Writing for Public Affairs

Virtual Workshop

Writing for Public Affairs

October 7, 2026
1:30 p.m.− 3:45 p.m. ET

Strong writing remains one of the most valuable – and underestimated – skills in public affairs. Whether drafting policy updates, advocacy messages or social media copy, the ability to write with clarity and purpose shapes how others perceive your organization and your influence. This workshop will help you refine your writing style and communicate with greater precision and impact across every platform.

In this program, we will cover:

    • Techniques to sharpen clarity, brevity and overall writing quality
    • When and how to use AI for drafting and editing content
    • Approaches for adapting your message across different audiences and formats 

1:30 p.m.

Writing That Cuts Through

Strong public affairs writing requires more than just good grammar. It’s about knowing what matters to your audience, what they need to understand and what you want them to do next. This session will focus on the judgment behind clear, credible and effective writing. 

Attendees will learn how to: 

  • Make complex or technical information clearer, shorter and more useful
  • Identify the strongest message, lede and call to action before you start writing
  • Adapt tone, structure and level of detail for different audiences 
Jean Hudson Card Communication Coach and Speechwriter
Jean Card Ink

2:30 p.m.

Break

2:45 p.m.

Writing With AI (Without Sounding Like AI)

AI can make drafting faster, but speed does not necessarily mean strong communication. This session will explore where AI adds value, where human judgment still matters most and how writers can use these tools without sacrificing voice, accuracy or credibility. 

Topics include: 

  • When to use AI for brainstorming, drafting, editing and repurposing – and when not to
  • How to edit and improve AI-generated copy rather than accepting the first draft as-is
  • Live exercises that compare human, AI-assisted and over-engineered writing to sharpen your evaluation skills 

3:45 p.m.

Adjourn

Jean Hudson Card Communication Coach and Speechwriter
Jean Card Ink

This program is eligible for 2 credits toward the Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying, 2 Elective credits toward the Certificate in PAC & Grassroots Management and 2 Elective credits toward the Certificate in Public Affairs Management.

This program also qualifies for 2 CAE credits through the American Society of Association Professionals.

Register

Membership Plus: FREE
Members: $339
Non-Members: $449

Additional discounts may apply to this meeting. These discounts may include:

For multiple registrants: A discount will apply to the standard member/nonmember rate for organizations that register two or more participants for the same meeting. The first registrant will pay full price, the second participant will receive a 10% discount and each additional registrant will receive a 15% discount. To register multiple participants, you may either register online or download the print and fax registration form.

Member discounts: Discounts for members are applied to all Public Affairs Council meetings.

Nonmembers: Join the Council today, and save by registering at the member rate and using the $300 new-member coupon you will receive. Contact our membership team for information about joining the Council.

Questions? Contact us at 202.787.5950.

Sign Up Now

Questions

Laura Brigandi
Senior Manager, Advocacy Practice 
202.787.5976 | [email protected]

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