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Community Advocacy Workshop

  • Merced County Library Gracey Room Merced, CA 95340 USA (map)

Community Advocacy Workshop

Module 1 – Crafting Powerful Messages
Saturday, September 6, 2025 • 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Gracey Room, Merced County Library (Merced, CA)

• Also available live via Zoom
(See map, add to calendar: Google / ICS)

What to Expect

This interactive, community-centered workshop is the kick-off session in our “Message Makeover Month.” You’ll learn to craft advocacy messages using ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic)—the foundational tools of persuasion. This session builds skills to empower you to speak up and make a difference.

Two Ways to Join

Option A: Live + Zoom (Synchronously)

  • Participate live in person or online via Zoom.

  • Engage in hands-on activities and real-time feedback:

    • Review and analyze examples of advocacy messaging.

    • Draft and refine your own message with peer and facilitator input.

    • Vote in live polls and share your ideas.

  • Access downloadable session handouts and resources.

  • Option to submit your final message for the “Most Persuasive Message” contest.

  • Opportunity to share your reflections through our feedback form.

Option B: Asynchronous Online Engagement

  • Watch the recorded workshop and review all materials at your convenience.

  • Complete an interactive “Message Makeover” quiz—receive instant feedback on your messaging.

  • Join the conversation on Padlet: post your message, comment on others, and build community.

  • Submit your message via our online form to enter the “Most Persuasive Message” contest.

  • Share your thoughts on the session using the feedback form.

Workshop Objectives & Format

Learning Goals:

  • Develop persuasive advocacy messages that incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos.

  • Practice crafting concise, engaging messages that resonate with your target audience.

  • Gain confidence in sharing your message and receiving thoughtful critique.

Session Components:

  1. Mini-Lesson & Message Analysis

    • Watch a video focused on persuasive messaging.

    • In pairs or small groups, identify instances of ethos, pathos, and logos. Discuss which elements stand out and why they work.

  2. Persuasive Speaking Role-Play (15 minutes)

    • Prep (3 mins): Form pairs and assign real-world advocacy scenarios (e.g., fair housing, accessible parks, mental health support).

    • Role-play (6 mins): Each participant delivers a 2–3 minute persuasive pitch.

    • Debrief (3 mins): Reflect on which rhetorical strategies resonated and how the experience felt.

  3. Message Crafting & Contest

    • Use a worksheet to guide your process:

      • Identify your core message, your audience, and your desired outcome.

      • Write a concise advocacy message using ethos, pathos, and logos.

    • Submit your message for our “Most Persuasive Message” contest. Judging will consider:

      • Use of rhetorical appeals (3 = all present, 2 = partial, 1 = weak)

      • Clarity & focus (3 = clear/focused, 2 = mostly, 1 = unclear)

      • Real-world relevance (3 = strong tie, 2 = general, 1 = weak)

      • Mechanics (3 = error-free, 2 = some errors, 1 = many errors)

What Comes Next?

Stay connected for Module 2: Talking to Local Leaders, scheduled for October 4. We’ll shift focus to building confidence and strategic messaging when engaging with public officials and community decision-makers.

How to Help Us Share This Event:

Next
October 4

Talking to Local Leaders