After a very successful Pragmatic Activism Cohort Pilot in 2022, the Grunin Foundation, in collaboration with The People’s Lobbyist, is thrilled to offer our 2nd in-depth Pragmatic Activism Cohort for those who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties! The Cohort will allow for up to 30 members.
This program will teach nonprofits and businesses the importance of advocacy and how they can get involved. The cohort will be led by The People’s Lobbyist®, Orville Morales, who teaches Pragmatic Activism using a six-phase approach:
Why We Exist
We believe that we cannot change people we disagree with until we face them. We work with folks who consider themselves invested agents who care about their impact in the world and are willing to speak their minds through their presence at work, in their neighborhoods, and beyond.
Who We Are
We are a consulting firm whose purpose is to inspire people to see how their actions have an impact on others.
What We Do
Our goal is to help people and organizations maintain a long-term commitment towards the social good, ensuring you are part of the broader, more public dialogue around topics you care about and allow for nuance and complexity to conversations and debates.
Pragmatic Activism
A strategic approach to social change that allows for intentional and reasonable action that is sustainable over time.
Wednesday, March 15th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 1 & 2)
Phase 1: Where You Stand
We provide a pair of assessments to get a
sense of who you are, what you believe, and
explore the kinds of actions towards social
good you have done in the past or are willing
to move forward.
Phase 2: Tree of Influence
We facilitate a discussion to explore who
you can influence via public policy as an
advocate in your region. This workshop
includes a deep analysis of the various levels
of the government in the region and their
prevailing priorities of the day.
Wednesday, April 12th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 3 & 4)
Phase 3: Other Voices in the Field
You are not alone in your region, so we
explore the other voices you must listen to
and consider when taking action. This
session includes exploring how these voices
advocate on behalf of issues important to
them.
Phase 4: Timing of Influence
Explore the timing of opportunities for
change in your region and identify the
action steps necessary to make the most of
that timing.
Wednesday, May 24th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 5 & 6)
Phase 5: Public Engagement
We will facilitate a discussion to prepare
you to begin talking about your efforts and
develop action steps for you to get started
in your pragmatic activism.
Phase 6: Triage of
Engagement
This session is all about planning, executing,
and troubleshooting public engagement if
things go wrong. But, ultimately, this phase
is about putting it all together and
providing a road map that can protect your
journey from negative fallout.
To learn more, visit: https://www.pragmatic-activism.com/
Who is the Pragmatic Activism Cohort for?
The cohort will accept up to 30 individuals who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, based on an application process.
When will the Pragmatic Activism Cohort take place?
The training will take place over three sessions – with attendance required.
Location (in-person with a hybrid option via Zoom):
NJ City University @ Fort Monmouth
Squier Hall
283 Sherrill Avenue
Oceanport NJ, 07757
For directions, CLICK HERE
Session Dates/Times:
Wednesday, March 15th, 9AM – 3PM
Wednesday, April 12th, 9AM – 3PM
Wednesday, May 24th, 9AM – 3PM
Breakfast & lunch will be provided at each session.
Who will be leading the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
Orville Morales, The People’s Lobbyist®
To learn more about Orville, CLICK HERE.
How do I apply to be part of the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
To apply to be a part of the cohort, please click here to complete this brief application by Wednesday, March 8th.
Notifications to those accepted into the cohort will be made no later than Friday, March 10th.
What if my application is not accepted into the cohort of 30?
We will be doing additional cohorts in the future and will put together a wait list based on applications this time around. If you are not in the spring 2023 cohort, we will be in communication about future opportunities.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
Absolutely not! We are so grateful to those giving of their time to participate in the cohort. Those who are accepted into and participate in the program will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card* as an acknowledgement of their commitment.
Is there a way to learn more before I apply?
Of course! On Wednesday, March 1st via Zoom we will be hosting a breakfast panel session from 11:30am to 1:00pm. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.
We’re looking forward to this next Pragmatic Activism Cohort, with more to come in the future!
*Important Note: Awards/Gifts/Stipends (cash and non-cash) that equal or exceed $600 per calendar year, are reportable to the IRS. This payment may be taxable. Please consult your tax advisor. we request all participants submit a W9 regardless of total compensation.