This 1.25 hour interactive workshop will prepare participants to develop advocacy skills and take what they learn back to their programs to better train their students in advocacy. Attendees will learn the vital role that psychologists should play in formulating public policy by increasing participants’ knowledge of specific skills and tactics to advocate effectively. The strategies presented in the workshop will incorporate actual approaches to strategic advocacy used by APA Government Relations staff. Workshop participants will be given the opportunity to practice their advocacy skills through interactive role-playing exercises and will take the first step in scheduling a congressional meeting with their Congressional Representatives in their home districts. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to identify how psychology intersects with federal policy-making and the important role that psychologists and graduate students in psychology play in educating and influencing policymakers on an identified policy issue. 2. Participants will gain valuable skills to clearly and effectively deliver advocacy communications to policymakers and their staff. 3. Participants will be able to discuss how to schedule, plan and lead a meeting with Members of Congress or their staff, including: a. Identify who to send a meeting request to, and what to say in your request b. Conduct background research before your meeting, and how to prepare you and your students for your meeting c. Identify appropriate steps for follow-up after a meeting