About This Event

Program Overview
The Constitutional Advocacy Academy is a year-long leadership and advocacy experience designed to equip engaged citizens with the knowledge and skills to influence public policy effectively and lawfully. Through monthly classes, participants learn the constitutional foundations of advocacy, how the legislative process really works, and how to communicate persuasively with elected officials at the federal and state levels. Participants gain practical tools for grassroots engagement, legislative meetings, and community leadership—empowering them to serve as informed, credible, and effective advocates for the issues that matter most to them.

SESSION 2: How Laws Really Get Made Most Americans remember the basics of lawmaking from Schoolhouse Rock — but the real process in Washington is far more complex. In this practical, behind-the-scenes webinar, we go beyond the textbook version to explore how legislation actually moves through Congress, how negotiations shape outcomes, and where the most important decisions truly happen.

Participants will gain a real-world understanding of how bills are introduced, debated, amended, negotiated, and ultimately passed — or stalled — within today’s political and procedural environment. We’ll also unpack the role of committees, congressional schedules, and budget tools like reconciliation that often determine whether legislation succeeds or fails.

By the end of the class, participants are prepared to: Describe the formal and informal steps of the federal legislative process, identify key congressional schedules, calendars, and work periods, explain the role and influence of powerful congressional committees AND understand how amendments, negotiations, and reconciliation shape final legislation.

Whether you’re an engaged citizen, advocate, or simply want to better understand how decisions affecting your community are made, this session offers practical insight into the legislative process as it really works.

Can’t attend live?
All registered participants will receive a recording of the webinar after it concludes.

Upcoming Event