \nThis rate is available for stays up to three days prior to and after the conference\, but it is subject to hotel availability at the time of booking. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nSunday\, Oct. 19\n\n\n9 a.m.-Noon\nIntensive Accreditation Training (IAT)\n\n\n12:30-4 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n1-4 p.m.\nPerformance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Training\n\n\n1-4 p.m.\nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\n\n\n1-5 p.m.\nELI Alumni: Unlocking Potential Because You Matter!\n\n\n5:30-7 p.m.\nVolunteer Appreciation Celebration\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nMonday\, Oct. 20\n\n\n8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n8-9 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n9-10:30 a.m.\nOpening General Session\n\n\n10:30-11 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.\nSession A Workshops\n\n\n12:30-2 p.m.\nNetworking Lunch\n\n\n1:15-1:45 p.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n2-3:30 p.m.\nSession B Workshops\n\n\n3:45-4:15 p.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n4:30-5:30 p.m.\nNetworking Reception\n\n\n\n  \n  \n\n\n\nTuesday\, Oct. 21\n\n\n7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n7:30-8:30 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n7:45-8:15 a.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n8:30-10 a.m.\nSession C Workshops\n\n\n10-10:30 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n10:30 a.m.-Noon\nSession D Workshops\n\n\nNoon-1:45 p.m.\nLunch and Closing General Session\n\n\n2-4 p.m.\nThe Intersection of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Quality Improvement\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Sponsor & Exhibit \n \n \n \n \n \n Social Current’s robust network of organizations and individuals across the country provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to reach C-suite decisionmakers in their target demographics. Simultaneously\, sponsorship will allow brands to assess challenges unique to the sector\, collaborate\, and access network expertise. \nThrough our network\, we can reach more than 12\,000 human services professionals representing more than 1\,800 organizations that serve nearly 11 million individuals. \nView the SPARK 2025 sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Contact us to learn more. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Pre- and Post-Conference Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Pre-Conference Sessions\nIntensive Accreditation Training (IAT)\nOct. 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.\nThe Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. It provides an overview of the COA Accreditation process and standards\, tips on how to manage the work\, and advice for preparing for the site visit. Registration for IAT is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nPerformance and Quality Improvement Training (PQI)\nOct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.\nThis performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. Registration for PQI is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\nOct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.\nAs federal priorities shift\, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to respond swiftly and strategically. This condensed version of Social Current’s Advocacy Amplified training equips participants with the essential tools to navigate today’s policy environment\, which includes increasing threats to equity; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion programs; and core social services funding. Participants will gain practical skills in policy analysis\, narrative framing\, and grassroots mobilization. Registration is free for SPARK 2025 participants. \nExecutive Leadership Institute: Unlocking Potential Because You Matter\nOct. 19 from 1-5 p.m. CT\nFor over 20 years\, the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) has established an incredible reputation for providing a quality peer learning experience that positively impacts the development of social sector leaders. This pre-conference convening is the first of its kind! We invite past\, present\, and future ELI participants to network with each other\, engage in motivational storytelling about what’s shaped you as a leader\, and discuss ELI’s transformative impact on both individuals and organizations. Registration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nVolunteer Appreciation Celebration\nOct. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m.\nWe could not do what we do without our COA Accreditation volunteers. All active COA Accreditation volunteers are invited to join us as we gather and celebrate all that you do. Catch up with colleagues\, share site visit stories from the road\, and get ready for the start of SPARK 2025. There will be food\, drinks\, prizes\, and a host of swag – so you will not want to miss this event. Registration for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. To register\, email Darrell Woodliff\, director of volunteer engagement at Social Current. \nPost-Conference Sessions\nThe Intersection of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Quality Improvement\nOct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. CT\nBy applying a trauma-informed perspective\, we can reframe the conversation around quality improvement—from asking\, “Why aren’t you embracing continuous quality improvement?” to “What’s happening that’s preventing you from engaging?” Quality improvement in human services organizations is a centralized function that relies on data to drive meaningful outcomes. The way data teams collaborate with clinical and program staff is crucial in breaking down barriers\, fostering trust\, and using data technology to create positive\, lasting change. Registration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. SPARK 2025 participants receive a discount code to join for free. \nBuilding Healthy Workplace Cultures in Challenging Times\nOct. 22-23 from 9-4 p.m. CT\nThis two-day workshop will equip leaders and supervisors with foundational knowledge and skills to help their teams manage uncertainty\, stress\, and interpersonal conflict so they can create a healthy and resilient organizational culture. Presenters will address topics including increasing accountability\, having crucial conversations\, nurturing relationships\, embracing equity\, and achieving excellence. