This weekend, Tropical Audubon Society held its first annual Environmental Leadership Workshop at Miami's Deering Estate.

The presentations focused around the themes of local conservation issues, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Afternoon breakout sessions provided additional focus on other topics including citizen science, fundraising, diversity in conservation, public speaking, and communication through traditional and social media.

Julie Hill-Gabriel, Audubon Florida’s Everglades Policy Director, gave a presentation on Sunday entitled “Advocacy and Lobbying 101.” Drawing from her insight and experience in the policy world, Hill-Gabriel offered tips and advice for seeking out conservation allies as well as how to get and maximize meetings with relevant decision-makers. Other speakers included Katy Sorenson of University of Miami’s Good Government Initiative, Eric Eikenberg of the Everglades Foundation, Laura Reynolds of Tropical Audubon and many more. Audubon’s Everglades Policy Associate Tabitha Cale joined students, Audubon chapter members, concerned citizens, and members of the business community, who participated in the Workshop that proved to be informative and energizing.

Congratulations Tropical Audubon for envisioning and organizing such a compelling and successful event!