Bankers Care is a division of the Washington Bankers Association.
Advocacy Development Program
State Banking Association Member Registration: $1,000 per registration
Develop Your Voice. Build Relationships. Strengthen the Banking Industry.
Effective advocacy starts with informed, engaged bankers who understand the issues impacting their industry and know how to make their voices heard. The Advocacy Development Program is a comprehensive virtual learning experience that equips banking professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective advocates for their institutions, customers, and communities.
Offered through Bankers Content in partnership with participating state bankers' associations, this interactive program combines expert-led instruction with real-world assignments, peer collaboration, and practical advocacy experiences.
Participants will learn how the legislative and regulatory processes work, evaluate key banking policy issues, communicate effectively with policymakers, and build meaningful relationships with elected officials.
Throughout the program, participants will explore four core areas of advocacy:
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Advocacy 101: Understand the legislative process, the role of banking associations, and how individual bankers can influence public policy.
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Issues & Policy: Learn to evaluate legislative proposals, understand their impact on banking, and develop compelling policy messages.
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Grassroots, Influence & Messaging: Build relationships with policymakers, strengthen communication skills, and become an effective advocacy champion.
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PAC & Political Engagement: Explore the role of political action committees, grassroots participation, and strategies for sustaining industry engagement.
Unlike traditional classroom training, the Advocacy Development Program emphasizes learning by doing. Participants will work with bank leadership, develop policy talking points, practice legislative meetings, engage with policymakers, and create an individualized Advocacy Action Plan to guide their continued involvement.
Who Should Attend
The program is designed for emerging leaders, branch and market managers, lenders, and other banking professionals interested in public policy and industry advocacy. No prior advocacy experience is required.
Program Details
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Format: Live, virtual sessions with independent assignments and practical activities
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Program Schedule: March–September 2027
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Tuition: $1,000 per participant for employees of participating state bankers association member banks
Turn Knowledge Into Action
Whether you're new to advocacy or want to get more involved, the Advocacy Development Program provides the foundation, connections, and hands-on experience to make a meaningful difference.
Develop your advocacy skills. Strengthen your professional network. Help shape the future of banking.
