MCCD Policy & Advocacy Training Expands to Greater Minnesota!
While the work of the Minnesota legislature impacts everyone, advocating at the State Capitol can feel intimidating. But input from local leaders in nonprofit affordable housing and small business development is essential to securing policies that advance racial and economic justice statewide.
That’s why, every year, MCCD hosts a Policy and Advocacy Training to invite, inform and inspire more people to get involved in the advocacy process.
When I started at MCCD, there were no resources to help new advocates prepare to testify and feel comfortable delivering their expertise to lawmakers. So, based on the lessons learned by our policy staff, MCCD decided to put on a one-of-a-kind policy and advocacy training that helps participants navigate the Capitol. Our annual training gives attendees a chance to hear from legislative leaders, take a “behind the scenes” tour, and practice testifying in an actual hearing environment.
This year we held our third annual training at the Capitol in advance of the 2025 legislative session and, as MCCD officially expands our policy and membership work statewide, we took our training on the road to Bemidji and Mankato!
We know how hard it can be to participate in the advocacy process in the middle of winter when you live more than three hours away. But as the legislature provides more options for people to watch or testify in hearings over Zoom, we wanted to help our peers and partners feel just as connected to the process without having to physically be at the Capitol all the time.
Between the three trainings we had more than 60 participants and just like in past years, we received tremendous feedback.
“It was educational and helpful to hear from lawmakers and the testimony practice was a great way to get my ideas on print and practice with feedback.” – Bemidji Training Participant
“This was so useful to be able to visit the places I may end up at in the future! It was such an eye-opening experience. To be able to network with like-minded people is always so valuable. ” – Capitol Training Participant
“The content and delivery of this session were fantastic. I loved that there was no slideshow, just the handout, opportunity to practice, and support each other.” – Mankato Training Participant
In fact, 86% of participants who filled out our survey said the training was better than they expected.
Want to stay updated on our advocacy efforts? Sign up for our e-news or get in touch with us directly:
Kari Johnson, Director of State Policy: kjohnson@mccdmn.org
Kelly Law, Policy and Field Building Advisor: klaw@mccdmn.org
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and BlueSky for more updates.
Thank you to our partners in Greater Minnesota for helping to Co-Host the Mankato and Bemidji trainings, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership in Mankato and Northwest Minnesota Foundation in Bemidji, we could not have done these trainings without you!
And, thank you to our generous sponsors who made these trainings possible:
Photos by Queerly Beloved Co. LLC
