Course Overview: This course covers both conceptual and practical advocacy skills required to create change in the fields of energy, climate change, and sustainability. A truly interdisciplinary course, it is suitable for students interested in Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Government, and Communications. Most public policy courses focus on content areas such as natural resources or renewable energy. This course presents the more practical side of how to effectively communicate and advocate in the current political climate. A core element of the course is team projects where students create a campaign on an environmental issue of their choice. The timing of the course coincides with the 131^st Maine Legislature, when new legislation on energy and environmental issues are being discussed. Students will use this opportunity to understand what drives public policy, apply analytical tools, and draft and deliver testimony to legislative committees. These skills are essential for those who would like to pursue social change, public policy, government, and/or environmental issues as part of their career path.

Learning Objectives:

1. Create a power map of stakeholders as a foundation for advocacy and organizing.
2. Design an advocacy plan that accounts for how values, worldview and biases influence political positions.
3. Identify and analyze stakeholders, markets & decisionmakers
4. Frame and communicate an issue so it appeals to what people care about
5. Understand Maine’s Legislative process and where it fits in the spectrum of social change
6. Create a clear and impactful message through written and oral presentations.
7. Draft and deliver testimony to policy decision makers (Legislative Committees, State Agencies, Public Utilities Commission, Governor, etc.)