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Workshops \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Each workshop is identified as a “learner” or “doer” session: \n\nLearner Sessions: For those with limited knowledge on the topic who are looking for an introduction\nDoer: For those with prior knowledge and experience with a topic who are looking to advance their skill and mastery\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sort By:\n Session Groups\n Area of Focus\n \n \n \n A (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) \n B (2-3:30 p.m.) \n C (8:30-10 a.m.) \n D (10:30 a.m.-Noon p.m.) \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Keynotes \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \nOpening Keynote: Nonprofit 2.0: Navigating the Road Ahead\nToday’s nonprofit leaders are navigating a landscape full of detours—AI\, funding shifts\, burnout\, and declining trust. In this opening keynote\, Suzanne Smith invites you to zoom out\, re-center your mission\, and rethink the map entirely. The road ahead won’t be paved with yesterday’s strategies—but with bold mindsets and adaptive systems designed for what’s next. \nSuzanne also will present workshop D6: Better Together: Rethinking the Way Nonprofits Collaborate for the Greater Good. \nSuzanne Smith\nFounder and CEO\nSocial Impact Architects\n \nSuzanne Smith has a deep belief that everyone is a changemaker. As a serial social entrepreneur\, she strives to harness the powerful force of organizations\, including nonprofits\, foundations and socially responsible businesses\, and individuals\, to maximize the potential of the social sector to create real\, scalable impact. \nIn 2009\, Suzanne founded Social Impact Architects\, a registered Benefit Corporation\, to reshape the business of social change. She combines her MBA know-how with two decades of experience as a nonprofit innovator to serve as a consultant\, advisor\, and thought partner. She is also a highly sought-after public speaker at conferences nationwide\, including TEDxTurtleCreekWomen. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. In this work\, she has pioneered open-source frameworks for the creation of better social solutions\, including layered logic models\, ecosystem mapping\, and social alchemy. For her outstanding work as a leading thinker\, she was recognized with the Next Generation Social Entrepreneur Award by the Social Enterprise Alliance. Since 2015\, Social Impact Architects was recognized as one of the “Best for the World” small businesses by B Corp. \nSuzanne also authors Social TrendSpotter\, one of the sector’s top blogs according to The Huffington Post. She is frequently interviewed by regional and national media on social entrepreneurship and has published articles in Forbes\, The Chronicle of Philanthropy\, See Change\, Nonprofit Business Advisor\, Upstart\, and Grantmakers in Health. \nSuzanne has been at the epicenter of game-changing social solutions for more than two decades as a social intrapreneur. Her first jobs at the City of Garland and Texas Municipal League taught her the power and potential of local government to impact change. Later\, she worked for Phoenix House to scale evidence-based prevention and treatment programs and for the American Heart Association to build a national state advocacy strategy. One of her greatest achievements was co-founding the Alliance for a Healthier Generation – one of the country’s first movements focused on combating childhood obesity – with a team from the William J. Clinton Foundation. She also co-founded Flywheel: Social Enterprise Hub in Cincinnati to help nonprofits build meaningful and sustainable social enterprises. \nSuzanne holds a master’s in business administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business\, where she was selected as the CASE (Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship) Scholar. Nationally\, she was selected as a member of Peter Senge’s Society of Organizational Learning and has served on the national board of the Social Enterprise Alliance. She has advised many federal agencies on their efforts on social entrepreneurship and system change. \n  \n\n  \n \n \n Closing Keynote: The Business of Impact: How Purpose Powers Prosperity\n \nJoin Dorri McWhorter for a dynamic conversation on how purpose-driven leaders can make bold money moves — building business models that uplift communities\, unlock new funding streams\, and expand resources beyond traditional philanthropy. It’s about staying rooted in your mission while reimagining what’s possible for impact\, equity\, and enterprise. \nDorri C. McWhorter\nPresident & Chief Executive Officer\nExecutives’ Club of Chicago\n \nDorri McWhorter is renowned for her social enterprise business leadership. Crain’s Chicago Business lauded her as a “nonprofit disrupter” who turned around a major organization “by leading as if it’s a startup.” She is a 2019 Inductee into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame\, and her work to create a new paradigm for the social impact sector is featured in the documentary Uncharitable. \nMost recently\, Dorri served as president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Under her leadership\, the YMCA modernized membership offerings and created partnerships with Nike and Peloton. She also worked to bring a new YMCA to Chicago’s west side as part of a new development to include a wellness center with health care\, grocery store\, and business incubator. Previously\, Dorri served as CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago\, transforming it from a traditional social service organization to a “21st century social enterprise.” She added 10 service locations\, increased the operating budget by 300%\, and established a retirement plan with options for child care providers and small business owners. She led the effort to develop an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for women’s empowerment (NYSE: WOMN) in partnership with Impact Shares. \nDorri prides herself on being a humanity-centered business leader and is committed to creating an inclusive marketplace by leveraging a cross-sector approach of engaging business\, civic\, and community partners. Dorri’s professional experience spans