Policy Skill-Building Seminar Series
Course Overview
This series is an introduction to public health policy - offering public health leaders hands-on skill development on priority topics - such as informing policymakers about public health expertise and needs, understanding policy processes, communication and strategy, building relationships with elected officials, and more.
The Policy Skill-Building Seminar Series was developed by Dr. Mack Giancola with support of the policy partners who bring expertise from local health departments, NC Department of Public Health, and other public health policy organizations in North Carolina.
This Series focuses on developing practical, applied policy skills that participants can use in their day-to-day work. These weekly sessions provide hands-on learning related to defining policy problems, analyzing policy options, navigating roles and responsibilities, and supporting policy implementation within governmental systems.
Program Format
& Timeline
The Policy Skill-Building Seminar Series is a 6-session virtual series. The series will be offered in spring and fall. In spring, the focus will be on skill-building for engaging in state-wide policy implementation. In fall, similar skills and topics will be offered with a focus on local policy engagement.
Each 2-hour session includes expert presentations, shared resources, and discussions based on current legislation in progress. Because each session builds on prior learned skills, we require registration and encourage participants to attend all 6 sessions.   
Registration
Registration for the Spring 2026 series is closed. Stay tuned for the Fall 2026 registration link early summer. For questions, please contact Jenni Detwiler, Research Program Manager, at Jenni_Detwiler@med.unc.edu.
Spring 2026 Schedule
MARCH 24, 2026
Session 1: Policy Essentials–why do it and where do I start?
APRIL 7, 2026
Session 2: Relationship Building with Policymakers
APRIL 21, 2026
Session 3: Leadership and Policy Analysis
MAY 5, 2026
Session 4: Working with Coalitions and Advocacy Groups
MAY 19, 2026
Session 5: Effective Action for Policy Strategy
JUNE 2, 2026
Session 6: Communications for Public Health Policy