Building Our Civic Muscles: A 3-Part Virtual Webinar Series on Connecting to Local Government

As part of the Rural Civic Engagement Project, RDI offered a webinar series in the summer of 2022 for rural Pacific Northwest community members interested in learning how to better connect to local government. This program was made available free of charge thanks to the generous support of The Ford Family Foundation. Please find session descriptions and recordings, below. 

• Session 1: Understanding Your Local Political Landscape
  When we want to see change in our communities, how do we know who to talk to? Join us to hear from experienced elected officials and increase your awareness of who has influence over the issues you care most about, the best ways to access local government, and how to build power to implement projects and policy changes. [This virtual session took place July 27, 2022. Watch the recording here.]
• Session 2: Understanding Your Audience
  What are the best ways to get your ideas in front of people who can help you? How can your message “hit home” with audiences who have a variety of interests? Join us to learn from communications professionals on how to identify your target audiences, frame your message to shine a light on the issues you care about, and communicate clearly with others. [This virtual session took place August 10, 2022. Watch the recording here.]
• Session 3: Understanding Systems Change
  Making big changes in your community can be daunting, and it is sometimes hard to know where to start, and how to keep the momentum going. Join us to learn strategies for building strong relationships and coalitions, overcoming barriers to success, and staying focused on action from experienced change-makers working with local and state governments. [This virtual session took place August 24 2022. Watch the recording here.]