September 3—December 3, 2026 | Online
The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) is offering the Certified Advocate Development Program, a cohort-based initiative designed to equip United Methodists to engage in faith-based legislative and policy advocacy in the public square.
Through the program, Certified Advocates will work closely with advocacy staff to communicate Social Principle concerns with policymakers and leaders around the world.
In an effort to be contextually relevant, each cohort will be based by region. Each year, we will facilitate a new cohort for a different region of our United Methodist connection. Registration for the U.S. region is now open to all who are interested and will close at the end of day on August 21.
Program Overview
The Certified Advocate Development Program is a three-course training experience over three months.
The program consists of self-paced, on-demand course content released ahead of each monthly live session, paired with live trainings focused on reflection, discussion, and application.
Following the training period, participants will continue in ongoing advocate development with Church and Society.
Program Outcomes
Participants who complete the program will join a network of Certified Advocates working with Church and Society to engage policymakers and advance justice and peace, grounded in the Social Principles.
Participant Commitments
To become a Certified Advocate with Church and Society, participants are expected to actively engage by:
- Completing all self-paced course content
- Attending at least two of the three live trainings
- Participating in ministry and issue-specific advocacy meetings with policymakers
- Engaging in ongoing Church and Society–led advocate development
Live Session Schedule
Sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month:
Orientation – Thursday, September 3, 2026
Session #1 – Thursday, October 1, 2026
Session #2 – Thursday, November 5, 2026
Session #3 – Thursday December 3, 2026
Pre-recorded course content will be released ahead of each session.
Course Topics
Between sessions, participants will engage pre-recorded course content covering the following topics:
- Our Wesleyan Heritage of Social Holiness
- U.S. Congress 101
- United Nations and International Affairs Ministry
- The Economic, Health, and Gender Justice Portfolio
- The Civil and Human Rights Portfolio
- The Peace with Justice Portfolio
- The Environmental Justice Portfolio
- Building an Advocacy Strategy and Preparation
Registration
Register now to reserve your spot in this inaugural cohort.
Deadline: August 21, 2026
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]
This content was originally published by the General Board of Church and Society; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on July 16, 2026.