May 16-18, 2010

The Fairfax at Embassy Row

Washington, DC

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Advocacy Institute is a two-day training program on public policy and the legislative process for women living with heart disease whose interests and skills lie in advocacy, public speaking, and persuasive writing.  The goal of the Advocacy Institute is to train WomenHeart volunteers to promote our public policy agenda to members of Congress locally and in Washington, DC.  By learning how Congress works and the most effective ways to communicate with lawmakers, participants will become familiar with opportunities that exist for citizens to shape public policy and will become strong advocates for WomenHeart.

WHO MAY APPLY

Women with diagnosed heart disease who meet the following criteria:

• Agree to read course materials prior to the Institute
• Agree to attend all sessions of the Institute
• Agree to contact members of their congressional delegation during the Institute  and at home as needed on issues related to WomenHeart's public policy agenda
• Have an e-mail address and check it at least once a week

COST

WomenHeart will pay tuition, hotel room, and meals.

• Participants will pay travel expenses, including airfare and ground transportation.
• A very limited number of travel scholarships are available for women who cannot afford travel expenses and otherwise would be unable to participate.  If you are requesting a travel scholarship, please check the box at the bottom of the Application Form and attach a letter of request as indicated.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application here and return by e-mail, mail or fax to the WomenHeart office.  Deadline to apply is February 26, 2010.  Acceptance notifications will be mailed in March.

WHO IS SELECTED

Selections are based on strength of the application and ongoing commitment to WomenHeart's public policy efforts, as well as geographic and ethnic diversity.  Preference will be given to alumnae of WomenHeart's Science & Leadership Symposium. Previous Advocacy Institute attendees are encouraged to apply.  

*HEALTH CAUTION:

The Advocacy Institute is physically demanding and involves a good deal of walking.  The schedule may not be suitable for women who have been hospitalized or have experienced severe cardiac symptoms during the previous six months. If this sounds like you, please delay your application until 2011.