Advocacy 101

Strengthen your voice and build confidence as an advocate! In this session, you’ll learn how to effectively share your personal or organizational story, communicate your priorities, and build meaningful relationships with lawmakers. We’ll walk through the best ways to contact your legislators, what to expect during meetings, and how to prepare concise, compelling messages that resonate.

You’ll also receive practical guidance for Advocacy Day, how to navigate the Capitol, make the most of your time with policymakers, and engage in respectful, impactful conversations. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will equip you with the tools to make a real difference.

Christin joined Kelley Cawthorne as a lobbyist in December 2022 after serving as the Director of Legislative Lobbying and Consulting at Lansing-based lobbying firm, McCall Hamilton. Prior to her entry into multi-client lobbying, Christin served as the Director of State and Federal Government Relations as the Michigan State Medical Society and as the Director of Government Affairs at the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. Before embarking on her 14-year lobbying career in Michigan, Christin worked for nearly 6 years as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. In that capacity, Christin worked on a range of policy issues from health care to energy and environment.

Christin received her Master of Public Policy degree from George Mason University and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame.