Alabama Arise and Alabama Values announce the launch of Think Big Alabama: Empowering Voices for Change, a four-part advocacy training program aimed at empowering underserved and underrepresented communities in Alabama. The program, running from July 13 to Aug. 24, will equip 20 participants with essential skills in media, public policy and grassroots organizing. BIPOC Alabamians are encouraged to apply.

The Think Big Alabama program is designed to align with the missions of Alabama Values and Alabama Arise, focusing on empowering communities by providing the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to address pressing issues impacting their lives. This program will transform research findings from the Think Big learning community into actionable steps for advocacy and change.

Read our full news release to learn more about Think Big Alabama. And visit the registration page to apply to participate in the program.

Participants will engage in both in-person and virtual sessions, immersing themselves in a comprehensive curriculum that covers narrative building, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy and media strategies. The program will begin with foundational insights into the intersection of media, policy and grassroots organizing, fostering an environment of collaboration and community engagement.

Sessions will cover place-based storytelling, crafting compelling narratives and utilizing media platforms for advocacy. Participants also will learn effective grassroots organizing strategies and helpful policy narratives, with practical skills and strategies provided by Alabama Arise. The program will conclude with participants finalizing individual or group action plans to address specific state or local issues, equipping them with long-term engagement strategies for ongoing community involvement and impact.