AuSM Workshop: Policy Power – Advocacy Skills for an Inclusive Future
Date: Saturdays, March 15, 22, and 29,10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Presented by: Jillian Nelson (she/her)
Pricing: $59.99 (non-member), $49.99 (member), $39.99 (autistic individual)
Location: 2380 Wycliff St. #102, St. Paul, MN 55114
Dive into the world of civic engagement and disability advocacy in this dynamic, three-session course led by AuSM’s Policy Director. Tailored for adults with autism and their allies, this program welcomes participants from intersecting marginalized communities and will provide accommodations to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
The course begins with an exploration of disability history in the U.S., celebrating civil rights victories while identifying ongoing challenges in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and housing. Participants will collaborate on projects to envision policy changes and will gain an understanding of how ideas transform into laws.
Session 2 shifts to hands-on practice, where participants present individual ideas, form workgroups around shared goals, and draft mock legislation. They’ll also learn key advocacy skills, such as storytelling, meeting facilitation, and lobbying regulations.
In the final session, a current or former state legislator will join to provide real-world insights and feedback during mock meetings. Participants will leave with concrete advocacy tools, established coalitions, and actionable goals to drive future change for the disability community.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your civic journey, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a lasting impact.
Presenter
Jillian Nelson is a queer autistic adult from Saint Paul and is the full-time Community Resource and Policy Advocate for AuSM. Jillian is passionate about disability justice and teaching others to advocate for themselves, as well as reforming existing systems through legislation and advocacy to create a more equitable and accessible society for people with all types of disabilities. Jillian is a 2023-24 Humphrey Policy Fellow. She is passionate about diversity and intersectionality – and how that unfolds in the mosaic experience of people with disabilities.