Our Advocacy Course Series offers in-depth, hands-on training for the new activist or the more seasoned campaigner to learn how to really make a difference. So sign up today for these online courses and get ready to plan your next campaign with the effective techniques and templates presented.

NON-CREDIT ADVOCACY COURSE SERIES
Some courses will be self paced and others will be facilitated by an instructor for four to six weeks. Take all five to earn a Certificate in Advocacy Management.

Building an Effective Campaign: Research and Planning

Even with hard work and great intentions, your efforts may not produce results if you fail to follow the key steps of campaign planning. Enroll in this advocacy course to learn what you need to research and plan a campaign that has the best possibility of making a difference. Based on experience by The Fund for Animals as well as HSUS, this course includes how-to tips and examples from a variety of animal protection organizations. Links to other valuable resources will enable you to pursue related topics in greater depth.

Non-Legislative Targets: Changing Corporate Policies (NEW!)

In order to improve the lives of animals, the animal protection movement seeks policy changes not only in the legislative arena, but also in non-legislative targets such as corporations.  Using case studies, this course will review different strategies including negotiations, letter writing campaigns, shareholder resolutions, boycotts, shopping guides, protests, media, and litigation. From research to action, you will learn step-by-step how to campaign for corporate change.

Building an Effective Campaign:  Message Development and Delivery (Coming Soon!)

Students will learn about the basic elements of message development and delivery, how to use polls to identify messages, what themes work, and how you can get people to agree with you.  Walk through the process of putting together an effective marketing plan, from identifying the audience, to considering the role of media, to discovering the best use of new technologies.  We will also consider traditional outreach approaches like direct mail and canvassing.  Discover the importance of coalitions and working with organizations in the community and effective ways to deal with critics and opponents.

How to Become a Citizen Lobbyist (Coming Soon!)

Whether you are in a non-profit or for profit environment, students will discover how to effectively communicate with elected officials at all levels. Students will be guided through every step of the process for clear communication -- from background research, to developing and delivering a message, to effective follow-up.  The course includes practical insights, such as how to use the Internet effectively to answer questions, the secrets to getting someone in an elected official’s office to listen, even how to get around various locations in Washington, DC.  We’ll also look at the legislative process and at what stages advocates can be involved for the greatest impact. 

Building a Strong Movement:  Grassroots Development (Coming Soon!)

A strong grassroots network is the backbone of any organization; discover the techniques for identifying and motivating core participants.  Through this course, students will learn the basics of grassroots network development.  We will look at identifying and approaching potential members, tools for connecting advocates with decision makers, developing an effective grassroots message and putting together and keeping track of a network. Coalition-building and corporate outreach will be addressed, as well as successful fundraising approaches and evaluating existing programs.

Additional Advocacy Courses Coming Soon include:

• Economics and Animal Advocacy
• Promoting Active Engagement on College Campuses

Each advocacy course is $45. You can enroll online at www.hsuonline.org, email hsu@hsus.org, or call Frances Gaeta at 301-548-7731.