Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.’s Post

This is such important and misunderstood work. If you're unfamiliar, get informed on the issues and learn how to support at https://lnkd.in/gVX-BVv6

💰SEAL partner The Education Trust–West shared 5 things advocates should know about California’s 2024-25 state budget proposal(s) and process: 1. The budget process provides multiple opportunities for advocacy 2. Advocates have a crucial role to play in budget advocacy in a deficit year 3. The governor’s 2024-25 state budget proposal includes funding for some important ongoing investments 4. The current budget proposal includes a few notable policy changes and critical implementation funding, especially in TK-12 schools 5. Some elements in the governor’s proposed budget are cause for concern for education equity advocates Read more: https://bit.ly/442EjVS #CABudget

Opening it up to the floor, primarily (but not exclusively) for my litigator friends. I am co-chairing an Advocacy Hour for The Advocates' Society on October 31st on the topic of Managing Stage Fright. Do any of you advocates suffer from nervousness or anxiety when it comes to oral advocacy? If so, what are the main sources of your anxiety? Fielding questions from the bench on a motion or trial? Not being as confident as you'd like about the area of the law at issue? Worried about dealing with aggressive counsel on the other side? What are some tips and tricks that you use to help combat these sorts of feelings? All of these topics and more to be discussed at the seminar, which you can sign up for at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gHaxSwEW

Did you know that in Illinois the courts (including the Juvenile Detention Centers) are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act? As the most powerful branch of government, it is past time to shine a light on the judicial branch, to ensure the courts (and Juvenile Detention Centers) are upholding the principles of equity, accountability and efficacy. And yet after two years of trying, our lawmakers continue to block even a hearing on why it's so important to move the courts - and how they operate - out of the shadows. When they won't give you a hearing in Springfield, take the hearing to the people! I hope you'll join us for an important conversation that impacts us all. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gFF8eRHq “Every day, thousands of people enter courthouses across Illinois seeking justice. They might be asking for protection from an abuser, fighting to keep their home, working to keep custody of their children, or navigating a criminal case as a victim or a defendant [They might be a child being held at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center]. We know the court system has historically favored people with wealth and racial privilege and disproportionately harmed those without. But we can only fight for a more fair and just court system if we have complete information about the workings of the courts. Without transparency, it’s impossible to have true accountability.” - Jonah Newman, Injustice Watch #transparency #accountability #courtsmatter #justice Briana Payton Jonah Newman Curtis J. Tarver II Bradly Johnson MPA Adam M. Alonso

Knowledge is power, and understanding the impact of legislation on marginalized populations is crucial. Check out this article from the University of Pennsylvania to learn how Act 135 could affect vulnerable communities, particularly in Philadelphia. Dive into the disparities and unintended consequences of Act 135 and gain valuable insights on how to support and advocate for vulnerable communities. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUj6Kx #Act135

TOMORROW | 2PM CT - In this webinar, NALCAB's Policy team will discuss how the New Year will fare in terms of housing, small business, and financial services legislation. If you want to learn more about policy changes and advocacy opportunities in 2024 that support Latino communities, tune in and register today: https://smpl.is/8jis2

Attention Florida Managers! 🎺 Are you aware of the changes coming in July? If not, or even if you do, this session is sure to provide great information.

The Gilbert Advocacy Competition is a law school competition like no other! I learned so much about all the hard work that goes into solving policy issues. It challenged my ability to analyze legislative schemes and to craft effective solutions to underlying policy. It also sharpened my skills as an advocate. The entire experience was as real-world and practical as it gets. I'm so grateful and honored to have participated in the innagural cohort of competitors. If you are a law student who wants to impact policy during your career, or if you simply want to learn more about it, check out this program!

History in the making! The BCAS successfully convened the Global Strategic Litigation and Advocacy event during the third session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. The event, held in Geneva on April 16, 2024, brought together an international cadre of lawyers, academics, activists and other civil society actors from 20 countries, culminating in the announcement of the Global Strategic Litigation and Advocacy Network. The network aims to champion systemic change through legal avenues to secure reparations and promote equity for people of African descent worldwide. “After a decade, our persistent calls for reparations continue to be overlooked. The old ways of requesting reparations have not worked. It is not enough to ask those who oppress us to right their wrongs; we must demand it, enforce it through the power of strategic litigation paired with relentless advocacy” Nicholas Marcus Thompson CEO, BCAS. Interested individuals and organizations around the world can join the network here: https://lnkd.in/eAtTbsag Learn more https://lnkd.in/epyBvFzw

The race to pass legislation supporting small businesses is heating up! While politicians often praise small businesses as the backbone of the economy, passing common-sense policies can be challenging due to the hurdles in Springfield. To navigate these challenges, consistent advocacy and grassroots engagement are key. Read Elliot Richardson latest Daily Herald article to learn how we're leveling the playing field for small businesses: https://bit.ly/3nEdZvf