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 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:20250604T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T140000 DTSTAMP:20260411T115737 CREATED:20250505T153538Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250505T153924Z UID:10000480-1749042000-1749045600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Meeting the Complex Needs of Young People DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Across the U.S. and Canada\, child and family serving organization are challenged to meet the complex needs of young people\, including those with severe behavioral health needs\, with co-occurring behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities\, and who are involved with multiple state systems. \nThis webinar with Strategic Industry Partner Public Consulting Group will provide an overview of the needs of these young people\, the challenges in effectively serving them\, and examples of promising practices. Participants will be encouraged to share success stories and lessons learned. \nTakeaways\n\nUnderstand the landscape of state and local needs and challenges\nIdentify promising practices\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nProgram leaders and managers\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer MacBlane\n \n Manager\nPublic Consulting Group \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer MacBlane\n Manager\nPublic Consulting Group \n \n Jennifer MacBlane has over 25 years of experience in human services\, government\, and government consulting. She has been employed by PCG for more than 18 years\, and she specializes in helping jurisdictions develop effective systems of care for children\, families\, and individuals\, including program design\, payment and contracting strategies\, and program evaluation. She has led service array assessments\, rate studies\, and evaluations in dozens of states across the nation addressing substance use\, behavioral health\, and child welfare issues. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/meeting-the-complex-needs-of-young-people/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCG_Webinar-June4_2025-web.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250608T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250612T235959 DTSTAMP:20260411T115737 CREATED:20240717T152629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T193606Z UID:10000423-1749340800-1749772799@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:2025 Executive Leadership Institute DESCRIPTION:The deadline to register was May 9. Share your email to stay in the loop for 2026. \nPricing: \nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $4750\nOther Organizations: $5250 \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About ELI\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Loyola University Partnership\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Schedule\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Location\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About ELI \n \n\n \n \n \n The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)\, offered in partnership with Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business\, equips senior-level managers and executives with the knowledge and skills to oversee day-to-day operations\, and prepare for the future and greater systems change. Transactional meets transformational for this influential experience. \nIn addition to the weeklong in-person event\, students participate in a full year of online learning\, which includes interactive presentations\, small-group discussions\, experiential learning tours of community-based organizations\, personal reflection and journaling\, and more. To help students reinforce and apply their learning\, they also complete self-designed projects that addresses an organizational challenge. The presentations are given before the assembly of participants and faculty. \nELI assembles a wide variety of faculty from the nonprofit and for-profit sectors\, as well as academia. Social Current’s partnership with Quinlan means access to first-class faculty and specialized expertise\, as well as the flexibility to create a program to transform students’ leadership skills. The curriculum will not only challenge\, but offers a rare opportunity to focus on excellence\, impact\, and systems change. \nAn additional benefit of the program is that students receive mentoring from ELI alumni. Mentors and mentees are matched according to personal and professional leadership attributes. Hundreds of human and social services leaders have graduated from the institute and they continue to engage through alumni opportunities. \nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutives\nManagers\nDirectors\n\nHear from Alumni\nIn this video\, Dr. Cha-Tanya Lankford\, director of Delaware programs at Pressley Ridge shares how the ELI curriculum continues to shape her as a professional and leader. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cancellation Policy\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing and are subject to a $500 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after May 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Notice of written cancellation must be emailed directly to Trudy Gregory\, lead operations associate at Social Current. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Loyola University Partnership \n \n\n \n \n \n Social Current’s partnership with Loyola University Chicago\, allows access to world-class faculty and academic rigor of a top-rated national university. Social Current and Loyola co-create the program for the in-person institute\, and half of the instruction is provided by their faculty. \nThe Executive Leadership Institute takes an interdisciplinary approach to human and social services leadership\, engaging faculty from Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business and School of Social Work. U.S. News & World Report nationally ranks Loyola’s online bachelor’s business program #8 and undergraduate business program #94. Its social work program is ranked #28. \nLead Program Developers\nRobena Spangler\nSenior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current\nRobena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. Most 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. \nRobena on the Partnership: “Social Current is thrilled with our partnership with Loyola University Chicago. We work closely with their staff and faculty to design a leadership program that benefits both our students and their staff. Together\, Social Current and Loyola deliver a top-tier experience for public and private social sector leaders\, driving meaningful change. We are especially grateful for Kayla Gustafson’s professionalism in elevating the Executive Leadership Institute’s program to meet the needs of next-generation leaders in the human services sector.” \nKayla Gustafson\nProgram Manager of Executive and Professional Education Center\nLoyola University Chicago\nAs program manager for the Executive and Professional