Become a Team Leader this Park Advocacy Day | Cal Parks

TEAM LEADERS 

 

Interested in joining us as a Team Leader?  

  1. Register here, and mark “Yes” for the question, “Are you interested in learning more about becoming a Team Leader?” 

  1. Next, submit your application here, and we’ll reach out with the next steps. You’ll need to create a Submittable account which is free and easy to do. 

 

What are the benefits of being a Team Leader? 

In addition to all the benefits of regular advocates to Park Advocacy Day, the role of Team Leader gives an insider experience through park education, training, and connection. 

You will gain the skills to be a strong advocate for something you care deeply about — California’s state parks. Your voice will be amplified with the larger group throughout Park Advocacy Day, giving voice to your park(s) and your community. 

Park Advocacy Day is a powerful experience with like-minded, diverse advocates from across the state. This network makes a difference in the halls of power but can also take the learnings from the day back to their local community to make an impact all year long. 

This is a career professional development opportunity that offers leadership and expert perspective. Partner directly with leaders from California State Parks Foundation making an impact in legislative policy and advocating for parks and visitors across California. 

 

What is expected of Team Leaders? 

The heart and soul of Park Advocacy Day are the in-person legislative visits. During these meetings, legislators and their staff get critical policy information regarding protecting and preserving our California state parks, for the benefit of all. It is the Team Leader who provides guidance and leadership to their group of Park Advocates about state parks in the state budget and legislation for the year. They are in charge of what to expect in a meeting, and each advocate adds a voice to the meeting, leads by example, and coaches team members as needed. 

Team Leaders are expected to participate in the virtual trainings leading up to Park Advocacy Day as well as in-person on the day before Park Advocacy Day (May 15), for a special Team Leader training. Above all, they are expected to learn and share their knowledge during Park Advocacy Day and beyond. 
 

Key Trainings and Dates 

  • Legislative Briefing Webinar: March 17 

  • Park Advocacy Day Team Leader training Webinar: May 2

  • Virtual Park Advocacy Day Training: May 12

  • Pre-Park Advocacy Day Team Leader Training (Day before PAD): May 15 

  • Dinner with CSPF Board and Staff: May 15 

  • Park Advocacy Day: May 16 

 

FAQs 

What is Park Advocacy Day? 

Park Advocacy Day is a valuable opportunity for Californians to connect with legislators and share priorities for state parks. Led by California State Parks Foundation, this annual event will bring partners, volunteers, funders, donors, and the public together to engage in the legislative process. 
 

When will it be this year? 

This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, May 16 with approximately 100-150 advocates.  

 

What will the day be like? 

The event will kick off with a morning session of learning, reviewing key budget and legislative items, advocacy training, and hearing from legislators. After a provided lunch, advocates will visit with strategically chosen legislators to share our ideas and perspectives at the highest level. The event will close with a reception to celebrate our efforts. 
 

Do you need prior advocacy experience? 

No! Park Advocacy Day is for anyone who is interested in advocating for their state parks and investing time into learning the skills to advocate beyond the day. 

 

“I absolutely loved being a team leader at Park Advocacy Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to network with other park lovers and advocates for our wonderful California State Park System.  Meeting with those who are in the legislative position of leadership, was a great learning experience for me personally, and also very beneficial for our organization.  I highly recommend attending this important event and being part of this great learning opportunity”.

Laura Davick, Founder & Board Member, Crystal Cove Conservancy 

 

PAD participation as a team leader is both enriching and fun.  It is an honor to be placed in this leadership position where I am able to partner with other park advocates to lobby our elected official on behalf of our state parks. Team leadership opportunities have given me the confidence to continue my public lands advocacy both in Sacramento and in my local district through continuing the relationships established during PAD.” 

Heidi Doyle, Executive Director, Sierra State Parks Foundation