© 2024 Missouri Foundation for Health
© 2024 Missouri Foundation for Health
While in Jefferson City for two days, attendees walked through the Missouri state legislative process by touring the Capitol building, studying policymaking, and taking part in a mock legislative meeting to put their knowledge to the test.
“The Capitol can be such a daunting and intimidating place to be – this training really helped to demystify the Capitol for me and prepped me to step foot confidently into the building next session,” said summer session participant Bridget Gittemeier, Advocacy Manager at the Missouri Council on Aging.
The workshop brought together a cohort of cross-sector Missouri advocates. In August, we welcomed housing justice organizers, adjunct professors, and family physicians, to name a few, all interested in learning how advocacy can be used to achieve health equity. During the training, participants were encouraged to relate the lessons to their organization’s mission. In doing so, they identified valuable connection points between their work and that of other participants.
Trainers facilitated discussions on how to use mutual interests to collaborate for legislative wins. A highlight of the training was when advocates got the opportunity to shape policy recommendations that spanned various pressing issues across Missouri, from affordable housing and elder care to disability rights.
Activities of the day wrapped with ways to engage lawmakers. Advocates learned best practices such as working with legislators’ administrative teams, incorporating policymakers into community events, and planning advocacy days at the Capitol. They used their new skills during the mock legislative meeting, where they crafted key messages, planned how to engage community stakeholders, and used research to build their case for a sample policy ask. During the activity, the facilitator acted as the state representative, challenging advocates to answer tough questions about financial risks and feasibility of plans.
“Through the training, I was able to learn more about what my surrounding communities are working on,” said Tasha Skouby, Community Services Innovator at Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation, “I gained new contacts for my professional development goals that will help me better support our agency’s efforts.”
The Introductory Capitol Workshop continues to be a place of learning for changemakers looking to address and influence complex health and social issues. It is part of the Foundation’s Link Project, which launched in 2006 to help grantees and community partners better understand the state’s policymaking process.
To receive information on MFH’s policy work, sign up for our legislative updates. In this newsletter, we share key highlights from the state Capitol and opportunities to learn with advocates across Missouri.