Education Center at Loyola University Chicago\, Kayla Gustafson collaborates with Quinlan School of Business faculty experts to develop high-quality professional development opportunities for individuals and supports customized business and management training programs for organizational partners. \nA lifelong believer in the transformational power of education\, Kayla began her career as a preschool teacher in an urban Montessori school. In 2021\, after nearly a decade working with young children and families\, she turned her focus to engaging adult learners. She brings a deep understanding of learning styles\, lesson planning\, and course design to her role. \nKayla on the Partnership: “The Social Current team brings such warmth and genuine collaboration to everything we do together for the Executive Leadership Institute. They’re not just partners – they’re passionate advocates who are constantly pushing the field forward with new ideas and resources. Together\, we’ve built something special that helps social service leaders grow and thrive. This partnership embodies Loyola University Chicago’s core values of social justice and service to others – we’re helping develop compassionate leaders who will create positive change in their communities. It’s more than just a program – it’s about living our mission of being people in service to others.” \n  \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n View and download the schedule with session descriptions as a PDF. \nLeading in This Moment\nIn this opening session\, the CEO and President of Social Current will provide an inspiring introduction to the leadership journey ahead\, offering insights into the current landscape of leadership and the unique challenges and opportunities of leading in today’s world. This session will set the tone for the program\, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership and the impact leaders can have in shaping the future. \nPresenter: Jody Levison-Johnson\, president and CEO\, Social Current \nCreating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being\nWorkforce trends show that employees expect leaders to go beyond top-down recognition and self-care initiatives to actively improve engagement\, retention\, equity\, and communication. Leaders are encouraged to practice empathy\, inclusivity\, psychological safety\, and gratitude—but where should we focus first? The answer lies in understanding the brain and stress response system to create brain-friendly workplaces. This interactive session explores strategies to enhance cognitive flexibility\, emotional regulation\, and decision making. Participants will gain research-backed tools to foster executive functioning\, psychological safety\, and self-regulation while promoting adaptability\, collaboration\, and well-being. By aligning workplaces with how the brain thrives\, organizations can drive both personal and organizational success. \nPresenters: Karen Johnson\, senior director of Change in Mind\, and Kelly Martin\, director of practice excellence\, Social Current \nAI in the Social Services: Tools for Resilient Organizations\nThis session will provide an executive-level overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be strategically leveraged to strengthen organizational resilience and effectiveness. Participants will explore key AI tools and how they can be applied to in streamline operations\, enhance service delivery\, and address critical challenges faced by human and social services organizations. \nPresenter: Jonathan Singer\, professor\, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work \nAI in the Social Services: Panel Discussion\nFor this session a panel of experts and executives will discuss the strategic integration of AI into human and social services organizations. The session will address opportunities for innovation\, potential risks\, and long-term implications of AI adoption in a rapidly evolving landscape. \nExcellence: An Introduction to MYSI\nIn this panel discussion\, leaders from MYSI will share how values-based leadership has shaped the organization’s mission to strengthen lives\, provide help\, and create hope for youth and their families. As MYSI celebrates its 60th anniversary\, the panel will explore the agency’s recent transformation—including strategic planning\, re-accreditation\, and program enhancements—highlighting how intentional leadership\, data-driven decision-making\, and community partnerships have fueled impact. Participants will gain insights into how MYSI’s leadership team is fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration to equip young people with the tools\, skills\, and resources needed to thrive in adulthood. \nPresenter: Andrea “Drea” Hall\, president & CEO\, MYSI Corporation \nStrengthening Families\, Transforming Systems: The Brightpoint Approach\nJoin an engaging conversation about leading with purpose in a complex human services landscape with Executive Leadership Institute alumnus Mike Shaver. Formerly known as Children’s Home & Aid\, Brightpoint has reimagined its mission to center families’ strengths\, prioritize prevention\, and pursue bold\, data-driven solutions that create lasting change. Mike will share insights on transformational leadership\, organizational evolution\, and the role of equity and partnership in building systems that truly support children and families. \nPresenter: Mike Shaver\, president & CEO\, Brightpoint \nEthical Leadership in High-Stakes Decision Making\nExecutives and those in leadership positions frequently face ethical dilemmas that require balancing organizational goals\, stakeholders’ interests\, and social responsibility. Ethics are a bedrock of the social\nresponsibility and the integrity of the organization on behalf of the clients they serve. Codes of ethics are the operationalization of ethical principles. Without setting the Codes of Ethics in the context of an ethical framework\, they can be performative and seemingly malleable. This presentation will posit that the ethics of organizations and their leadership are directly situated in the structure and mission of the organization and using real world examples illustrate how organizations can navigate this complexity in high-stakes decision-making. \nPresenter: Jeanne Sokolec\, BSW Director and clinical associate professor\, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work \nLeveraging Generative Partnerships for Next Generation Leadership\nThis session will focus on building and leveraging generative partnerships by using a collaborative process model and applying leadership competencies for the next generation of social sector leaders. \nPresenter: Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, Social Current \nWednesday Lunch and Learn Sessions\n\nFor Managers and Directors: Leading Change Using an Equity Lens. This Lunch and Learn will feature a discussion focused on communication\, collaboration\, and commitment strategies to align leaders and change efforts.