Montgomery County residents looking to champion community causes might just catch a break—applications are currently open for the Community Action Board's free Community Advocacy Institute (CAI). This training program, designed for households earning $67,000 or less, teaches the art of advocacy, touching on interacting with politicians, storytelling, researching, preparing testimony, and public speaking. The CAI kicks off its eight-month program in October, blending face-to-face and virtual sessions and includes English and Spanish resources, confirmed the Community Action Agency.
During the course of the training, participants are required to attend all sessions and complete a project showcasing their advocacy prowess, an understanding imparted by County Executive Marc Elrich who remarked, “Participating in the Community Advocacy Institute helps our residents to learn how to advocate for their communities effectively,” emphasizing the utility of such a program in local government and policy influence. Those interested need to leap at this chance before the closing date of August 9, there's an application waiting online at the Community Action Agency website for quick and easy access.
If making a difference is on your agenda, the CAI could be your gateway, since its inception in 2016 over 140 diligent individuals have walked out with diplomas in hand; these graduates have since sown their knowledge into the fabric of the County, brightening the corners of advisory groups and weaving their insights into the tapestries of nonprofit boards alongside bolstering vital campaigns for change. For program particulars and application requirements, steer towards the Community Action Agency website.
Should you hit a snag or have a burning question, the Community Action Agency stands ready at 240-777-1697 to clear the air, and if TTY users are seeking the same clarity, they're welcome to call Maryland Relay at 711.
