Advocacy 101

 

Want to make a difference but unsure where to start? This concise 45-minute session will give you the tools and confidence to engage in advocacy efforts that matter to your business and your community.

Advocacy 101 is an informal, entry-level overview designed to demystify how to effectively advocate for policy change in North Dakota. We’ll explore the who, what, and how of advocacy—from identifying key decision-makers to understanding the best ways to influence outcomes, whether legislative session is on or you are in the interim/between sessions.

Learn the language of advocacy, when to engage, and how to amplify your voice throughout the policy cycle. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to get more confident in your approach, this session will provide foundational information to engage.

This session is perfect for those with no prior experience—being new is exactly the point.


Presenter:

• GNDC CEO & President: Arik Spencer

Arik brings more than 20 years of experience in government relations, public policy advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. His background includes operational planning, coalition building, and strategic engagement. Before GNDC, he served as Executive Vice President of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association and worked with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. Arik currently serves on several boards and committees focused on transportation and workforce safety across the state. With more legislative sessions under his belt than he’ll admit, Arik understands the long game of effective advocacy—and how to get results.