Certified Advocate Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment & Eligibility

Is there any cost to participate in the advocacy training?
No. The program is completely free to join and participate in.

Who is eligible to participate?
Everyone is welcome! The program encourages participation across all life stages and ministry backgrounds.

Are there specific selection criteria or geographic limits for registration?
Yes. To keep the training contextually relevant, the program is facilitated one region at a time. This inaugural cohort is intended specifically for participants within the U.S. Region and will be offered in a different region each year.

Does this program grant Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for clergy?
CEU accreditation is currently pending. More information regarding CEU eligibility will be shared during the orientation session on September 3rd.

Schedule & Location

When and where are the live sessions held?
Live sessions take place virtually on Zoom at 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST on the first Thursday of each month (including the orientation session on September 3rd).

What is the time commitment for each segment of the course?

  • Live Sessions: Each monthly session lasts 1.5 hours.
  • Self-Paced Content: Expect about 1 hour of pre-recorded content to review in between each live session.

What happens if I have to miss a live session or the orientation?
Full completion of the program requires attendance at 2 out of the 3 course sessions.

  • If you miss orientation: If you can attend at least two course sessions, email the team to request a recording of the orientation session for review.
  • If you miss a course session: The opening comments of live sessions will be recorded and sent out to participants afterward. Note that interactive breakout groups will most likely not be included in the recordings.

Program Expectations & Advocacy

What are the expectations for participants during and after the program?

  • During the program: Participate in monthly live sessions, complete self-paced coursework, and join policymaker meetings as needed.
  • Following completion: Advocates are expected to participate in quarterly advocate briefings and join legislative advocacy staff on congressional visits as needed.

How can participants stay involved with GBCS advocacy after the program ends?
Post-cohort advocates are encouraged to stay connected through quarterly virtual sessions, legislative updates, and joint advocacy efforts.

Don’t see your question? Contact us at advocacy@umcjustice.org