a variety of businesses and industries. Prior to taking on leadership roles in the social enterprise sector\, she was a partner at Crowe LLP\, one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S. Dorri serves on the board of directors for several companies including\, LanzaTech Global\, Lifeway Foods\, William Blair Funds\, NexPoint Capital\, and Skyway Concession Company (Chicago Skyway). Dorri is also active in the accounting profession and serves on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and has served as a member of the board of directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a past chairperson of the board of directors for the Illinois CPA Society. Dorri also serves as co-chair of the First Women’s Bank Advisory Board. \nDorri’s civic and philanthropic leadership includes the board of directors for Common Impact\, Chicago Council on Global Affairs\, Civic Consulting Alliance\, Civic Federation\, Chicago Center for Arts and Technology\, and Forefront. Dorri received a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison\, a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management\, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lake Forest College. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Consultations \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Enhance your SPARK 2025 experience by booking a one-on-one consultation with Social Current. Our leaders offer subject matter expertise and have extensive experience in partnering with human and social services organizations to achieve meaningful change. \nWe have opened bookings for the free consultations. Register for SPARK 2025 to receive a follow up email with the link to book your timeslot. Please only reserve one consult per registrant. \nChild\, Family\, and Community Well-Being\nRomero Davis\, Senior Director of Practice Excellence \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nIntentional community collaboration\nSustainability planning\nPoverty/neglect conflation\nChild welfare challenges\n\nGovernment Affairs and Advocacy\nBlair Abelle-Kiser\, Senior Director of Government Affairs \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nStrategic policy navigation to understand\, respond to\, and influence complex federal and state policy environments impacting human services\nBuilding grassroots capacity\, engaging stakeholders\, and advancing policy agendas aligned with each organization’s mission and community needs\nRisk and resilience planning that assesses systemic threats\, such as insurance instability or funding volatility\, and through proactive strategies\n\nLeadership and Organizational Development\nRobena Spangler\, Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development \nMonday – 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nLeadership development opportunities for frontline managers and executive leadership (on-site and virtual)\nCustomized leadership and organizational assessment\nBoard improvement strategies\nStrategic planning\n\nWorkforce Resilience\nKaren Johnson\, Senior Director of Change in Mind \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nCreating brain-friendly work environments\nBuilding psychological safety\nPromoting positive staff culture\nCreating connection and community at work\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet Our Consultants\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n \n Senior Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n Senior Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Romero Davis is a senior director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion\, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n 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. \nDuring 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. \nPrior 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Robena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. The majority of her career has been dedicated to systems improvement within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Spangler held several leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She has provided professional coaching and leadership development for teams and individuals on a national level. \nIn addition to her public and private sector work\, she is an adjunct instructor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS)\, responsible for facilitating accelerated programs in human services for adult learners. Her current role\, as an EDI and leadership strategist\, is to design and manage all aspects of Social Current’s leadership and organizational development portfolio. Spangler holds a bachelor’s in sociology and human services along with a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Karen Johnson brings knowledge of the advancing science around resilience\, brain development\, adversity\, toxic stress\, equity\, and trauma-informed approaches to the complex challenges we face. This expertise\, coupled with her 27 years of experience in child welfare\, behavioral health\, and community services\, enables her to successfully partner with leaders\, staff\, community members\, and participants across numerous settings to promote individual and organizational resilience. \nJohnson leads the development of the Social Current Change in Mind Institute\, leveraging the latest advances in neurosciences and trauma-informed approaches across sectors and at the practice\, policy\, and systems levels. She oversees the Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative\, through which 10 organizations from multiple sectors across Southeast Texas are working to embed brain science principles with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families\, as well as their organizational cultures and ability to collaborate with partners. \nDuring her five-and-a-half years on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s trauma-informed services team\, and year-and-a-half as an independent consultant\, Johnson trained and consulted with organizations\, systems\, and communities striving to advance trauma-informed\, resilience-oriented approaches. She also led and developed community-based programs during her 19 years at SaintA in Milwaukee. Johnson combines the newest advances around adversity\, relational health\, and resilience to infuse hope and connection into our work. \nJohnson