With ongoing attacks from state and federal governments on diversity, equity, inclusion, education, culture, and voting rights, it's time for us to step up and meet the moment. We can't let these challenges go unchecked. It's not enough to stay on the defense; we need to go on the offense too. We deserve livable wage jobs, access to healthcare, and schools that value academic freedom and don't censor the truth. Achieving these goals means engaging in the legislative process.
That's why we launched Equal Ground's "Take the Lead" Training Series. This program is designed to help both new and experienced Black leaders boost their involvement in local and state civic activities. We believe that understanding how our government operates and knowing how to engage with it are key to holding our elected officials accountable and making real changes in our communities.
This year, we're offering two tracks:
-
Intermediate Track: Covers the basics of the Florida Legislative Session, like how bills get passed and organizing techniques.
-
Advanced Track: Provides tools and insights on taking your advocacy to the next level when meeting with legislators.
In addition to training, all participants will hear from legislative leaders about what to expect in the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session.
By joining this series, you'll be better equipped to navigate the legislative landscape and effectively advocate for our communities amidst these ongoing challenges.
​
Partners: Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Black Empowerment & Community Council, Women Alliance of Miami Dade & Broward, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Tampa Alumni Chapter, Black in Repro Florida, African American Chamber of Commerce, Black Health Commission, Fair Elections Center Campus Vote Project, Bethune Cookman University (Department of Social Science), International Women's Council, Omicron Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., African-American Council of Christian Clergy, Lakeland Alumni( FL) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Poder Latinx, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc (Theta Rho Sigma Alumni Chapter), Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce, Win with Black Women Florida, Central Florida Section of National Council of Negro, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Florida Statewide Organization, Alpha Alpha Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Justice Over Everything, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., State of Florida and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Alpha Beta Sigma Omega Chapter.
​
Past Take The Lead’s
Take the Lead: 2024 Legislative Session Edition
This training allows participants to choose between two tracks. An intermediate track that covers the basics of the Florida Legislative Session and an advanced track that provides tools and insight on how to take your advocacy to the next level when engaging with legislators in meetings. All attendees will also hear from legislative leaders about what to expect in the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session. Our featured speakers for the evening will be State Sen. Tracie Davis and State Rep. LaVon Bracy-Davis.
​
This virtual training took place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. You can view the replay HERE.
​
Partners: Northwest Florida Panhandle Coalition for Civic Engagement, African American Council of Christian Clergy (AACC), Black Voters Matter, Win With Black Women Florida, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omicron Delta Zeta Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc(Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter (Tampa Alphas)), Orange County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Gail F. Gardner Social Justice Association, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Project 68, Lakeland Alumni( FL) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., For Our Future, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Florida Statewide Organization, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®), Alpha Phi Alpha- Beta Beta Lambda Chapter
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
The “Take the Lead” training series was created to help aspiring and experienced Black leaders expand their civic, civil, and political engagement within their local community and across the state. We believe understanding the fundamental structure of government and how to engage in that process is an essential component to holding our elected leaders accountable and producing the results we need in our community. As a participant in this virtual event, you will be trained on the basics of the Florida Legislative Session, how bills are passed, and organizing techniques. You will also hear from legislative leaders about what to expect in the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session.
This virtual training took place on Monday, February 27th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. But the replay can be found here.
Agenda overview
-
Welcome
-
Legislative Session 101
-
Panel with Legislators
-
Take action
-
Final remarks
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​