ADVOCACY & STORYTELLING TRAININGS
An essential piece of Voices’ theory of change is bringing the voices of young people and their allies to the halls of power. Our legislative processes are meant to be public spaces, but too often, they feel elusive, exclusive, and inaccessible to everyday people.
We are working to change that through our trainings and webinars.
Our goal is to break down barriers, demystify the legislative process, welcome people into the space, and equip them with practical tools, real-world examples, and meaningful connections to civically engage in ways that work for them. We cannot create a thriving Virginia for our young people and families without our young people and families at the table.
FREE VIRTUAL WEBINARS
We host a variety of free virtual webinars starting in the fall and leading up to the General Assembly Session in January. These free 60-minute webinars prepare community members to advocate, share their stories, and engage with legislators during the legislative session and beyond.
Advocacy & Storytelling 101 equips community members, service providers, youth leaders, advocates, and partner organizations with the foundational skills to engage confidently in Virginia’s legislative and budget processes while using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, healing, and systems change.
RegisterAdvocacy & Storytelling 101 equips community members, service providers, youth leaders, advocates, and partner organizations with the foundational skills to engage confidently in Virginia’s legislative and budget processes while using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, healing, and systems change.
RegisterTestify with Impact prepares community members, advocates, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in the legislative process by providing testimony on bills and budget amendments that impact their communities.
RegisterAdvocacy & Storytelling 101 equips community members, service providers, youth leaders, advocates, and partner organizations with the foundational skills to engage confidently in Virginia’s legislative and budget processes while using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, healing, and systems change.
RegisterThis hands-on training introduces community members, advocates, and emerging leaders to the features and functions of LIS and shows how it can support their advocacy efforts.
RegisterParticipants will learn how to craft persuasive testimony, incorporate personal stories and community experiences, present data effectively, and respond to questions from lawmakers.
RegisterAdvocacy & Storytelling 101 equips community members, service providers, youth leaders, advocates, and partner organizations with the foundational skills to engage confidently in Virginia’s legislative and budget processes while using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, healing, and systems change.
RegisterCommunity Voices at the Capitol equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to engage throughout the legislative session in ways that align with their interests, strengths, and availability.
RegisterPRIVATE & CUSTOMIZED SESSIONS
We are honored to receive so many requests for customized sessions tailored to different audiences, formats, timeframes, and delivery styles, including virtual and in-person options.
To better support the growing demand for these trainings, we have introduced a formal request process, along with an updated and flexible pricing structure that can be adjusted based on the scope and needs of each session.
Based on your request, organizational budget, and training delivery style, Voices will draft a formal proposal with pricing.
Schedule an interest meeting with Cat Atkinson, Director of Engagement, to discuss your organization’s goals and training needs.
Contact CatEQUITY PRICING
We recognize that organizations and community groups come to this work with different levels of resources. Our fee schedule makes trainings accessible to smaller organizations while asking larger organizations to invest more in sustaining this service.
This approach ensures that advocacy and storytelling trainings are available to all groups working for change, regardless of size.
This fee schedule applies to a basic, pre-designed 60-minute virtual training. Any customized session beyond a 60-minute virtual training is subject to fee adjustments, including additional travel fees based on location for in-person sessions.
| Organizational Budget | Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $500,000 | $75 |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | $200 |
| $1M to $5M | $350 |
| $5M and larger | $525 |
TRAINING OFFERINGS
Below are our current offerings, which can be customized to best serve your community and organizational goals.
Advocacy & Storytelling 101 is a dynamic 60-minute introductory training designed to equip community members, service providers, youth leaders, advocates, and partner organizations with the foundational skills to engage confidently in Virginia’s legislative and budget processes using storytelling as a tool for advocacy, healing, and systems change.
This session demystifies how policy decisions are made and offers practical strategies for influencing decision-makers at the state and systems level. Participants will explore how personal stories and lived experiences can shift public narratives, challenge harmful stereotypes and misinformation, and center the voices of those most impacted by policy decisions affecting children, youth, and families.
By the end of the session, participants will walk away with a clearer understanding of their power in the policymaking process and actionable steps to begin or strengthen their advocacy.
Advocacy 201 is an advanced, interactive training designed for partners ready to deepen their influence and engage more strategically in the commonwealth’s policy landscape. Building on foundational advocacy skills, this workshop equips participants with practical, action-oriented tools to drive policy change across the full legislative cycle, from community engagement and coalition building to power mapping, legislative strategy, and compelling public testimony.
Advocacy 201 is our most customizable training experience. We partner closely with organizations, coalitions, and community members to tailor the workshop to their unique priorities, advocacy goals, and ongoing campaigns, ensuring participants leave with strategies and tools that are immediately relevant and actionable.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Join an upcoming public training or connect with Voices to discuss a customized session for your organization, coalition, or community group.