This summer, OHI will be offering 2 mini advocacy training series. Both are virtual, totally free, and are open to all Open Hearts members. Folks are welcome to participate in one or both of these series! See below for descriptions and dates of the two training series.

Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics

2 evening sessions on Zoom, 2 hours each

Tuesday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 15

6:30pm-8:30pm

Topics covered:

• The evidence for why homelessness is a housing problem

• History of homelessness in NYC

• Different types of shelter and housing

• Who has power over homelessness and housing in NYC?

• How shelters and supportive housing sites get approved and built

This training might be a good fit for you if: You don't know a lot about homelessness, and you want to build that foundational knowledge in order to be a more confident advocate. 

Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills

2 evening sessions on Zoom, 2 hours each

Monday, August 11 and Monday, August 18

6pm-8pm

Topics covered:

• Having difficult conversations about homelessness with other housed neighbors

• Speaking up at Community Board meetings

• Lobbying elected officials

This training might be a good fit for you if: You already have some knowledge about homelessness, and you want to learn and practice different tactics to advocate for housing and shelters in your neighborhood and for city- and state-level policies to reduce homelessness.

Sign up using the button below! Questions? Email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.