New Futures provides trainings for individuals and organizations who want to advocate for the health and wellbeing of New Hampshire residents.
Information to know:
- Participants must be interested in advocating for policies that improve the health and wellbeing of NH residents.
- Trainings can be in-person or virtual. The New Futures Training Room can accommodate up to 25 people. We also travel statewide to bring the training to you.
- Trainings are provided at no cost to nonprofits and individuals. Donations to offset training costs are accepted but entirely optional.
Advocacy 101
Advocacy is needed to help shape policies directly impacting our lives. This training teaches participants how to engage in state-level legislative advocacy efforts. It provides an overview of the NH state legislature and how a bill becomes a law, and discusses when and how to get involved by participating in public hearings, reaching out to legislators, using media, and other advocacy strategies. Participants leave feeling more empowered to take action and influence state policy-making decisions.
This training can be customized. During your consult, we develop a training plan that fits your group’s needs. (1-3 hour training)
- +30 minutes Lunch
- +1 hour NF-guided tour of the NH State House
- +30 minutes Guest Speaker(s) (NF Policy Specialist, legislator, experienced advocate, other)
- +varies Presentation on one or more of New Futures policy areas
The Power of Stories
Stories are powerful tools for change. Whether it's your own story, the story of someone you know, or stories you see in your professional role, stories are essential in influencing policy change. This training gives participants time to practice writing their own advocacy message using a story before reviewing different ways they can take action and advocate with that message. (1 hour training)
Legislative Events
Legislative events, such as breakfasts or open houses, are a great way to educate legislators on a specific issue or showcase an organization's work. This training provides practical advice for planning and hosting one of these events.. (30 min training)
NH Budget Process
A new state budget is passed every two years. This training reviews how the budget is developed, processed in the legislature, and implemented and how you can advocate for funding. (1 hour training)
Lobbying v. Advocacy
Non-profits must make considerations when advocating to comply with state and federal guidelines and their own funders. This training reviews how to navigate these considerations without sacrificing your advocate voice. (1.5 hour training)
Policy Presentation
New Futures policy specialists provide presentations related to their specific policy area. These are generally customized requests or add-ons to another training.
Policy areas include: Early Childhood, Children's Behavioral Health, Health Care Access, Healthy Aging, Substance Use Disorder, Public Health, and Alcohol and Other Drugs
Specialty Training
Technical assistance with advocacy efforts:
Social Media Consultation
Custom recommendations to increase the effectiveness of your organization’s social media, based on a review of your current social media presence by our Communications Team.
Legislative Event Assistance
Help for those who want to plan and host a legislative event. Includes an initial consultation, with optional additional support throughout planning and during the event.
Organizational Advocacy Consult
Discussion with an organization looking to increase their advocacy capacity. Includes an initial consultation, with potential additional follow-up meetings or trainings depending on identified needs.
Upcoming Trainings
Childhood Advocacy Fellowship
This fellowship will equip passionate advocates with the skills and knowledge to champion childcare issues effectively. Over six weeks, fellows will engage in comprehensive training, culminating in a meaningful visit to Concord to tour the State House and meet with State Legislators.
This fellowship is free to join and has limited slots. CEUs are available.
How to Make Change in NH -- Part 1
Monday, September 30, 4-5:30 PM
- Explore and develop a understandings of policy, advocacy, and advocating for policy change
- Discuss the NH legislature and what makes our state unique
- Describe the process of how a bill becomes a law in NH and identify when to advocate in that process
Child Care in NH
Monday, October 7, 4-5:30 PM
- Discuss the challenges facing child care professionals and families in NH and learn how policy can be used to improve the system
- Identify upcoming bills surrounding child care in the 2024-2025 legislative session and what is needed to turn those bills into laws.
Sharing Stories for Change – Strategic Messaging
Tuesday, October 15, 4-6 PM
- Explore how personal stories are powerful tools to influence policy change
- Participate in a Q&A with an “experienced advocate” guest speaker about their own experiences advocating for early childhood issues in the state
- Practice writing and sharing their own stories as part of a personalized advocacy message around childcare legislation
- Explore best practices for different ways to advocate on upcoming legislation, including testifying at a public hearing, calling a legislator, writing a Letter to the Editor, and more.
Communities in Action – Grassroots Engagement
Monday, October 21, 4-5:30 PM
- Learn what Grassroots Engagement is and how it can impact policy work
- Participate in a Q&A with an Expert guest speaker about their own experiences in grassroots engagement for early childhood issues in the state and how to participate in local power building
How to Make Change in NH – Part 2
Monday, October 28, 4-5:30 PM
- Delve deeper into NH legislative process, including the NH budget process
- Refine and practice child care strategic message
- Workshop a Personal Advocacy Piece - Testimony, Letter to the Editor, etc
Advocacy in Action
Monday, November 4, full day *in-person in Concord
- Take a tour of the State House
- Deliver personalized advocacy message during a mock public hearing
- Participate in a Q&A with NH State Legislators about their experience as legislators and what effective advocacy looks like to them
- Celebrate the completion of the fellowship!
This fellowship is brought to you by Partnership for Progress, New Futures, NH Association for the Education of Young Children (NHAEYC), MomsRising, and Save the Children Action Network (SCAN).
At this time, registration is FULL for the Fellowship! However, please add your name to our waitlist - if a spot opens up, we will contact names on the waitlist!
Start Date & Time
Mon, Sep 30, 2024, 4:00 PM
End Date & Time
Mon, Nov 04, 2024, 5:30 PM
Location
