Name: From Advocacy to Action: Public Policy, Lobbying, and Engaging Decision-Makers
Start: 2026-09-29T15:30:00-0700
End: 2026-09-29T17:00:00-0700

This year’s conference honors the people who built this movement, and the people continuing to carry it forward. For generations, survivors, advocates, organizers, and community members have created safety, support, and change together. Their lived experience, knowledge, and care have shaped this work from the very beginning. Join us for two days of connection, learning, and envisioning what’s possible when we build safety, healing, and belonging together.

Speaker and workshop announcements coming soon! For more information, please see our FAQ page or contact us at [email protected].

For more information about the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, visit our website.

From Advocacy to Action: Public Policy, Lobbying, and Engaging Decision-Makers

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Have you wanted to use your voice to help leaders and legislators better understand what survivors truly need? Are you unsure whether your staff can engage in lobbying? This session will help answer those questions and learn how!

Whether you are new to policy advocacy or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will explore the fundamentals of public policy, the differences between education and lobbying, and the important role domestic violence and sexual assault programs play in informing policy decisions.

Building beyond the basics, participants will take a deeper dive into lobbying laws and permissible advocacy activities. Learn effective strategies for engaging local, state, and federal policymakers, preparing for legislative meetings, building long-term relationships with decision-makers, and identifying opportunities to influence policy year-round. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of both the "why" and the "how" of policy engagement, along with practical tools to confidently navigate public policy work within their professional roles.

Who is the primary audience for this workshop? (I am not sure of the norms how this is answered or if there are specific categories) Anyone interested in public policy

Speakers

Roshelle Cleland

Director of Public Policy, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Roshelle Cleland is the Director of Public Policy at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Prior to joining the coalition, she served as Director of Advocacy & Education at the Lutheran Community Services Northwest, where she led Spokane County’s... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic systems advocacy, public policy, sexual assault, managers & directors, domestic violence

We Are the Movement: 2026 WSCADVSA Conference

Roshelle Cleland

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We Are the Movement: 2026 WSCADVSA Conference

Roshelle Cleland

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