Participants will be given an overview of the Massachusetts legislature, legislative process, how to contact and lobby legislators, as well as how to utilize their offices as a resource for clients. A variety of lobbying techniques and advocacy strategies will be covered. This presentation will also review the historical and current makeup of the legislative body regarding limited diversity (racial, socioeconomic, and educational). We will also discuss the impact of institutional racism in advocacy and legislation, in which disenfranchised groups are disincentivized to participate in civic democracy or engage with legislators. Presented by Sophie Hansen, LCSW.