Holmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025

Session 1 – Civics 101: Pathways Into Education Policy
Speaker: Jane West
Due: May 8

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In the first session of the Holmes Virtual Policy Institute, Jane West introduces the key players, processes, and power dynamics that shape federal education policy and advocacy. Her Four P’s Framework will equip you with the tools to begin your own policy journey—whether at the national level during Washington Week or in your local community. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify the organizational structures and key players in education policy-making in the nation’s capital 

• Describe the basics of the legislative process 

• Understand the application of the ‘Four P Framework’ (People, Politics, Processes, Policy) in Scholar’s personal advocacy 

Session 2 – Navigating Education Policy: Systems, Structures, and AACTE’s Role
Speakers: Jacqueline King and Randa Keeley
May 8, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. est
Deliverables Due: May 20
Prework Required: Session 1

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In this foundational session, Jacqueline King and Randa Keeley and will build on the lessons learned in the previous Civics 101 session by introducing who currently is influencing education policy at the federal level, how AACTE engages in advocacy and government relations, and the essential differences between national and local advocacy efforts.  

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify updated key players, systems, and issues in education policy-making in the nation’s capital 

• Understand the basics of how AACTE works in the government relations and advocacy space 

• Understand the difference between federal advocacy on AACTE’s priorities at Washington Week vs. local/state advocacy  

• Discuss applications of lessons learned from the ‘Pathways Into Education Policy’ activity at the upcoming Washington Week

Please complete the following by the due date. The webinar recording, slides, and activity worksheets can all be found at the same library link.

Session 3 – Standing Strong: Advocacy Skills for a Divided America
Speakers: Nevin Heard and Jasmine Burton
May 21, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. est
Deliverables Due: June 1
Prework Required: Watch and complete deliverables from Session 1 & Session 2

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In this foundational session, Nevin Heard, Assistant Vice Chancellor, University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and Jasmin Burton, Director, Raben Group, will equip Holmes Scholars to advocate powerfully during AACTE’s 2025 Washington Week and beyond. Participants will explore key skills and strategies for advocating for marginalized communities in today’s political landscape, while managing their mental health and authenticity in challenging environments. We’ll also introduce actionable Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocacy tools like Raben’s Messaging Guide, empowering Scholars to align their academic work with sustained policy influence.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basic skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates on behalf of marginalized populations and the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Identify strategies that affect your efficacy and mental health as it relates to meeting with representatives whose perspectives do not align with your own.
• Become acquainted with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Federal Advocacy resources such as Raben’s messaging guide.
• Cursory discussions of how these advocacy skills and complementary resources support Holmes’ scholarship in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fields