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: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:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T145221 CREATED:20260323T150147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T150224Z UID:10000601-1780405200-1780408800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Preparing for August Recess Through Strategic Advocacy   DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n The August congressional recess is one of the most important timeframes for nonprofits to influence their representatives\, but it can be challenging to determine the most impactful pathways to engage and advocate. This session will share how to use power mapping to develop strategies that reflect organizational values\, address challenging political dynamics\, and encourage community-wide involvement. Participants will learn how to use influence mapping to design precise\, legislator-specific engagement strategies ahead of August recess. \nTakeaways\n\nDistinguish between formal authority and informal influence\nMap ideological incentives and electoral pressures\nIdentify bipartisan strategies\nDevelop legislator-specific engagement plans for August recess\nBuild influence while mitigating reputational risk\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/preparing-for-august-recess-through-strategic-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:20260603T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T145221 CREATED:20251216T124913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T130852Z UID:10000571-1780489800-1780491600@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-43/ 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:20260611T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T145221 CREATED:20260323T145639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T145641Z UID:10000598-1781182800-1781186400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Influencing Policy Decision Makers  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Policy decisions are shaped long before votes are cast or guidance is issued. The most effective advocacy efforts begin when issues are being defined\, priorities are being determined\, and policy options are still forming. For human services organizations\, engaging early in the policy process is essential to ensuring lived experience\, program data\, and community needs inform outcomes from the start.  \nOur June Grassroots Advocacy Network convening will offer a practical framework for engaging and influencing policy decision makers across both legislative and administrative contexts. Participants will explore how policy ideas move from concept to action and identify strategic entry points for advocacy at each stage of the policy development process. The session will focus on how to frame issues proactively\, build relationships with policymakers\, and align advocacy strategies with organizational capacity and long-term goals.  \nThrough strategies and peer discussion\, participants will strengthen their ability to expand their influence\, shape policy at its earliest stages\, and position their organizations as trusted partners in policy development.  \nTakeaways\n\nKey stages of the policy development process and tailor engagement strategies accordingly\nHow to proactively frame issues to influence how problems\, priorities\, and solutions are defined by decisionmakers\nTips for building and sustaining relationships with policymakers\nHow to select advocacy entry points that align with organizational capacity\, timing\, and long-term strategy\nStrategies for moving beyond reactive advocacy by proactively engaging as part of ongoing policy and program work\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/influencing-policy-decision-makers/ 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:20260622T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T180000 DTSTAMP:20260410T145221 CREATED:20251216T130242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T200321Z UID:10000573-1782115200-1782324000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:2026 Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n The deadline to register is Friday\, May 8.  \nEarly bird pricing for the first 50 people: \n\nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $500\nOther Organizations: $600\n\nRegular rate: \n\nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $650\nOther Organizations: $750\n\nOptional group dinner June 23: $65 \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Schedule & Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Presenter\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Locations & Lodging\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n Social Current’s 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. \nCancellation Policy\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing and are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after June 1\, 2026 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Notice of written cancellation must be submitted via email. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Schedule & Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n Day 1: June 22: Finding Power — Message\, Meaning\, and Systems\n8:30-9 a.m. | Light Refreshments 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. | 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.| School House Rock for the Social Sector\nGain 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. | 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. | 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. | Framing Messages That Break Through\nPractice crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological lines and resonate widely. \n4:15-5 p.m. | Building and Sustaining Relationships with Policymakers\nLearn how to engage congressional offices\, follow up effectively\, and become a trusted advocate over time. \n5 p.m. | Dinner on Your Own \nDay 2: June 23: Moving Power — Tools\, Practice\, and Hill Day Prep\n8:30-9 a.m. | Light Refreshments and Day 1 Recap \n9-10 a.m. | 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. | 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 | 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. | Constructing an Effective Policy Ask\nDevelop a clear\, compelling\, and concise ask tailored to your target legislator or staffer. \n2-3:30 p.m. | 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. | 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 (Optional) \nDay 3: June 24: Capitol Hill Visits\n8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Capitol Hill Visits\nUsing the addresses you provide during registration\, Social Current will schedule meetings with your respective legislators.  \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 \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 \n \n\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Thank You To Our Sponsor URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/2026-advocacy-amplified-training-and-hill-day/ 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 END:VCALENDAR