This impactful workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to effectively make the case for new or increased state general revenue dedicated to brain injury programs.
Who should register:
State brain injury leaders, advisory council members, and brain injury advocates. Even as a state employee, you have the opportunity to educate about the importance of your programs in the state.
What you'll gain:
Stronger Funding Requests: Learn how to formulate clear and compelling funding requests that resonate with your state legislature and governor.
Crafting Your Message: Develop a powerful elevator speech that effectively communicates the importance of brain injury funding.
Writing Solid Testimonies: Learn tips and tricks to formulate a testimony that your legislator responds positively to.
Building Relationships: Gain insights on building strong relationships with key decision-makers to advance your advocacy efforts.
Grassroots Power: Discover effective strategies for engaging grassroots educators and building a powerful coalition for change.
Practical Tools: Walk away with practical tools and resources to champion brain injury programs in your state.
Workshop highlights include:
Real-world examples of successful advocacy campaigns.
Interactive breakout sessions to hone your communication and advocacy skills.
Practice meetings with legislators and legislative consultants to put your learnings into action.
Insights from experts on building relationships with decision-makers.
Cost:
$50 NASHIA Members
$75 Non-members
Certificate:
Social Work CEs for 3.0 hours, and general certificates of attendance available. Certificates are included in the cost of registration.
Presenter:
Zaida Ricker, MPS
NASHIA Director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy
Zaida Ricker, MPS, supports NASHIA as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy. In this role, she leads our federal advocacy and has helped secure increases in funding for the Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnerships Program at the Administration for Community Living and the National Concussion Surveillance System at the Centers for Disease Control.
She also helps support policy efforts related to the overlap between intimate partner violence and justice-involved populations.
Zaida also worked for former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge at the Ridge Policy Group from 2018 - 2023. She managed clients related to disability policy, helping to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. Zaida helps to communicate with Capitol Hill and the Administration, supports grassroots communication, and provides legislative strategies to ensure successful government relations plans.
She joined Ridge Policy Group after working for Congressman Brad Schneider of Illinois. In that position, she managed the Congressman’s portfolio as the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade, as well as a wide range of other issues, including disability issues. Before joining Rep. Schneider’s office, Zaida worked for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, where she handled a diverse domestic policy portfolio. During her time in both the Senate and the House, Zaida developed an understanding of Congressional procedure, shaped and passed policy, and built relationships with key staffers of both parties.
Zaida graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in political science and received her master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University. In her free time, Zaida enjoys spending time with her family, husband Cameron, daughter Zona, and dog Champion.