Skills workshops

Experienced professionals lead workshops on effective advocacy, promoting policy through working with various media types, working with communities, and other skills needed to have an impact on policy at the local, state, and federal levels. 

Kiff Hamp, League of Conservation Voters

Effective advocacy

Essential Steps & Strategies

League of Conservation Voters (LCV) senior staff discussed the steps to be an effective advocate at the local, state, or federal level and shared examples from successful LCV advocacy campaigns.
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Pitch Competition

Pitch Competition Workshop

Ford School students participating in the Pitch Competition learn presentation skills and develop their pitch.
Read more about our communication skills
Pitch Competition

Pitch Competition

Ford School students deliver short pitches highlighting their summer internship organization, policy interest areas, internship projects and policy impact, skills gained and takeaways as they move forward with their careers.
Watch the latest Pitch Competition
YOUNG LEADERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Community Partner Ja'Bree Harris

Ja'Bree J.A. Harris, Civic Engagement Manager for Detroit Action, discussed how his role provides opportunities to engage in the political process in order to craft policy, fight injustice, and promote equity.
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YOUNG LEADERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

State Representative Mari Manoogian

State Rep. Mari Manoogian shared her experience working across the aisle and serving in the Michigan House of Representatives as the youngest woman and the first Armenian-American woman.
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YOUNG LEADERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

State Representative Yousef Rabhi

State Rep. Yousef Rabhi shared his interesting political career path and his current role of House Democratic Floor Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives.
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Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton speaking with students
Conversations with policy professionals

Conversations Across Differences

Representatives Debbie Dingell (D) and Fred Upton (R) discussed how they work together across the aisle.
Doug Rothwell at blackboard with students
Conversations with policy professionals

Public-private partnerships

Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, discussed creating public-private partnerships to advance policy initiatives.
Mike Muse speaking at podium
Conversations with policy professionals

Pop culture influence

Mike Muse, a UM engineering alumnus turned media entrepreneur, spoke about the intersection between public policy/politics and pop culture.
Terry Kosdrosky speaking to an audience
Communication series

Getting it Right on Social Media

Terry Kosdrosky, UM Communications Manager for Public Engagement, lead a discussion and Q & A with Ford School Professor Justin Wolfers on his experience, success, and challenges using Twitter. Terry also presented on the importance of building a personal brand online utilizing different platforms - Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Communication series

Getting the Story Told & Working with the Media

Kristen Kerecman, Communications and Public Engagement Director and Lauren Slagter, Communications Specialist of U-M's Poverty Solutions shared their experiences on what makes a successful story and how to effectively pitch your story, work with reporters and prepare for interviews.
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Effective Advocacy Jennifer Martin
Effective Advocacy

Advocacy at all levels

Jenifer J Martin, J.D., former adjunct clinical instructor in the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, led participants through the steps essential for any effective advocacy strategy at the local, state, or federal level, with an emphasis on developing strategic written and oral communication skills.