Speaker: J. Michael Smith – Former president of Illinois IMPACT- The political lobbying group for the Illinois Council of Churches
ZOOM Time: Aug 28, 2022, 7-8 pm, 和 Aug 29, 7-8pm分两次展开。提纲：

1. Overview of Federal elections:
a. the 537 elected positions in the federal government
b. a federal election every two years (even numbered years)

2. The election cycles
a. 4-year presidential cycle
b. 2-year House of Representatives cycle
c. 6-year senate cycle
d. Presidential elections
e. Mid-term elections

3. The math
a. How many votes does it take to win a seat in the House or Senate?
b. How many seats does it take for the Republicans or Democrats to control the House or the Senate?
c. How many seats need to flip in 2022 for the Republicans to regain control of the House or Senate? Which races are the closest?

4. The issues and the consequences
a. What is likely to happen if the Republicans win
i. The House
ii. The Senate
b. What is likely to happen if the Democrats win
i. The House
ii. The Senate

5. Who are the most interesting candidates running this year?

6. What STATE races are up for election in 2022 in Illinois?

7. LOCAL elections
a. Where to find bills be passed locally?
b. When are local elections held?

8. How can I more influence on the issues that matter to me?
a. Attend meetings-school board, city council and county board
b. Talk directly with people have leverage
c. Participate an existing coalition
d. How to create your own coalition
e. Attend and speak at candidate forums

我们会在周六和周日给出Zoom链接。主讲人麦克有丰富的经验和清晰的发音。他曾经获得高中演讲伊利诺伊州第一名，并在代表超过5000个不同宗派教堂游说政府关注教会权益的组织Illinois IMPACT担任主席4年，取得显著成绩。他会用较慢的语速跟大家交流。欢迎参加和提问！