Full course description
The course will walk students through the advocacy process and explore how they can be community leaders and effective in politics in the US. Through assignments and discussions, students will gain practical tools for understanding community assets, building coalitions, finding their voice, preparing Congressional testimony, engaging with media, and sustaining their advocacy efforts. Students will create a step-by-step advocacy using the campfire building as a metaphor and imbue their advocacy with mindful practices. Students will explore examples of psychologists who are advocates and work in groups to create their advocacy plan and media messaging package.
Dates: January 5 - 16, 2026
Times: Live Zoom sessions held from 6:00pm - 8:00pm ET, on the following dates:
- Monday, January 5, 2026
- Friday, January 9, 2026
- Monday, January 12, 2026
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Friday, January 16, 2026
Format: Online with Live Zoom Sessions (See dates and times above)
Price: $295
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for 1 credit. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.