Making the Case: Influencing Decision Makers (Online Webinar)
Cost: There is no fee for this training, but registration is required due to limited space. These courses are made possible through a grant with TxDOT.
August 29, 2023
1-2:30 PM CT
Trainer: Carol Wright Kenderdine, Easterseals Project Action
Understanding decision making in a political context is step one in the process of learning how to influence such decisions. In this course, instruction and hands on experience will be provided to develop information, data, arguments, strategies and positioning to use with elected and appointed officials who always face limitations on resources, multiple demands for those resources, and equally legitimate alternatives for spending opportunities. Simultaneously, insight will be provided to guide greater understanding of the factors that often influence individuals as they engage in making decisions.
Recognizing that transit is a community resource, particular emphasis will be devoted to understanding the benefits of building, sustaining, and using coalitions to obtain desired results within the political context of decision making by appointed and elected officials. Attention will be given to some do’s and don’ts regarding efforts to influence decision making, including avoiding conflicts of interest.
From becoming aware of selecting legitimate alternatives in the face of limited resources – a constant reality faced by elected and appointed officials – to developing information, arguments, positioning and data supporting your needs, this session will not only help you improve your skills to achieve your goals but will also prevent you from becoming a victim of the political skills of others.