The NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp (ATBC), held at the annual NDSC Convention, helps parents, professionals, and self-advocates at all levels build their advocacy skills and confidence. Learn how advocacy works, hear real stories from experienced advocates, and pick up practical tips to engage with legislators effectively.
9th Annual Advocacy Training Boot Camp
The NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp (ATBC), held at the annual NDSC Convention, helps parents, professionals, and self-advocates at all levels build their advocacy skills and confidence. Learn how advocacy works, hear real stories from experienced advocates, and pick up practical tips to engage with legislators effectively.
Advocacy Training Boot Camp is designed especially for beginning advocates and is free with your NDSC Convention registration. It is open to advocates of all abilities, including self-advocates, and offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and get involved.
While registering for ATBC is encouraged, it is not required. This session is a great way to start building your advocacy skills and connect with others who are passionate about making a difference.
You can add ATBC during your NDSC Convention registration. If you have already registered and would like to add it, please return to your registration portal or contact info@ndsccenter.com for assistance.
When: Friday, July 24, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Bonnett Creek VII – IX
8th Annual Advocacy Training Boot Camp
- Engaging Policy Makers with Your Story
- Jawanda Mast, NDSC Grassroots Advocacy Manager - Kansas
- Hannah LaCour, NDSC Board Member, Self-Advocate, & NDAC Member - Louisiana
- Empowering Advocacy: Harnessing AI for Impact
- Julie Gerhart Rothholz, Parent Advocate & NDAC member - Pennsylvania
- Evan Rothholz, Self-Advocate & NDAC Member - Pennsylvania
- Enabling Connections: How you can build and sustain relationships with elected officials
- Tanya Chavez, Program Director, Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
- Five Ways to Engage Diverse Populations
- Magaly Diaz, NDSC Multicultural Coordinator - Texas
- Crystal Lotterberry, Co-Founder/Vice President at Black Down Syndrome Association, Parent & NDAC Member - Texas
- Using Social Media to Advocate for People with Disabilities
- Jillian Benfield, Author, Parent, & NDAC Member - Florida
- Next Steps: Q&A
- Heather Sachs, NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director - Maryland
7th Annual Advocacy Training Boot Camp
- Engaging Policy Makers with Your Story
- Jawanda Mast
- Jessie Smart
- The Nuts and Bolts of State Advocacy
- Adrian Forsythe
- Liz Zogby
- Engaging People of Color in Policy Advocacy
- Brandicus Coleman
- Steve Freeman
- Pivot: Seizing the Opportunity
- Cindy Liu
- Kelly Kulzer Reyes
- State Advocacy Case Study
- Jon Meyers
- Next Steps: Q&A
- Heather Sachs
