Collaborative advocacy training

The Collective advocacy training will enable new and existing artists to develop 1) A policy proposal that targets a criminal justice issue that uniquely impacts women of color in New York, and 2) A corresponding project or program proposal that will address the needs of the women who are impacted by the issue. Fellows will first be trained in a 5-day art and advocacy intensive course facilitated by the Broadway Advocacy Coalition and the Columbia Law School Center for Social and Institutional Change entitled Theater of Change. The process brings together high-level artists, law and policy students and experts, and directly impacted advocates to deepen connections and bridge gaps of disconnect and lack of understanding. Participants ultimately collaborate as equal partners and create art-based performance pieces that have an engagement strategy to target specific areas and policies. Next, fellows will receive training and mentorship relating to policy engagement, basic legal literacy, strategic networking, and fundraising. Training will be provided through a network of local and national organizations, activists, and grassroots organizers. Finally, fellows will develop hands-on organizing experience, as they organize the conference ending the training, where they will present their final proposal for an art project or program, and their corresponding public policy proposals.