The Montgomery County Community Action Board, the County’s Federal, State and locally designated anti-poverty group, is accepting applications for its Community Advocacy Institute (CAI). The free, eight-month CAI advocacy training program is open to County residents with combined household incomes of $67,000 or less. The program is offered in English and Spanish, with interpretation and written materials available at all sessions.
The CAI provides training on effective advocacy for policy change. Workshops cover topics such as engaging with elected officials, storytelling, research, developing testimony, public speaking and key advocacy issues. Monthly sessions start in October and include both in-person and virtual workshops. To graduate, participants must attend all sessions and complete an advocacy project.
“Participating in the Community Advocacy Institute helps our residents to learn how to advocate for their communities effectively,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This program highlights the importance of effective public speaking, research and engaging with elected officials. I strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this free training to become more involved in the decision-making processes that shape our County.”
Full program details are available on the Community Action Agency website. Residents can apply online to the CAI by Friday, Aug. 9.
Since its start in 2016, more than 140 people have graduated from the CAI training program. Many graduates now serve on County advisory groups and nonprofit boards, and others are active in important advocacy efforts.
For more information and to request accommodations, please call the Community Action Agency at 240-777-1697. TTY users can call Maryland Relay at 711.