Students, are you interested in learning how public policy affects your everyday life and how you can make an impact? The Staley School of Leadership Student Ambassadors invite students to a dynamic workshop series led by Caitie Whelan, a former Congressional staffer and policy entrepreneur. Whelan is known for her practical, relatable approach to understanding and shaping public policy, and her workshops are designed to be accessible to everyone—no prior experience or political knowledge is required.
Seats are limited to 40 students per session, so be sure to register early. Light refreshments will be provided.
What students will gain
- Understanding how public policy affects you – From what’s on your dinner table to the roads you drive on, public policy shapes your world.
- Tools to engage with policymakers – Learn how to communicate with local and state politicians to advocate for change.
- Clarity on how to influence decisions – Discover which government representatives handle specific issues, and how to frame your message for the best results.
- Actionable skills – Walk away with a toolkit of practical skills that will empower you to make a difference.
This workshop series is perfect for students looking to play an active role in shaping their community and future. Whelan makes the world of public policy approachable and hands-on, ensuring you leave each session equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take action.
“I believe opportunities like this are essential for personal growth. Before attending, you may feel uncertain, but by the end, this experience is likely to have a lasting impact on your life,” said Lauren Taylor, senior studying communications with a minor in leadership studies and certificates in nonprofit leadership and social media marketing.
Workshop Details
Workshop 1
The Day After the Election: How to Make Good Change No Matter Who Wins | Register Online
What do mac ‘n cheese, road construction, and carry-on luggage have in common? They’re all influenced by public policy! In this interactive session, you’ll learn:
- The power of local and state governments.
- Which politicians to approach for different issues.
- How to frame your requests to get a “yes!”
Workshop 1 Session Times (choose one)
- 1:30 – 2:50 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7
- 3:30 – 4:50 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7
- 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8
Workshop 2 (Only available to those who attend Workshop 1)
Advanced Policymaking: Your Actionable Skills | Register Online
Building on Workshop 1, this session will equip you with practical, bipartisan skills to maximize your influence with policymakers.
Workshop 2 Session Time
- 4 – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8
Why Attend?
- Gain practical tools to advocate for change.
- Learn how policy impacts your everyday life.
- Get guidance from an expert who makes public policy relatable and actionable.
- No political experience needed—just a desire to make a difference!
Additionally, after each workshop session, a voter resource table will be available where attendees can:
- Find out your voter status
- Register to vote
- Learn how to request a mail-in ballot
The Student Voter Resource table is also being hosted on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the K-State Student Union near the food court through Oct. 15, which is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming election. No materials are needed to access the resources at this table.
For questions, email leadership@ksu.edu.
