Sophie Hansen, LCSW, is Political Director of National Association of Social Workers, MA chapter. She is an expert on talking to legislators, because getting lawmakers to do things is pretty much her job. Plus, Sophie helps get social workers to be legislative advocates. Here's her expert tips on speaking to lawmakers. First, establish common ground - find something in the district to establish a bond as people. Then tell your reasons for asking for action. Sophie cautions that you don't have to be an expert on the language of the bill - but you should share your passion. Don't forget to have a definite "ask," either to vote a certain way, to sponsor a bill, etc. And finally, make the legislator accountable. Ask when you can contact again to check in, ask if there is a certain aide that works on the issue. Find a way to get a response to your request. You're their constituent, she reminds us. They need and want to talk to us, to hear what we care about.  

Sophie is also a member of the speakers' bureau at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARC). where she takes off her social work and lobbyist hats to talk about her own personal experience. It's a different type of speaking than she does at her day job, and she shares her experience of  the vulnerability and power of telling her own story. 

When Tahirah Amatul-Wadud was a little girl, her mother used to say that there was "no adult conversation she couldn't find her way into." (She admits she was pretty "nosy and vocal" as a child.) She's harnessed that interest and energy to become an exceptionally confident and engaging speaker and an electrifying candidate for US Congress. She tells us about why she is so confident, why she's taking on a long time incumbent, and some of the challenges she's overcoming. 

Sabrina Heisey is a professional, a mother of six, and a candidate for MA state office. That means every night after work, she and her family head out for canvassing. What is it like to canvass as a progressive in a district that voted for Trump?  And what's it like to campaign as you truly are - with the confidence, bravery, and at times, vulnerability? Sabrina Heisey has a unique story and a unique campaign, and you should know about it.  

Marie K. Shanahan as been a journalist, both print and online, for many years. Now an associate professor of journalism at the University of Connecticut, she focuses on the intersection of journalism and digital communication. Marie is the author of  Journalism, Online Comments, and the Future of Public Discourse.  You can learn more about her at mariekshanahan.com. Also, check out“Troll Busters,” which Marie referred to. They provide "online pest control for journalists." 
What's your experience with online commenting? Great? Terrible? Please share in comments below.

​Becca Rausch is a lawyer, a candidate for Massachusetts State Senate, and a professional dancer. She tells us how that background in performance has helped her become a much better speaker. (Hint: It's all about choreography!) Becca shares how her activism, her family, and experiencing anti-semitism as a student helped shape her candidacy. And, she gives a secret remedy for calming ourselves right at the podium.

Julie Flowers was so as shy as a kid that she says  "Nobody would have picked me out as a future politician." But that's exactly what the Beverly, MA  resident is - at-large city councilor and a pastor at the First Baptist Church.. Julie credits a somewhat surprising  experience with helping her become more outgoing - retail! Working in clothing stores helped her approach strangers more easily and quickly make human connections. Now of course she uses those "Can I help you?s" with citizens and parishioners, and its never as simple as just getting a new size of jeans! 
Listen to Julie talk about the fun and the challenges of speaking everywhere from candidate forums to the pulpit and also explains her new appreciation of door-knocking.

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Laurie McCants shares the process of how she created Industrious Angels, a story "about the crafting of stories," which she'll be performing at KO Festival of Performance in Amherst, MA Aug. 3-5.   Laurie, the co-founder of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble , reveals her challenges, surprises, and discoveries in a way that will inspire any woman who has struggled to find her story. (Even if her story is not, like Laurie's, "a solo hand-crafted-story-spinning-shadow-puppet-memory-play-with-music evoking the secret creative lives of women, mother/daughter bloodlines, and the ghost of Emily Dickinson.") 
Laurie also tells us something surprising about her experience of public speaking, and offers some great tools to feel more relaxed and grounded on stage.