Democracy functions best when policymakers receive information on the likely impacts of proposed policy. A new Patman Center course, "Effective Advocacy for Federal Policymaking" will be located in Washington D.C., and students will learn effective advocacy strategies and skills directly from active professionals.
Students will be able to develop an advocacy plan; frame an issue and present a cause to stakeholders; lead education campaigns; motivate decision-makers; recognize allies; and identify threats to success. Students will hear from elected officials, legislative staff, interest group leaders, lobbyists, communication professionals, and think tank representatives. Students will increase their knowledge about advocating in Washington D.C. and improve their skills around developing an effective advocacy plan.
Four students have been awarded scholarships to attend this year's Maymester in D.C.:
Viktoria Beck
Viktoria Beck (MPAff) is a 2nd-year Master of Public Affairs student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. She graduated from UT Austin in 2022 with a B.A. in Health & Society, and worked as a Legislative Aide at the Texas Senate before coming to the LBJ School. She is interested in reforming health policy and improving access to health care in the U.S.
Floridell Berry
Floridell Berry (MGPS) is from San Antonio, Texas. She earned her BA in International and Global Studies with a minor in Sociology from St. Mary's University. Floridell enjoys research and has an article published in her undergrad institution's research site and participated in the 65th Annual World Social Sciences Association Conference in the Spring of 2023. Floridell is interested in international security and diplomacy. She likes to travel internationally and has been to Costa Rica, Germany, and Austria so far.
Anthony Hernandez Escobar
Anthony Hernandez Escobar (MGPS), originally from Honduras, relocated to South Texas in 2012. He holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Spanish from Texas A&M University. During his undergraduate years, Anthony delved into the intricate dynamics of Latin American migration, igniting a passion for advocacy on behalf of Latin American immigrants. His commitment is directed towards reforming the asylum system and championing policies for humane migration practices. Post-graduation from the LBJ School, Anthony aspires to embark on a career in foreign service, with a specific focus on his native region of Central America. A fun fact about Anthony is that he is presently engaged in mastering the Portuguese language.
Evan Wolstencroft
Evan Wolstencroft (MPAff) serves as the Program Manager for Texas Rural Funders. He has over a decade of diverse experience working with philanthropy and non-profits. Prior to joining TRF, Evan was the Deputy Director of Development for Educate Texas at Communities Foundation of Texas. He’s worked with mission-driven organizations large and small, focusing on community grantmaking, public and higher education, healthcare access, homelessness prevention and poverty reduction, refugee resettlement, workforce development, and the 2020 Census. Evan holds a bachelor's degree from Stonehill College. Awarded the Critical Language Scholarship for Chinese in 2016, he is an international exchange alumnus of the U.S. Department of State. Evan is now pursuing his master’s degree at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a 2023 CONNECT Fellow with the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service.