TEXPERS Legislative Advocacy Workshop 2025: Announcing Our Featured Speaker
Joseph Gagen is the featured speaker for the upcoming Legislative Advocacy Workshop hosted by the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS) on Feb. 4 and 5, 2025, at the Hyatt House Austin/Downtown in Austin, Texas. This two-day event equips trustees and administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for the protection and sustainability of defined benefit plans during the 89th Texas Legislature.
Please note: The Legislative Advocacy Workshop is exclusively open to System Members of TEXPERS.
Meet Joseph Gagen: Advocacy Expert
Gagen brings decades of experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, and effective communication strategies. Known for his dynamic presentation style and practical insights, Gagen has trained professionals to navigate the complexities of legislative engagement.
"Mr. Gagen brings an entirely new way of looking at the legislative process," says Art Alfaro, TEXPERS Executive Director. "His highly interactive presentations are fun and effective in educating association leaders and their volunteer advocates on how to do it right when advocating for their profession, organization, and community."
Gagen has conducted well over seven hundred successful legislative training and planning programs for numerous national and state associations and numerous leadership conferences for volunteer-based association members. He has conducted trainings in 28 states and in Washington, D.C.
He has previously conducted legislative advocacy training sessions for TEXPERS.
"We're excited to have Mr. Gagen return to provide our members with more insights into the legislative process," Alfaro says.
Those who attend Gagen's advocacy training are able to:
- Communicate more effectively with public policymakers on issues of importance.
- Better understand the process and the environment in which public policy is made.
- Utilize key elements needed in devising effective legislative advocacy/communication strategies.
Gagen has been involved professionally in political and legislative matters for most of his career. Among other things, he chaired the Texas agency responsible for workers' compensation. He served as general counsel to the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee. Gagen was executive director of a statewide political organization and served from 2006 to 2011 as CEO for Texas CASA, a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for children in foster care. In 2022, he taught public policy communications at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, receiving his B.A. with Honors and his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.
Gagen will lead a highly interactive and engaging half-day session at this year's workshop designed to empower attendees with actionable advocacy skills. Here's what you can expect from his presentation:
- Understanding Legislators' Challenges: Gain a deep understanding of the pressures legislators face, including time constraints, competing priorities, and limited expertise on specific issues.
- Mastering Effective Communication: Learn how to establish trust, avoid jargon, and craft compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers.
- Hands-On Advocacy Training: Participate in mock legislative visits, learn how to deliver testimony, and receive personalized feedback to refine your approach.
Highlights of the Workshop
While Gagen's session is a centerpiece of the workshop, attendees will also benefit from a range of other critical topics, including:
- Analyzing Pension Reform Proposals: Understand potential legislation and its implications for public pension systems.
- Preserving Local Control: Strategies to safeguard local authority over pension management.
- Building Media and Public Support: Learn how to frame your message effectively for broader audiences.
- Coalition Building: Partnering with like-minded stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Don't Miss This Opportunity
The Legislative Advocacy Workshop is an unparalleled opportunity to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Joseph Gagen's expertise, combined with the comprehensive agenda, makes this an essential event for anyone committed to the future of Texas public pension systems. And public employee pension system trustees and administrators can earn continuing education hours that are required by state law.
Registration Pricing: Attending the workshop costs $125 per participant. This includes access to all sessions, workshop materials, and networking events.
Room Special Rate: Attendees can take advantage of a special room rate of $199 per night at the Hyatt House Austin/Downtown. This rate is available until Jan. 6, 2025. Book early to secure your accommodations.
Register Now: Secure your spot today to ensure you don't miss this invaluable learning experience. Visit the TEXPERS event website or click the button below for more details and registration information.
"We can't wait to see you there and work together to advocate for the sustainability and success of Texas public pension systems," Alfaro says.
About the Author: Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS. He joined the Association in 2017. Before TEXPERS, he worked in the news media industry, producing content for newspapers, magazines, and online publications and leading newsrooms as an editor and publications manager. [email protected]