On Monday, Alabama Arise and Alabama Values announced a new four-part advocacy training program, Think Big Alabama: Empowering Voices for Change. 

It will run from July 13 to Aug. 24, aiming to empower underrepresented and underserved communities across the state, and 20 participants with essential skills in media, public policy and grassroots organizing will be selected.

Chosen participants will begin with a foundation into the intersection of media, policy, and grassroots organizing marking a crucial starting point for the Think Big Alabama program. Through virtual and in-person classes, participants can develop a holistic approach to advocacy and community engagement by understanding how these elements influence one another.

By the end of the program, participants will finalize action plans addressing local or statewide issues. These skills will go beyond this project and will instill engagement strategies for future community impact.

Both Alabama Arise and Alabama Values are versed in policy advocacy and hope to combine their areas of expertise in this new endeavor.

“Through this collaboration, we are demystifying the legislative process and providing essential advocacy skills to people who want to improve their communities’ well-being and make Alabama a better, more inclusive place for everyone,” wrote Presdelane Harris, organizing director of Alabama Arise.

Alabama Arise will provide its policy advocacy and grassroots organizing knowledge, equipping participants with practical tools to navigate the legislative landscape. Alabama Values will contribute its expertise in narratives for social change, aiding participants in crafting stories that motivate action.

“Think Big Alabama is more than a training program; it’s a movement to empower marginalized communities and amplify their voices in public policy debates,” wrote Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values.

 Collaboratively, these organizations aim to foster a dynamic and supportive learning environment, empowering participants to inspire change in their communities. This initiative reflects both organizations’ dedication to growing ideological influence and promoting equal opportunities for all.

Providing knowledge, skills and tools to address impactful issues is necessary to empower communities. By transforming the discoveries of the Think Big learning community into actionable steps, Alabamians can become active participants in shaping policies. 

The Think Big learning community launched in 2022. The group consists of over 1,000 members focused on platforming communicators and their strategies at varying levels of communities to tackle challenges nationwide.