Meets the following requirements: HS   

In this course students will gain practical experience and skills to prepare them to work in advocacy positions for environmental and/or social justice organizations.  Through project-based work, we will pay attention to developing such skills as:  interacting with the media; interpreting technical information and report writing; lobbying and other political work; grant-writing and other types of fundraising; and non-profit administration and management, including strategic planning, program development, board management, and non-profit legal issues.  Student interest will determine the exact topics covered over the term. To begin, we will survey models of organizational structure, from small grassroots, single-issue groups, to large, international, multi-issue organizations.  We will also survey various modes of operation, critically analyzing different strategies, tactics, and types of activist/advocacy campaigns, including: non-violent direct action, student organizing campaigns, consumer boycotts, legislative campaigns, and voter initiatives. Local professionals will join us throughout the course to provide expert input on various topics, and to inform students about the types of jobs available in environmental advocacy and the range of skills needed for each.  There will be a large emphasis placed on hands-on work on student-defined projects.  Students will be evaluated based on class participation as well as completion of course projects.

Level: Introductory.  Lab fee: $30.