East Bay Policy Leadership Program

For those pursuing careers that intersect with public policy, seeing up close how policy takes shape is an essential part of the journey.

That’s why EBLC developed the East Bay Policy Leadership Program. By creating an entry point to that work, the program gives emerging professionals the opportunity to hone their analysis and communication skills while learning from regional experts about some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the East Bay.

The program is designed for college students, early-career professionals, and those transitioning into public service work. You don’t need to study or work in policy to participate. An interest in how policy relates to your field or the issues shaping the East Bay is all you need.

By participating, you’ll be in the room for EBLC Task Force meetings tackling issues related to energy, the environment, housing, transportation, health, and more. You’ll hear from civic and business leaders, make connections across the region, and submit policy reflections after each meeting, bringing your own analysis and perspectives to the issues EBLC works on every day.

Engage in six Task Force meetings and submit six reflections, and you’ll earn an East Bay Policy Leadership Program Certificate, presented at EBLC’s annual Installation Awards.

You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of regional policy, new professional connections, and a distinction that can support your pursuit of internships and career opportunities.

Ready to build your policy experience? Apply now for the East Bay Policy Leadership Program!

Apply now

FAQs

  • The East Bay Policy Leadership Program is open to college students, early-career professionals, and those transitioning into public service work.

    You don’t need to study or work in policy to participate. The program welcomes those interested in how policy intersects with their work or studies, as well as anyone interested in the issues shaping the East Bay.

  • No. The program is designed to help participants build their understanding of policy and develop their analysis and communication skills. No previous policy coursework or professional experience is required.

  • To get started, complete the program application form and EBLC will follow up with more information and next steps.

    The program accepts participants on a rolling basis so there is no application deadline.

  • To complete the program, you must attend six EBLC Task Force meetings and submit six qualifying policy reflections.

    You can join the program at any point during the year and you can stay in the program for multiple years. Each year, all participants who have completed the program requirements by the end of June will be presented with a certificate at EBLC’s Installation Awards, which usually take place in July or August.

  • EBLC’s Task Forces serve as vehicles for the organization’s policy priorities. These member-led groups identify issues, host educational forums, moderate in-depth policy discussions, and recommend directions for EBLC’s advocacy.

    Right now there are 3 Task Forces: Health, Infrastructure, and Water, Energy, & Environment

    Learn more about the Task Forces here!

  • Each Task Force meets once a month throughout the year (except for July and December) with slightly different formats.

    The Health Task Force meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:00-3:00 PM on Zoom.

    The Infrastructure Task Force meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Zoom.

    The Water, Energy, & Environment Task Force meets on the third Tuesday of the month from from 8:30-10:00 AM. A majority of these meetings take place in-person in Walnut Creek, but some are held over Zoom.

    Announcements go out 1-2 weeks in advance of each meeting with the location details and meeting topic.

  • No. You have two options. You can attend any combination of 6 meetings across EBLC’s three Task Forces to earn the general program certificate, or attend six meetings from a single Task Force to earn a certificate recognizing your specialization in that policy area.

  • Absolutely! Six meetings and six reflections are required to earn the certificate, but you are welcome to participate in additional Task Force meetings throughout the year.

  • After each Task Force meeting you attend, you’ll have 2 weeks to submit a policy reflection of about 500 words. Rather than simply summarizing the meeting, reflections are an opportunity to analyze what you heard, consider potential policy or advocacy approaches, identify unanswered questions, and bring your own perspective to the conversation.

    EBLC will provide reflection prompts and a rubric outlining expectations when you join the program.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the program, please reach out to EBLC’s Policy Director, Meg Stern (meg@eblcmail.org).