The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Advocacy Institute in Alabama is home to a series of training programs supported by SPLC staff, subject-matter experts, community-based partner organizations and other community stakeholders that offer hands-on policy, advocacy and organizing training to provide participants with the skills needed to create positive change throughout our communities.
About the SPLC’s Alabama Advocacy and Organizing Institute
The Advocacy Institute in Alabama is a five-week annual program designed to provide practical, hands-on experience and training in the field of advocacy.
This institute is rooted in the belief that meaningful, transformative policy change is sustained by organized people, shared strategy and collective courage. Our program is designed to be an immersive learning experience in which participants develop the muscle for integrated advocacy. The Advocacy Institute in Alabama provides a leadership experience designed for community members, emerging leaders, advocates and organizers who are ready to deepen their skills and gain hands-on experience and training in the field of advocacy and organizing.
Participants will:
- Build shared analysis of systems shaping community conditions
- Strengthen grassroots organizing and base-building skills
- Learn to map power and develop strategic campaigns
- Explore collective resistance training and application
- Develop policy and advocacy strategies to influence decision-makers
- Collaborate with peers across regions and issue areas
- Design a community campaign or action plan as a capstone project
We invite individuals living in Alabama to apply. (Preference will be given to those organizing in rural communities.)
Participants in the Advocacy Institute are eligible for a stipend.
Application Deadline: May 8
Cohort members will participate in:
- Five in-person institute gatherings (June 13, June 27, July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1)
- Small-group collaboration and peer learning
- Independent assignments connected to campaign development
- Capstone presentations at the institute’s closing on Aug. 1