is a licensed clinical social worker certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and Daring Way and trained in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sponsors \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Gold Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Silver Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Supporting Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exhibitors URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/spark2025/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being,EDI,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence,Policy,Event,Brain Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SPARK2025-Website-Preview_Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250509T181314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T183954Z UID:10000481-1760878800-1760889600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape DESCRIPTION:Register for this pre-conference session by registering for SPARK 2025. \nAs federal priorities shift\, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to respond swiftly and strategically. This condensed version of Social Current’s Advocacy Amplified training equips participants with the essential tools to navigate today’s policy environment\, which includes increasing threats to equity; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion programs; and core social services funding. \nParticipants will gain practical skills in policy analysis\, narrative framing\, and grassroots mobilization. With a focus on low-cost\, high-impact strategies\, this session is designed for organizations operating with limited capacity but high stakes. Whether you’re preparing for the annual Advocacy Amplified full summer training and Hill Day or need an urgent tune-up on federal advocacy\, this pre-conference experience offers the insight and readiness you need now. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to transform expertise\, lived experience\, and passions into impactful advocacy\nFundamental advocacy skills and advanced advocacy strategies needed for successful campaigns\nRelationships with engaged and informed advocates from around the country\n\nWho Should Participate\nAny staff from community-based organizations. No prior experience or skills are required. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenter\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n 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. \nDuring 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. \nPrior 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. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-amplified-rapid-response-readiness-in-a-shifting-policy-landscape/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Training,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPARK2025-PreCon-Advocacy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250822T194458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T150822Z UID:10000525-1758636000-1758639600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Fostering a Culture of Advocacy: Building Policy Competence Across Your Organization  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Sustainable\, transformative advocacy requires policy engagement to be woven into the culture of an organization—not just housed in one department. This webinar will explore how to build advocacy knowledge and readiness at all levels of your organization\, from front–line staff to executive leadership. Through practical examples and implementation tips\, we’ll help you transform policy fluency from a siloed skill into a shared value.  \nTakeaways\n\nWhat policy competence looks like at all organizational levels\nStrategies for embedding advocacy into daily operations\nModels of organization-wide training and internal communication\nLeadership’s role in advocacy culture\nHow to distribute advocacy capacity and readiness\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/fostering-a-culture-of-advocacy-building-policy-competence-across-your-organization/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250828T172319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T151904Z UID:10000528-1758549600-1758553200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Kinship Care in Transition: Navigating through Changes and Centering Families  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Kinship care continues to be a vital part of the child and family well-being system\, offering children safety\, stability\, and the comfort of familiar relationships. As federal policies evolve to better support kinship families\, agencies and organizations must adapt to shifting standards while maintaining their commitment to equity\, family voice\, and culturally responsive care. This webinar is designed to help participants understand recent federal rule changes impacting kinship care and relevant updates to COA Accreditation standards and how to translate those changes into meaningful\, family-centered practice.  \nThis interactive webinar will also provide practical tools and strategies for engaging and valuing kinship caregivers as true partners in the system. Whether you’re a frontline worker\, administrator\, or advocate\, you’ll leave with takeaways to strengthen kinship placements and elevate the voices of those caring for their own.  \nThe session will clarify what’s changing\, what remains consistent\, and how organizations can remain compliant while also honoring the lived experience of kinship families. Participants will have a clearer understanding of recent federal rule changes\, practical steps for organizational alignment\, and approaches to supporting and empowering kinship families across diverse communities.  \n  \nTakeaways\n\nParticipants will gain an understanding of federal rule changes to kinship care and the impacts.\nAttendees will gain clarity on updates to COA Accreditation standards and compliance expectations for agencies working with kinship families.\nParticipants will learn practical strategies organizations can use to adapt to the new regulations while remaining family-centered and culturally responsive.\nAttendees will identify actionable ways to engage\, support\, and value kinship caregivers as key partners in the care system.