Policy Education Workshops & Training

For advocacy organizations and higher education institutions

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DC Policy Education Workshops

We want transformational change, but it's even harder to achieve when we truly don’t know how the government works.

1 in 4 Americans cannot name any of the branches of government.

1 in 4 Americans cannot name any of the branches of government.

Only 47% of U.S. adults could identify all 3 branches of government.

Only 47% of U.S. adults could identify all 3 branches of government.

THIS ISN'T OUR FAULT. Civic education has been on the decline since the 1960s. In fact, as of 2020, only 30 U.S. states require students to complete at least one semester of a civics course, while 11 states have no requirements for civics courses. And, to be honest, many political science majors in college are taught policy steeped in political theory rather than from a practitioner’s perspective.

This is one major reason why people and communities are frustrated with our government—they don’t know how to hold policymakers accountable besides voting. Young people want to discern and engage in policy but remain stuck in soundbite politics. Advocacy organizations execute organizing principles but lack key government affairs know-how to navigate Capitol Hill.

At Thrive Architects, we believe civic education is critical to any thriving policy effort.

Knowledge Wields

Thrive offers policy education workshops and training for various organizations, including advocacy organizations and higher education institutions.

Students, advocates, and community members who participate in our interactive, collaborative group workshops or engage in our one-on-one or small group skills development training:

  • Gain a nuanced understanding of federal policymaking from an experienced government affairs practitioner.
  • Approach advocacy from a critical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
  • Possess a toolkit of strategies to build advocacy plans, issue campaigns, and social movements.

We offer skills development training as a professional development resource for organizations' government affairs advocates.

Workshop topics range from, but are not limited to:

  • The legislative process
  • The appropriations process
  • Committee work
  • Constructing policy arguments

Skills development training includes, but is not limited to:

  • Relationship building
  • Legislative and regulatory research
  • Writing one-pagers
  • Analyzing and drafting bill summaries
  • Developing strategic plans
  • Drafting a bill
  • Negotiating legislative text
  • Hearing testimony preparation

Workshops for students & professionals, including:

  • A monthly series on policy education for community leaders and advocates
  • Orientation programs or coursework for college and university Washington DC programs
  • Prep meetings before high school students visit DC and head to Capitol Hill
  • Conference sessions during an annual summit for advocacy groups
  • Training for a Hill Day

"I felt so safe to ask questions and Dana answered them with diligence! She encouraged us to explore what we didn't know, remain humble about what we did, and engage with others. I truly know the legislative process more as a citizen and someone interested in working in D.C."

Gabriela V., Student at Baylor University

"Thrive Architects' workshops have become fundamental to Baylor in Washington's orientation program. Our students feel comfortable engaging without judgment, collaborating with their peers, and digesting theoretical concepts into practical examples. The content and facilitation are remarkable and really stand out from other expert-led seminars. Dana has become an amazing professional resource for our staff and students."

Mollie M., Director of Programming, Baylor in Washington

Have a conversation with us about what workshop or training would best meet your organization’s needs.

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