SPCS launches its latest professional certificate in grassroots lobbying & advocacy

The University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies has launched its latest professional education program, the Professional Certificate in Grassroots Lobbying & Advocacy.

Individuals and organizations alike engage in grassroots lobbying and advocacy to motivate the public and help reform laws. Examples of the rich history of lobbying in the U.S. include the Love Canal Homeowners Association in the 1970s, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in the 1980s, and more recent efforts by groups like Black Lives Matter, the Sierra Club, Moms Demand Action and AARP.

Grassroots lobbying and advocacy, in contrast to direct lobbying, generally focuses on stimulating the politics of specific communities by impacting public opinion and encouraging public action.

The Grassroots Lobbying & Advocacy Professional Certificate consists of eight modules, delivered face-to-face over the course of a 12-week term. The program addresses the history of lobbying, the legislative process, key tactics for promoting different issues, building coalitions, relationship building and ethical concerns of lobbying.

Certificate earners will leave the program with the skills needed to step into grassroots lobbying or professional advocacy roles in most any field as well as the knowledge to support personal causes through grassroots lobbying or advocacy.

The Grassroots Lobbying & Advocacy Professional Certificate program is designed for state government employees planning a move to lobbying after retirement and for association professionals seeking an edge as they plan for career advancement opportunities. The program also addresses the needs of nonprofit professionals whose organizations focus on advocacy and of government affairs professionals.

Recent college graduates seeking an additional credential as they prepare for entry-level positions in lobbying or advocacy along with career switchers planning to enter the lobbying or advocacy fields will also find the program a good fit.

The professional certificate awards 72 contact hours, earning 7.2 CEUs (continuing education units). The professional certificate does not earn college credit.

The program is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort starting September 3, 2019, with a registration deadline of July 15. The cost for the inaugural program is $2,995, payable in full or in installments.

Additional details and the online application are available at spcs.richmond.edu/grassroots.