\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nCommunity-based organization staff\nCourt-appointed advocates and GALs\nFoster care and kinship care trainers\nKinship navigators and family support workers\nChild welfare agency staff and supervisors\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n \n Senior Director of Child & Family Well-Being \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n Senior Director of Child & Family Well-Being \n \n Romero Davis is the senior director of child and family well-being at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion\, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW\n \n Practice Excellence Standards Specialist \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW\n Practice Excellence Standards Specialist \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW is a Practice Excellence Standards Specialist with Social Current providing research\, development\, and ongoing technical assistance and maintenance of the COA Accreditation Standards. Jordan brings a mix of direct practice and policy development experience in child welfare to her work in standards research.  Jordan has worked as a foster care social worker in Alabama and as a Clinical Specialist in the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate\, where she conducted reviews of critical incidents and recommended practice and policy changes to improve outcomes for children in foster care. She is passionate about promoting best practices in child welfare and human services to enhance the well-being of children and families. Jordan resides in West Hartford\, CT. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/kinship-care-in-transition-navigating-through-changes-and-centering-families/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Safety-Resilience_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T143000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250822T194143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151108Z UID:10000518-1758027600-1758033000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:September Grassroots Convening DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. We will lead an interactive session to assist nonprofits in developing effective values-based messages that connect across ideological divides and resonate with diverse viewpoints. Through an interactive session\, participants will collaboratively develop language that captures attention\, builds bridges\, and motivates action. \nJoin the grassroots advocacy network online. \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools. \nTakeaways\n\nOpportunities to work alongside likeminded advocates to develop a messaging framework that resonates across diverse audiences\nTechniques for values-based communication\nPractice in refining messages for stakeholders representing unique populations\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/september-grassroots-convening/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250521T191755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T162051Z UID:10000488-1756216800-1756220400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Ecosystems: Building Collective Power Across Sectors DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n To create sustainable\, lasting change\, we need to build on strong advocacy campaigns with strong ecosystems. This session will explore the conditions and factors needed for strategic advocacy infrastructure\, which connects individual voices to a broader movement. We’ll discuss the value of building coalitions\, cultivating shared narratives\, and coordinating action across sectors. \nTakeaways\n\nAbout an advocacy ecosystem and its components\nModels of cross-sector collaboration and coalition work\nMoving beyond single-issue advocacy toward long-term strategy\nTactics for integrating local\, state\, and federal action\nHow to think structurally\, not just reactively\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-ecosystems-building-collective-power-across-sectors/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250722T155946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T160602Z UID:10000513-1755003600-1755007200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:August Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly grassroots advocacy network virtual convenings. We will discuss key policy issues affecting our sector\, opportunities for advocacy\, and offer an opportunity to check-in with questions as the federal policy landscape continues to shift rapidly. \nOur August meeting will center forward movement in appropriations\, reductions-in-force\, and a lawsuit affecting the Johnson Amendment. We will also discuss opportunities for advocacy through August recess. \nJoin the grassroots advocacy network online. \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools. \nTakeaways\n\nUnderstand key political events impacting our sector\nReview opportunities to engage in August recess\nOrganizations will also have the opportunity to engage in a discussion regarding the current challenges they are facing\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/august-grassroots-advocacy-network-convening/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250729T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250729T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250521T190946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T190952Z UID:10000487-1753797600-1753801200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Crafting a Powerful Story for Impactful Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Your experiences are the foundation for powerful advocacy\, offering lawmakers a blueprint for change. In this interactive webinar\, you’ll learn how to tell your story in ways that are emotionally resonant\, strategically focused\, and aligned with current policy efforts. Through practical frameworks and peer engagement\, we’ll help you build a story that empowers—not just informs—and drives action at every level. