Community Advocacy Workshop
Module 2 – Talking to Local Leaders
Saturday, October 4, 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 workshop invites you into a simulated local government setting—our Mock City Council—where you'll practice the art and strategy of crafting and delivering effective advocacy with public officials. Whether attending in person or online, you'll gain real-time experience and actionable feedback on building credibility and connection through your message.
Two Ways to Join
Option A: Live + Zoom (Synchronously)
Participate in our Mock City Council simulation onsite or via Zoom.
Engage in role-play as an advocate, council member, or community resident.
Receive live polling prompts and participate in breakout rooms to refine your message.
Deliver your speech to peers and facilitators, then receive immediate, guiding feedback.
Access session handouts, advocacy message guides, and revote on your refined pitch.
Option B: Asynchronous Online Engagement
View the pre-recorded Mock City Council session at your convenience.
Access downloadable materials including sample speeches and rhetorical frameworks.
Join the Role‑Play Quiz:
Choose your role—advocate, council member, or community resident.
Draft a response or speech in our Padlet board.
Read and comment on at least one other participant’s post, adopting your chosen role’s perspective.
Submit your speech via Google Form or Padlet for personal feedback and credit.
Workshop Objectives & Format
Learning Outcomes:
Deploy ethos, pathos, and logos effectively when addressing local government leaders.
Build trust and credibility (ethos), craft emotional resonance (pathos), and present clear logic and solutions (logos).
Adapt messaging to various contexts—whether speaking as a civic advocate, a policymaker, or a concerned resident.
Session Flow:
Introduction & Purpose
Overview of why local advocacy matters and how to frame messages for local officials.
Mock City Council Role‑Play
Participants choose roles and craft brief speeches or responses.
Breakout groups prepare and refine messaging; conduct live polls to choose the most compelling pitches.
Debrief & Reflection
Discuss what made certain messages resonate. Explore elements of credibility, emotional connection, and logical structure.
Asynchronous Extensions (Online‑Only)
Explore additional examples and messaging templates online.
Engage with peers through Padlet simulations.
Submit your refined speech to be reviewed.
What Comes Next?
Stay tuned for Module 3 – Planning Community Events, scheduled for November 1. In this session, you'll learn how to organize impactful community gatherings that support and amplify your advocacy efforts.
Help Us Spread the Word
Share the (https://zoom.us/j/99872658389?pwd=nDBzTKnuBoW96c0givrAOZ8euqraoU.1) or direct people to the event page.
Post our flyer (PDF/infographic) via social media or newsletters.
Encourage colleagues or community members who are passionate about civic change to attend.