Description

This two-session training series equips public health professionals with the strategic and communication skills to advance policy and funding priorities even when resources are limited. Participants will move from building a foundational power map and reading the political landscape, to constructing compelling business cases and persuading decision-makers to act. Together, these sessions form a practical, end-to-end toolkit for effective public health advocacy.

Session 2: Power Mapping — Actions to Take Before and After Midterms

Live on Zoom | August 13, 2026

Description

This training series equips public health professionals with the skills to advance policy and funding priorities even when resources are limited.

Participants will learn how to build a power map, with a focus on preparing for the midterm elections. Learn to define your goal, prioritize targets, and strategically use your resources to advance your public health goals.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the learner will have:

• Analyzed the 2026 midterm landscape and potential implications for public health priorities at federal, state, and local levels (non-partisan framing)
• Defined "policy windows" and identified at least two upcoming opportunities relevant to your advocacy goals
• Mapped relevant budget cycles and aligned advocacy timelines accordingly
• Developed tailored engagement strategies for different scenarios (new officials, returning officials, shifted priorities) across political lines

List of Topics and Activities

• Keynote Kick-Off: What is power mapping and why is it important?
• Skill Building: Power Mapping

Session 3: From Need to Value — How to Persuade Decision Makers

Live on Zoom | September 29, 2026

Description

This training series equips public health professionals with the skills to advance policy and funding priorities even when resources are limited.

Participants will build the skills to engage decision-makers, operate effectively in nonpartisan settings, and use media advocacy to amplify messages and mobilize supporters. Participants will leave with tools they can use to influence policy when time, staff, and budgets are limited.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, the learner will have:

• Constructed a business case for a public health program or research initiative
• Applied basic financial and economic concepts (cost-benefit analysis, ROI, cost-effectiveness) in language decision-makers understand
• Distinguished between need-based framing ("this problem is urgent") and value-based framing ("this investment delivers returns") and determined when to use each framing
• Translated program data into compelling value propositions for specific audiences

List of Topics and Activities

• Storytelling & Communication
• Policy Insider: Navigating budgets and securing funding
• Inside the Funder's Perspective

Who Should Attend

Registration is open to public health professionals in government, academia, and nonprofit sectors who want to build their strategic planning and communication skills to effectively engage with legislators and advance their public health priorities.

Program Structure

This is a two-session live series delivered via Zoom. Session 2 takes place on August 13, 2026, and Session 3 takes place on September 29, 2026.

Certificate

After successfully completing both sessions, learners will receive a certificate of completion from the Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy. While not conveying academic credit, it will document the learner's competency in the knowledge and skills delivered in the program and successful completion of course requirements.

Additional Information

Continuing Education. Course completers can receive:

• Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH), pending approval by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
• Certified in Public Health (CPH) credits, pending approval by the National Board of Public Health Examiners

Course/Program Prerequisites

None.

Materials

All online content will be accessible via canvas.jhu.edu. All evaluation surveys will be hosted in Qualtrics.

Requirements for Learners

None.

Technical Prerequisites

Registration will take place on the Canvas LMS (Canvas.jhu.edu). You will need the ability to log on to the platform, preferably using Google Chrome, to complete registration.

Hardware: Computer; webcam; microphone and speakers, or headset.

Software: Google Chrome web browser; access to Canvas.jhu.edu; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar email.

Fee Structure

Registration for the bundle is open from June 1st, 2026 until the start of Session 2 on August 13, 2026. Early bird pricing will be in effect until July 31st, 2026. Group discounts are available for groups of 5 or more. Please email JHOnline@jhmi.edu if you are interested in group pricing.

Refund Policy

Refunds will be available until the course start date, August 13, 2026.

You will receive a confirmation by email from Instructure. If you have not received it within 24 hours, email the Office of Online Education to confirm your payment was successful.

Johns Hopkins reserves the right to cancel or postpone any activity due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such circumstances, registrants will be notified as soon as possible.

For Further Information

Website: publichealth.jhu.edu/lerner-center/advocacy-action-lab

For technical assistance with the course, Canvas.jhu.edu, or learnmore.jhu.edu, please email the Office of Online Education.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Johns Hopkins University fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof. Please notify lernercenter@jhu.edu if you have any special needs.

Copyright Information

All rights reserved — Johns Hopkins University. No part of this program may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.

Disclaimer Statement

The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty and other experts whose input is included in this activity are their own. This enduring material is produced for educational purposes only. Use of the Johns Hopkins Medicine name implies review of educational format design and approach. Please review the complete prescribing information and safety profile of specific drugs or combination of drugs, including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.