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to link personal stories to policy change\nStructure and strategy for ethical storytelling\nHow to elevate voice and experience as tools for systemic influence\nGain confidence in using lived experience to engage lawmakers\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/crafting-a-powerful-story-for-impactful-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250707T202830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T202835Z UID:10000512-1752152400-1752156000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:H.R. 1: Reviewing the Federal Budget and Expected Impact on the Social Sector DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n H.R. 1\, the federal appropriations bill\, is expected to have significant impacts across the social service sector. \nJoin us as we review key provisions of the bill\, including changes to Medicaid\, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program\, and student loan policies. We’ll also discuss opportunities for advocacy. \nTakeaways\n\nHow H.R. 1 will impact our sector\nOpportunities to support your organization through periods of uncertainty\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/h-r-1-reviewing-the-federal-budget-and-expected-impact-on-the-social-sector/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250521T184839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T162156Z UID:10000486-1751983200-1751986800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Following Advocacy Amplified: Strengthening Your Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Join us as we review 2025 Advocacy Amplified\, Social Current’s annual summer training and Hill Day. We’ll recap the most powerful takeaways and share new tools and templates to inspire and engage key stakeholders as you continue your advocacy journey. This session is designed to help you catch up\, re-center\, and carry forward the momentum into the next phase of summer advocacy. Everyone is welcome\, especially if you couldn’t join us for this year’s event. \nTakeaways\n\nShowcase key takeaways and top tools from the training and Hill Day\nElevate participant stories and feedback\nProvide a summary of new action items\, strategies\, and resources\nRe-engage those who could not attend the full event\nBridge momentum from the conference into the July recess\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/following-advocacy-amplified-strengthening-your-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250521T183650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T183656Z UID:10000485-1750773600-1750777200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Local Advocacy: Preparing for August Recess DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n With August recess fast approaching\, now is the perfect time to prepare for advocacy opportunities in your community. This webinar will offer tips to schedule and prepare for impactful in-district meetings\, elevate your voice through local media\, and activate your full network for recess season. We’ll share everything you need\, including talking points\, to engage in effective and impactful advocacy. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to launch August recess advocacy planning early\nScheduling tools\, templates\, and support\nAbout current legislative priorities and talking points\nHow to encourage and track grassroots engagement efforts\nHow to increase public visibility through social media and press\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/local-advocacy-preparing-for-august-recess/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T180000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250127T192511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T193318Z UID:10000461-1750060800-1750269600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day DESCRIPTION:Registration for this event has closed. Sign up for the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network to be informed of future opportunities. \nPricing: \n\nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $400\nOther Organizations: $475\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Presenter\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Locations & Lodging\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Agenda\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n About the Event\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \nOn 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: \n\nIntroduction to Advocacy\nNavigating the Advocacy Landscape\nCrafting Powerful Advocacy Messages\nBuilding Relationships\nMobilizing Support\n\nOn 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: \n\nPolicy Analysis and Research\nInfluencing Legislation\nMedia and Communications\nAdvocacy Day Preparation\nEthical Considerations and Compliance\n\nOn 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. \nSocial 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. \nParticipants must attend both days of training and Hill Day. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to transform expertise\, lived experience\, and passions into impactful advocacy\nFundamental advocacy skills and advanced advocacy strategies needed for successful campaigns\nHands-on experience meeting with legislators around a shared goal\nRelationships with engaged and informed advocates from around the country\n\nWho Should Participate\nAny staff or volunteer at a community-based organizations. No prior experience or skills are required. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Presenter \n \n\n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\nSenior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \nBlair 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. \nDuring 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. \nPrior 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. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Locations & Lodging \n \n\n \n \n \n Location\nDay 1 and 2 (Advocacy Amplified Training)\nMetro Offices – DuPont Circle\nL’Enfant Training Room\n1250 Connecticut Ave. NW\, 7th Floor\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nDay 3 (Hill Day)\nCapitol Hill\n1 First St NE\nWashington\, DC 20543 \nLodging\nParticipants are welcome to stay at the hotel of their choice. Nearby hotels include: \nCourtyard Washington\, DC DuPont Circle\n1733 N St NW\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nHotel Madera\n1310 New Hampshire Ave NW\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nEmbassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown\n1250 22nd St NW\nWashington\, DC 20037 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Agenda \n \n\n \n \n \n Day 1: June 16: Finding Power — Message\, Meaning\, and Systems\n8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Welcome Table \n9-9:20 a.m. | Opening Plenary: Why Advocacy\, Why Now \nUnderstand the stakes for human services and the unique role of advocacy in advancing justice and equity. \n9:20-10:30 a.m. | Session 1: Take Back Your Narrative – Advocacy 101 \nLearn how to frame your personal and organizational story\, develop confidence in sharing your lived experience\, and make a focused policy ask \n10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break \n10:45-11:45 a.m.