Nonprofits In an Age of Policy Change: Training Program
Nonprofits In an Age of Policy Change is a part-time, unpaid virtual program designed to support subject matter experts and nonprofit advocates in developing and updating their policy advocacy strategy following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision overturning Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. That court decision empowered courts to overturn the judgment of agency experts and decide for themselves the scope of agencies’ power to make and enforce regulations. As a result, outside advocates of all stripes need training to play a critical role going forward as experts in court proceedings involving agency decisionmaking.
This short course will introduce less-experienced policy advocates to a framework for thoughtfully creating an advocacy plan in light of changes to the federal policy ecosystem. The course will also help advocates develop the skills they need to more effectively participate in the policy process. Strong applicants will have professional experience working in the nonprofit space, and will be involved or potentially involved in helping their nonprofit shape their policy advocacy strategy in this new environment. Past policy experience is not required; this course likely will be too advanced for professional policy practitioners.
This course will cover topics such as:
- The state of regulatory advocacy after Chevron, and techniques for developing advocacy plans in light of these changes;
- New avenues for advocacy post-Chevron, such as with state and local governments; and
- Communications skills to help outside experts navigate this new frontier, including by serving as outside experts in court proceedings and testimony before Congress.
Before applying, please carefully review the Nonprofits In an Age of Policy Change details and eligibility below, and review the Short Course frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
Application Deadline
Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11:59pm PT
Timeline
October 22 – December 8, 2024: Application window is open.
By mid-December 2024: Participants are notified of their acceptance.
January 13-17, 2025: Nonprofits In an Age of Policy Change runs, with daily sessions from 8:30 – 10:30am PT / 11:30am – 1:30pm ET
Eligibility
We are looking for nonprofit professionals who are interested in learning about policy impact and advocacy. Strong applicants will have professional experience working in the nonprofit space and will be involved or potentially involved in helping their nonprofit shape their policy advocacy strategy in this new environment. Past policy experience is not required; this course likely will be too advanced for professional policy practitioners.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and must be participating in their personal capacity. Because this program is for people who want to impact US policymaking, successful applicants must either live or be able to work in the United States.
Applicants must be able to commit to 5 daily 2-hour virtual sessions during the course dates, as well as preparing several policy communications assignments outside of class.
Where and When
This virtual course is scheduled for January 13-17, 2025.
Participants will attend daily 2-hour sessions from 8:30 – 10:30am PT / 11:30am – 1:30pm ET.