Event, Jan 30: Grassroots Advocacy Training in OKC -- Public Welcome

You DEFINITELY want to attend this grassroots lobbying workshop at the State Capitol next Wednesday, January 30, 2008. Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma, the program runs from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm.

Please help inform others who might want to attend this event!

This exceptional training opportunity is open to the public and especially helpful for citizen lobbyists, community leaders, neighborhood organizers, nonprofit board members and staff, concerned citizens - i.e., anyone wanting to improve their advocacy skills or learn more about how the Oklahoma Legislature functions. Print off, complete and send in the Registration Form now!

Here is the program:

8:30 a.m. Check In (Fourth Floor Rotunda)

9:10 - 10:15 a.m. Welcome and Hot Topics -- The program opens with a welcome from Secretary of State Susan Savage, discussion by top House and Senate staff on what issues are likely to receive attention this year; remarks by Lt. Governor Jari Askins.

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Morning Concurrent Workshops (Choose One)

Tips on Lobbying -- Clay Pope, former legislator and current Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and Trish Frazier, Policy and Research Director, Oklahoma Public Employees Association

Increasing the Number of Your Supporters in Appointive Leadership Positions -- Toni Mitchell, Governor Brad Henry's Director of Appointments; Chris Morriss, Chair of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and Paula Sanford, former Edmond City Council Member

The Budget Process & Tracking Appropriations -- Tony Hutchison, Executive Director of the Oklahoma State Department of Finance

The Legislative Process: What they Didn't Teach You in Government 101 -- Dr. Rick Farmer, Director of Committee Services, Oklahoma House of Representatives

Noon – 1:30 p.m. Concurrent Box Lunch Policy Workshops

-- Legislators and policy experts discuss recent and future bills, policies, and general trends (Choose One):

~ Domestic violence and sexual assault

~ Children and early childhood development

~ Corrections and incarceration of women

~ Aging, health, and mental health

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Concurrent Workshops (Choose One)

Tips on Lobbying -- Former State Representative Debbie Blackburn and Sierra Club lobbyist Billie Brown

Bill Tracking and Issue Advocacy Via the Internet -- Heidi Johnson, Oklahoma State Senate and Linda Maxey, OKInsider.com

Building and Working in a Coalition -- Jean Warner, Oklahoma Women’s Legislative Coalition; Paul Muegge, former State Senator and agriculture coalition leader and Joel Robison, Assistant Executive Director of the Oklahoma Education Association and The Oklahoma Education Coalition

Increasing the Number of Your Supporters in Elective Office -- Hannah Brenner, Director of the Pipeline to Politics campaign school for women; Dana Murphy, candidate for Corporation Commission and former Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party and Kitti Asberry, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Refreshments and Networking in the Rotunda - A closing reception in the 4th Floor Rotunda offers refreshments and an opportunity to make new contacts.

For more information, visit the League's website (www.lwvok.org), email lwvokla@aol.com or phone 580-272-4378.

The registration fee of $50 includes morning snacks, a box lunch, the closing reception, and an excellent packet of information including a copy of the League's book, A Guide to Effective Citizen Lobbying. Fill out the bottom portion of the registration form, enclose it with your check for $50, and send to LWVOK, 500 North Broadway - Suite 125, Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6204. Registration deadline is Monday, January 28th; on-site registration is $60.