\nLunch and Learn for Executives: Values-Based Leadership. Participants will explore how values-driven leadership can shape the strategic direction of organizations and enhance decision making at the highest levels. This session will provide actionable insights around aligning organizational values with leadership practices to drive sustainable impact.\n\nDriving Nonprofit Impact\nThis interactive session will equip participants with practical approaches to harness data for strategic advantage\, from leveraging public data sources to understand community needs to connecting operational metrics with customer outcomes. Participants will explore methods to move beyond activity/output tracking and funder-required measurements toward business-driven impact measurement and data strategies. At the end of the session\, participants will leave with actionable frameworks to integrate data-driven approaches that advance their organization’s strategy and purpose. \nPresenter: Katelyn Jones\, vice president of impact insights and analytics\, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago\n \nAdvancing a New Leadership Paradigm: Strategic Stewardship in EHR Governance and Change\nAs health care organizations face evolving technologies\, compliance requirements\, and funding constraints\, leadership must adopt a proactive approach—one in which data governance and organizational change management (OCM) are viewed as core priorities. This session challenges traditional leadership roles\, exploring how leaders can drive lasting transformation by embedding governance and OCM into the organization’s foundation. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to elevate their leadership approach and ensure long-term EHR and enterprise resilience. \nPresenters: Chris Parry\, CEO\, Theresa Yera\, director of EHR strategy & customer success\, and Tina Kirkpatrick\, director of EHR strategy & customer success\, EHR Edge \nStrategic Leadership Reflection: A Personal SWOT Analysis\nAs a culmination of the week’s learning\, this reflective session will guide participants through a personal SWOT analysis\, helping them assess their leadership strengths\, areas for growth\, opportunities\, and potential challenges. By reflecting on the knowledge and insights gained throughout the week\, leaders will identify strategic areas to enhance their leadership impact and align their development with the goals and challenges of their organizations. This session encourages both introspection and actionable planning to ensure continued growth beyond the program. \nPresenter: Brandon Pendleton\, adjunct professor\, Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Schedule \n \n\n \n \n \n View and download the schedule as a PDF. \nSunday\, June 8\n7 p.m. – Networking Dinner \nMonday\, June 9\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Group 1 ELI Project Presentations\n9:30 a.m. – Leading in the Moment\n10:30 a.m. – Break\n11 a.m. – Group 2 ELI Project Presentations\n12:30 p.m. – Lunch\n1:30 p.m. – Creating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being (Part 1)\n3 p.m. – Break\n3:30 p.m. – Creating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being (Part 2) \nTuesday\, June 10\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – AI in Social Services: Tools for Resilient Organizations\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – AI in Social Services: Panel Discussion\nNoon – Lunch\n1:30 p.m. – Excellence: An Introduction to MYSI\n3:30 p.m. – Break\n4 p.m. – Strengthening Families\, Transforming Systems: The Brightpoint Approach\n7 p.m. – Networking Dinners (Offsite) \nWednesday\, June 11\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Ethical Leadership in High-Stakes Decision-Making\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – Leveraging Generative Partnerships for Next-Generation Leadership\nNoon \n\nLunch and Learn for Managers and Directors: Leading Change Using an Equity Lens\nLunch and Learn for Executives: Values-Based Leadership\n\n1:30 p.m. – Driving Non-Profit Impact\n3 p.m. – Break\n3:30 p.m. – Advancing a New Leadership Paradigm: Strategic Stewardship in EHR Governance and Change \nThursday\, June 12\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Strategic Leadership Reflection: A Personal SWOT Analysis\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – ELI Project – Overview and Q&A\nNoon – Celebration Luncheon & Farewell \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Location \n \n\n \n \n \n Quinlan School of Business\nLoyola University Chicago\n820 N Michigan Ave.\nChicago IL\, 60611 \nThe Executive Leadership Institute takes place on Loyola’s Water Tower Campus. \nLodging\nThe Drake Hotel\n140 East Walton Place\nChicago\, IL 60611 \n \n \n \n \n \nLoyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/2025-eli/ LOCATION:Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business\, 16 E. Pearson St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60611\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1049828098-e1692910735163.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T143000 DTSTAMP:20260411T115737 CREATED:20241028T152024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T193801Z UID:10000440-1749564000-1749565800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Introduction to COA Accreditation DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This free 30-minute webinar provides an introduction to Social Current and COA Accreditation. It is perfect for anyone seeking accreditation for the first time\, interested in what is required to become accredited\, or mandated to become accredited by state or federal legislation. Participants will gain an understanding of the key concepts that define COA Accreditation\, the steps toward becoming accredited\, and the benefits of accreditation. There will also be a Q&A portion for us to answer any questions you might have. \nTakeaways\n\nWhat is the value of accreditation\nWhat is the accreditation process\nHow to become accredited\n\nWho Should Participate\nAnyone who is interested in learning more about accreditation for their organization\, whether it be first-time accreditation or reaccreditation. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe Perrow\n \n Network Growth 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 Joe Perrow\n Network Growth Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Joe Perrow is the network growth manager for accreditation services at Social Current. His role allows him to work closely with organizations that are seeking accreditation for the first time by helping them to navigate standards\, establish a timeline\, and proactively prepare for the process. Perrow has a master’s in business administration from Campbell University and more than eight years’ experience in business development\, marketing\, and partner management. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/introduction-to-coa-accreditation-34/ CATEGORIES:COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T180000 DTSTAMP:20260411T115737 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:20250624T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T115737 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 END:VCALENDAR