Event Date: 06.24.2021
Time: 3-4pm
Part of Mass Cultural Council’s Recover, Rebuild, Renew Series
The session will focus on a foundational understanding of Federal and State governments, government agencies that intersect with the arts and cultural community, and the legislative and budgetary process. We will use case studies to illustrate how to successfully engage in the legislative and budgetary process. Participants will receive training in composing testimony in support of legislation and developing talking points to advocate to elected officials. We will also introduce free tools to engage with the legislative process.
MASSCreative will provide two one-hour sessions focused on Federal and State Advocacy Basics. These will cover Federal and State lawmaking functions, the legislation and budget development process, advocacy opportunities to lawmakers, developing a public narrative of change and the rules of the road for 501(c)3 and advocacy.
Outcomes: At the end of this session, participants will be able to have a deeper knowledge of Federal and State Governments, including the roles and responsibilities of State Legislators, Cabinet Secretaries and State Agencies. Participants will also be able to articulate the process of a bill becoming a law and where in the process an individual can formally advocate in favor of or in opposition to the bill, have an advocacy strategy for their members of Congress and State Legislators, have a stronger understanding of what a 501(c)3 organization can and cannot do when advocating for policy or engaging in elections, and have a strategy to engage their organization’s board of directors, audiences and supporters in advocacy efforts.
Firm: MassCreative, Boston, MA
Content Experts: Emily Ruddock & Tri Vi Quach
Emily Ruddock brings 15 years of experience in strategic and management positions for non-profit arts organizations, including working as the first director of the City of Lynn’s Downtown Cultural District. Before joining MASSCreative in 2017, Ruddock was the artistic producer at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT), where she managed the day-to-day operations of the Artistic Department, including hiring, resource logistics, and budgeting for theatrical productions. She also developed and supervised MRT’s first education department-focused effort, strengthening partnerships with local social service organizations and schools. As director of Lynn’s Downtown Cultural District, Ruddock was highly regarded by city officials and local arts leaders for her leadership in coordinating arts and cultural organizations for neighborhood revitalization and economic development. Ruddock worked with elected city and state officials on a range of projects to promote downtown Lynn and the arts community, including drafting legislation establishing the city’s first Public Art Commission. She also organized and executed free public events featuring local arts and community groups.
Tri Vi Quach is a 20 plus years community organizer, educator and artist. His work has focused on the empowerment of students to be change agents in their communities. As director of the Coalition for Asian Pacific American Youth, he developed a curriculum that integrated anticolonial history, organizing practices, and using art for activism.
Auto-generated captions will be provided. If you have additional questions or to request additional accommodations to ensure your participation, please contact Michael Ibrahim.
