Teachers College Advocacy Lab
Program Description:
The course will walk students through the advocacy process and explore how they can be community leaders and effective in politics in the US. Through assignments and discussions, students will gain practical tools for understanding community assets, building coalitions, finding their voice, preparing Congressional testimony, engaging with media, and sustaining their advocacy efforts. Students will create a step-by-step advocacy using the campfire building as a metaphor and imbue their advocacy with mindful practices. Students will explore examples of psychologists who are advocates and work in groups to create their advocacy plan and media messaging package.
Dates: January 5 - 16, 2026
Times: Live Zoom sessions held from 6:00pm - 8:00pm ET, on the following dates:
- Monday, January 5, 2026
- Friday, January 9, 2026
- Monday, January 12, 2026
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Friday, January 16, 2026
Format: Online with Live Zoom Sessions (See dates and times above)
Price: $295 - Registration Closed
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for 1 credit. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.
Faculty
Matthew J. Camp
Director of Government Relations
Matthew J. Camp is a community engagement professional with nearly 20 years of experience in politics, public policy, and advocacy. He is Director of Government Relations & Community Engagement for Teachers College, Columbia University where he oversees alumni engagement for 95,000 College alumni and cultivates relationships with city, state, and federal government officials. Matt co-founded the Advocacy Academy with TC students in 2017 and has been an adjunct Assistant Professor of Advocacy & Political Action at New York University and a teaching assistant in political science at Columbia University.
Matt holds a Ph.D. in Politics & Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Masters of Public Policy from Rutgers University, and a B.A. with distinction from the University of Delaware with a double major in political science and psychology. He has been a staff assistant for two United States Senators and a Legislative Assistant for Princeton University. He has a recent co-authored publication in the Journal of Experimental Political Science and has been published in Inside Higher Education. His book, Tend: Exploring Mindful-Driven Advocacy was published in 2024.
Learning Objectives
On successful completion of the class, students should be able to:
- Identify current issues in health, psychology, education, the arts, and other nonprofit causes and how to advocate for them.
- Understand the advocacy process, including how to build community power and the basics of the American political system.
- Appreciate how mindfulness can underlie advocacy strategies and tactics
- Learn how the tools of psychology and influence can be applied to advocacy
- Work in a group to develop a complete advocacy strategy
- Work in a group to present an advocacy strategy
Who Should Attend
- Current students from any TC program
- TC alumni
- Non-degree seeking students
- NYC community members & nonprofit professionals
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
