Advocacy: Building Champions For A Collective Voice
An interactive, collaborative, and action-oriented workshop based on the recognition that poverty and hunger are symptoms of system failure, and that persons experiencing poverty and hunger have personal strengths to bring to the table. Participants will learn strategies for building effective coalitions comprising individuals facing food insecurity and allies who may be more food-secure.
Experienced and first-time advocates will move together through a review of basic advocacy principles, skill-building with tools that have been effective in Idaho, and success stories. Each participant will be challenged to develop an action plan to apply the day’s learning within his/her own organization or individual life.
Presenter: Christine Tiddens
As Policy Director, Christine educates the public and elected officials on issues related to financial security in Idaho and advocates for policies that improve the overall well-being of Idaho families and communities. For over seven years, she has filled a variety of roles related to public policy advocacy in Idaho, including coalition leader, community organizer, lobbyist and political strategist. Along with her work at the Idaho Asset Building Network, Christine is also an adjunct professor at Boise State University’s School of Social Work. She earned her Master's in Social Work degree from Boise State University and holds B.S. degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Idaho.
Presenter Jessica Sotelo
Jessica Sotelo is the founding Executive Director of Partners for Prosperity, a regional asset-building nonprofit in Idaho. P4P’s programs include financial and life skills education as well as policy advocacy to create long-term systemic change. In 2014 she led the effort to create the Idaho Asset Building Network with state leaders in the asset building field and is currently the co-chair of the steering committee. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the National Assets and Opportunities Network, as well as serving on several local and regional boards. In addition to her current work as a nonprofit Director, Jessica is a Certified Governance Trainer through BoardSource, specializing in helping other nonprofits build capacity—particularly asset building nonprofits. Jessica has a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. In 2000, she was awarded a Harry S Truman Scholarship.
