With growing interest of many UUs to increase their influence on public policy, Mount Vernon Unitarian Church hosted a 3-hour Advocacy Training Workshop on December 10. The 17 participants learned how to become more effective advocates through discussions and role-playing, with special focus on the importance of research in their preparation. In the photo, small groups discuss the most effective methods to influence elected officials and how to convey their messages persuasively. Lavona Grow and Anna Rhee of UUSJ served as trainers for the Workshop. Congregations interesting in hosting a workshop should contact UUSJ through Elizabeth at info@uusj.org.