| Session 2: School House Rock for the Social Sector \nDevelop foundational understanding of how Congress works\, how committees impact social policy\, and how nonprofits can influence decision-makers. \n11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch \n12:45-2 p.m. | Session 3: Policy Analysis 101 – From Issue to Impact \nBuild skills in researching policy\, identifying key levers\, and turning community needs into a clear policy case. \n2-3 p.m. | Session 4: The Federal Budget – A Primer for Social Sector Advocates \nUnderstand the federal budget process and where advocacy fits in\, with a focus on funding streams that impact children\, families\, and communities. \n3-3:15 p.m. | Break \n3:15-4:15 p.m. | Session 5: Framing Messages That Break Through \nPractice crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological lines and resonate beyond the “choir.” \n4:15-5 p.m. | Session 6: Building and Sustaining Relationships with Policymakers \nLearn how to engage congressional offices\, follow up effectively\, and become a trusted advocate over time. \nDay 2: June 17: Moving Power — Tools\, Practice\, and Hill Day Prep\n8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Day 1 Recap \n9-10 a.m. | Session 7: Policy Literacy\, Media\, and Message Discipline \nLearn how internal message alignment supports external advocacy success\, and build a plan to integrate media into your advocacy work. \n10-10:15 a.m. | Break \n10:15-11:30 a.m. | Session 8: Campaign Strategy – Lessons from Sectors That Win \nExplore why some sectors succeed politically and extract practical strategy lessons to apply in the social sector. \n11:30 a.m.-Noon | Session 9: Community Wide Advocacy \nExamine the benefits of joint advocacy campaigns and involving partner organizations. Learn strategies to build grassroots advocacy campaigns and develop coalitions. \nNoon-1 p.m. | Lunch: Policy Consultations with Blair Abelle-Kiser \nReceive direct feedback and support on your organization’s advocacy goals and Hill Day strategy. \n1-2 p.m. | Session 10: Constructing an Effective Policy Ask \nDevelop a clear\, compelling\, and concise ask tailored to your target legislator or staffer. \n2-3:30 p.m. | Session 11: Hill Day Roleplay – Sharpening the Ask \nPractice delivering your ask\, respond to tough questions\, and receive real-time coaching and peer feedback. \n3:30-4:15 p.m. | Session 12: Logistics\, Protocols\, and Office Dynamics \nUnderstand Hill Day logistics\, how to read the room\, and what to expect during meetings with congressional staff. \n4:15-5 p.m. | Closing Circle: Commitments\, Confidence\, and Capitol Hill Sendoff \nSolidify your strategy\, build collective confidence\, and leave equipped to make an impact. \n6 p.m. | Group Dinner \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n One of the best trainings I have ever participated in. Inspiring\, informative\, and equipping. I left D.C. more inspired to advocate than when I came.\n Derek Cortez\, Chief Executive Officer at Chileda \n \n The Advocacy Amplified training provided federal context on the state of nonprofits. This was important for our organization to understand how to best position ourselves for public funding grants and contracts.\n Mayra Salazar\, Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at Hillsides \n \n There’s always an opportunity to become a better advocate. We have gained a pool of knowledge that we can provide to the families we service\, our leadership team\, and board.\n Jonathan Vasquez\, Government Relations and Advocacy Assistant at Children’s Institute URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-amplified-training-and-hill-day-2/ LOCATION:U.S. Capitol\, Washington\, DC\, 20004\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Training,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hill-Day-009-e1740588639888.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250527T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250527T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250512T183401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T183406Z UID:10000484-1748354400-1748358000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Grassroots Onboarding Webinar: Your Voice\, Your Impact DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n New and returning advocates are encouraged to join this webinar to strengthen their advocacy skills. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of advocacy\, pathways to become involved\, and available resources to support their journey. This session is ideal for those who wish to start advocating but aren’t sure where to begin\, as well as experienced advocates looking to reengage and strengthen their focus. \nTakeaways\n\nAbout the Social Current Grassroots Network and its purpose\nTools and engagement pathways\nA foundational understanding of nonprofit policy advocacy\nSpark long-term participation and action across the network\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/grassroots-onboarding-webinar-your-voice-your-impact/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Challenge-Series-Policy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20241219T184147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T185439Z UID:10000450-1745326800-1745330400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy in Action: Behavioral Health Integration and Systems Change DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This webinar will discuss behavioral health integration and systems change. Participants will learn about strategies to grow coalitions and navigate legislative processes to support behavioral health funding and integration within larger advocacy efforts. \nThis session is designed to empower organizations with the knowledge and resources