Advocacy Academy

The Challenge:

As part of the nation’s founding, Black Americans were, and in many ways continue to be, intentionally excluded from meaningful, transformative civic participation. As a result, many lack basic information about: 1) how the American political and civics systems works; and 2) how these systems are directly connected to their overall quality of life. Worse, some avoid civic or political engagement due to a belief that the system does not exist for their benefit; they operate under the mistaken belief that political and civic engagement will neither impact nor improve their daily lives. This lack of civic information and alienation from political processes contribute significantly to racially inequitable outcomes across a range of issues.

When it comes to racial disparities in voting rights, policing, housing and education, the challenges are many - and they're growing. Despite decades of civil rights advancement, our nation is once again at an inflection point. The next generation of advocates must be prepared to think critically and strategically about how to show up for community. 

CLSJ's Solution: Advocacy Academy

Advocacy Academy equips individuals and organizations who are committed to strengthening their communities with essential project development and fundraising skills.

Participants learn how to create detailed campaign plans, form compelling project pitches, design comprehensive project budgets and cultivate prospective stakeholders. More than 100 participants have already graduated from Advocacy Academy with skills needed to build the programs and services they want to transform their neighborhoods. Your support for this program would be deeply appreciated.