Join us for a day focused on the importance of advocacy that will include educational and networking opportunities, as well as the launch of our Connecticut Speaks Up, a campaign encouraging all nonprofits to speak with their elected officials about the importance of our sector and those we serve.

You’ll hear from Deb Heinrich, Nonprofit Liaison to the Governor about the importance of speaking up and how we can all work together to strengthen the essential partnership between the state and nonprofits.

The day will also include a valuable networking session with several state agency commissioners. Those confirmed to date include:

• Commissioner Leo Arnone, Department of Correction (DOC)
• Commissioner Roderick Bremby, Department of Social Services (DSS)
• Commissioner Terry Macy, Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Commissioner Pat Rehmer, Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS)
• Commissioner Kevin Sullivan, Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
• Deputy Commissioner Janice Gruendel, Department of Children & Families (DCF)
• Bill Carbone, Executive Director, Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division (CSSD)

We’ll have skill builder sessions focused on giving a variety of staff and board members the skills and confidence they need to make their voice heard. Four concurrent breakouts will focus on:

• Communications and working with the press
• • This panel discussion will include insights from 3 veteran reporters and a highly respected nonprofit media consultant
• Tips for positioning your advocacy activities to get funded
• • This panel discussion will include input from 2 foundations and a knowledgeable development consultant.
• An executive director/policy director roundtable dedicated to discussing advanced strategies for the upcoming session.
• The basic how-to’s of advocacy to help even those most unfamiliar with advocacy be confident in their knowledge of the process. 

Advocacy Day 2012 – CT Speaks Up is a great opportunity to engage all levels of staff in advocacy, including executive directors, policy and communications staff, development staff and direct care workers who are on the front lines and can engage clients and consumers in the advocacy process.