SPEAK (Share your Personal Experience as Knowledge) Academy is a cohort of people across Washington with lived experience in poverty. Through our Advocacy 101 curriculum, the cohort builds connections, learns about the legislative process and develops the advocacy and testimony skills that help influence policy decisions. Each cohort of about 20 people begins in April and ends in September.
2025 was the first year of the current iteration of SPEAK Academy, which was previously called Campaign for Cash. Members meet virtually twice a month for six months, plus one in-person gathering.
Some topics covered in the curriculum include:
- Washington state’s legislative process
- How to turn your story into testimony
- How advocacy influences policy change
The Oct 2025 cohort is full. We will be shifting to a six-month cohort model, with the next cohort beginning in April 2027. Please check back in the winter to register for the Spring 2027 cohort.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Reach out to to Lianna Kressin lianna@povertyaction.org
You must be logged in to post a comment.