Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

From Protests to Policy Change: Lessons from Seattle

The Evans School is excited to partner with Public Policy & International Affairs Program (PPIA) to host a virtual Public Service Weekend (PSW) for undergraduate students in August 2021.  We will draw upon lessons from recent Seattle events to understand the impact of policy in people’s lives and the many ways in which community-led advocacy and activism advances policy change at the local, state, and regional level. 

Selected participants will attend at no cost! 

Conference objectives

  • Be exposed to the field of public policy and public service.
  • Become more informed and gain a better understanding about the community-based advocacy organizations advancing policies in local and state governments.
  • Learn about community-based advocacy organizations and their people of color-led actions and policy changes in local and state governments.
  • Connect with practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and careers, as well as pathways to graduate education in public service and policy.

Who Should Apply?

  • Sophomore, Junior, and Senior undergraduate scholars, from across the country, interested in public policy, public service, leadership, management, and potential careers in the non-profit, philanthropy, government, and/or private sector.
  • Scholars from all undergraduate majors are encouraged and welcome to apply.
  • Successful applicants will share a passion for solving complex problems and working together with others from a diversity of fields, background, and perspectives.
  • Preference will be given to scholars representing underserved communities from across the United States and/or those working on racial equity issues.

Benefits to participants

  • Opportunity to hear from inspiring community leaders, policy and changemakers.
  • Exposure to graduate education and public service career pathways.
  • Opportunities to grow your network by meeting and connecting with other students, educators, and community leaders dedicated to public service.
  • Guidance and insights from graduate admissions and career advisors, and current graduate students, about applying to graduate school and pursuing public service careers .

Conference Schedule

The August 2021 conference will be entirely virtual.  Our diverse mix of activities is designed to inform, inspire and educate undergraduate students about public policy, community-led advocacy, community-led policy making, with workshops that provide a preview about graduate school and careers in public policy. You will hear from powerful guest speakers from across the greater Seattle region, leaders from across the UW campus community, and have opportunities to connect virtually with each other.

Required Live Sessions (16 Hours Total)

  • Thursday, August 19, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PST
  • Friday, August 20, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PST
  • Thursday, August 26, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PST
  • Friday, August 27, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PST

APPLY HERE

Deadline to apply: July 25, 2021




Contact information: 

Amen Tsegai, Program Manager

ppia@uw.edu