As part of its mission to foster an Arkansas where every citizen is informed, engaged, and active in the civic life of their community, Arkansas Civic Action Network (ArkCAN) presents Arkansans in Action: The Legislature, a six-part workshop series exploring the Arkansas legislative process.

In this workshop we shine a light on how we all might inform and interact with lawmakers throughout the legislative process. In doing so, ArkCAN aims to create confident, engaged citizens who can navigate the legislative system effectively and advocate for their communities. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how state government operates, acquire practical skills to engage with lawmakers, and discover meaningful ways to influence public policy.

These non-partisan, interactive workshops are free and open to the public, with advanced registration recommended. All sessions are held at UALR-Downtown from 6:00-8:00 pm with the exception of Day at the Capital.

Preliminary Schedule

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Legislature 101: Understanding Arkansas’ bicameral legislature (ArkCAN)

• Overview: Learn how the legislature functions; important roles, leadership positions, and committee structure.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the structure of Arkansas’ legislature and its decision-making process.
  • Recognize the roles of key legislative leaders and committees.
  • Understand how a bill is introduced and progresses through the legislative process.
• Special Guest:  Arkansas State Representative Denise Ennett

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Tracking Legislation: Following Bills and Attending Sessions (ACLU)

• Overview: Learn how to track bills from inception to vote using online tools and platforms. Gain insights into attending committee meetings and floor votes
• Learning Objectives:
  • Navigate the Arkansas General Assembly website and other platforms to track legislation.
  • Explain the stages of a bill’s journey and identify opportunities for public input.
  • Confidently attend and observe committee meetings and legislative sessions.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Effective Advocacy: Make Your Voice Heard (Get Loud Arkansas)

• Overview: Develop skills to draft compelling public comments, meet with legislators, write op-eds, and leverage social media for advocacy.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Create impactful public comments and prepare for meetings with legislators.
  • Use social media effectively to amplify advocacy efforts.
  • Write persuasive op-eds to inform and influence public opinion.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

OPTIONAL: A Day at the Capital (ArkCAN)

• Overview: Participants will attend a day at the Capital during the 2025 legislative session where they will see the process in person, meet legislators and practice the strategies and skills of legislative advocacy.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Navigate the Capitol and attend legislative meetings
  • Meet their Representatives and Senators
  • Attend part of a session of the House and/or Senate

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Rulemaking and Policy Development:  What Happens After a Bill Becomes Law (ForARPeople)

• Overview: Explore how laws are implemented through rulemaking and policy development processes after legislative approval.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the role of state agencies in interpreting and implementing laws.
  • Identify opportunities to influence rulemaking and policy development.
  • Explain how public input shapes policy outcomes.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Direct Democracy: Micro Efforts for Maximum Impact (StandUp Arkansas)

• Overview: Learn about Arkansas’ unique mechanisms for direct democracy, such as ballot initiatives, and gain strategies for impactful, peaceful protest.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Describe Arkansas’ direct democracy process, including ballot initiatives and referenda.
  • Strategize ways to organize and participate in peaceful protests effectively.
  • Understand the legal rights and responsibilities associated with public demonstrations.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Judiciary: Balancing the Legislative System (ACLU or panel)

• Overview: Examine how the judiciary interacts with the legislature to uphold checks and balances in the state government.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws and checking legislative power.
  • Analyze key examples of judicial rulings impacting Arkansas legislation.
  • Explore ways to engage with the judiciary, including amicus briefs and advocacy.

Additional Opportunities for Day at the Capital

January 30: ACLU

February 24: ACLU (Youth Day at the Capital)