needed to create actionable advocacy plans and best represent the needs of their communities. \nThe webinar will outline opportunities to join Social Current’s advocacy efforts\, as well as leverage our advocacy toolkit to further support positive social change. Interactive elements\, like crafting clear\, persuasive advocacy messaging and role playing meetings with policymakers\, will ensure participants leave prepared to act. \nThis is one session in the four-part Advocacy in Action webinar series: \n\nSocial Current’s Federal Policy Agenda: Jan. 22 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nStrategies for Workforce Sustainability and Insurance Accessibility: Feb. 19 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nFinancial Health and Equity-Focused Advocacy: March 27 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nBehavioral Health Integration and Systems Change: April 22 from 1-2 p.m. ET\n\nTakeaways\n\nThe overarching vision and priorities of the 2025-2027 Federal Public Policy Agenda\nBasics of effective advocacy\, including crafting clear\, persuasive messages\nAbout Social Current’s advocacy toolkit and how to use it for impactful engagement\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, Ph.D.\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, Ph.D.\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-in-action-behavioral-health-integration-and-systems-change/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250416T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250416T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250306T142531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T174802Z UID:10000470-1744812000-1744815600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Policy Shifts: Sector Opportunities and Hazards for 2025 and Beyond DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n In 2025 and beyond\, the social sector will need to adapt to significant policy shifts. This briefing will highlight the importance of government contracting and grantmaking reforms to strengthen the sector’s resilience. Additionally\, it will underscore the necessity for innovative strategies to navigate challenges\, such as potential reductions in equity\, diversity\, and inclusion programs and social services funding. \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies to navigate policy shifts\, funding changes\, and regulatory challenges under a second Trump administration\nWays to sustain equity\, diversity\, and inclusion initiatives and essential social services\, adapt to evolving government contracting opportunities\, and strengthen advocacy efforts to ensure organizational resilience\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They 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\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they 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. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/policy-shifts-sector-opportunities-and-hazards-for-2025-and-beyond/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Challenge-Series-Policy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T211859 CREATED:20250317T220825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T141720Z UID:10000476-1743598800-1743602400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Take Back Your Narrative: Advocacy 101 DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This interactive virtual training will equip members of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network and other social sector professionals and advocates with the tools to effectively share their stories in support of policy change. Led by Social Current’s Government Affairs and Advocacy team\, this session will explore the power of personal narratives in advocacy\, guiding participants through the process of crafting compelling messages and making targeted policy asks. Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach\, this training will provide practical strategies to engage decision makers with confidence and clarity.  \nParticipants will learn how to transform lived experiences into impactful advocacy tools\, navigate conversations with policymakers\, and translate their asks into actionable outcomes. The training will emphasize the importance of direct\, specific\, and strategic communication\, ensuring that every advocacy effort contributes to systemic change. By the end of the session\, attendees will have a stronger understanding of how to effectively advocate for their communities and organizations—ready to take back their narratives and amplify their voices where it matters most.  \nAll human and social services staff are invited to join the Social Current Grassroots Network.   \nThe grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools.  \nTakeaways\n\nCraft and Communicate a Compelling Narrative: Learn how to effectively share your lived experience and organizational mission in a way that resonates with policymakers\, emphasizing clarity\, brevity\, and impact. \nDevelop and Deliver a Strategic Advocacy Ask: Gain the skills to translate personal and organizational challenges into specific\, actionable policy requests that drive meaningful change. \nNavigate Advocacy Interactions with Confidence: Understand how to engage with policymakers and their staff\, follow up strategically\, and build long-term relationships to strengthen your advocacy efforts.\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online \n\n\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders \n\n\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach \n\n\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media \n\n\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, Ph.D. (She/Her)\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, Ph.D. (She/Her)\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser is the senior director of government affairs at Social Current. She joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the nonprofit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Before public service\, Abelle-Kiser 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. \nShe 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. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/take-back-your-narrative-advocacy-101/ CATEGORIES:Webinar,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR