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Eat Learn Grow PD Series

Eat. Learn. Grow.
A Learning & Leadership Series

Eat. Learn. Grow. offers CHESPRA members professional learning opportunities throughout the year. Each one-hour lunchtime webinar highlights speakers and topics relevant to school public relations. Learn from peers and guest experts, strengthen your skills, and connect with colleagues across the DMV and West Virginia—adding value to your CHESPRA membership.

Have a topic to suggest or interested in presenting? Email Betsy Overkamp-Smith, APR, at betsy@betsyospr.com or Dr. Christina Arpante at christina.arpante@lcps.org.

Save the Dates
Mark your calendar and join us from 12 to 1 p.m. on the first Friday of each month to learn, connect, and grow with colleagues across the region.

Upcoming Sessions

February 9, 2026 - Snap, Shoot, Share: Easy, Confidence-Building Photography Tips for Any Camera

Guest Presenters: Mike and Erin Lee of TALL+ small Photography

Learn simple, practical techniques to take better photos with any camera, from smartphones to DSLRs. In this session, you’ll gain confidence behind the lens, discover easy composition and lighting tips, and pick up quick fixes that make your images stand out. Perfect for anyone who wants to capture and share stronger photos, no experience required.


Register!

April 3, 2026 - Managing FOIA with Confidence: Intake, Alignment and Strategies for Busy Professionals

Guest Presenter: Laura Beth H. Mattson, Intergovernmental Affairs and Constituent Services Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests require careful attention, timely responses and strong internal coordination, often alongside many other responsibilities. This session is designed for professionals who manage FOIA as a primary role or as one part of a broader portfolio. Hear from a FOIA specialist as they share practical approaches to FOIA intake, internal alignment and cross-department coordination. Participants will explore strategies that help streamline processes and build confidence in day-to-day FOIA management.

 Register!

May 1, 2026 - Get in the Legislative Game: How to Advocate Effectively for Education

Guest Presenter: Ken Blackstone, Assistant Director, Department of Communications, Henrico County Public Schools

Does it ever feel like education policy is created without educators at the table? Tired of having laws handed down without your voice in the process? It’s time to step into the legislative arena. Policymakers do want input from educators, but many simply aren’t hearing from us. You don’t need to live in the state capital or be a registered lobbyist to influence K–12 legislation. Today, it’s easier than ever to get involved and share your perspective, even from a distance. This session will show you where to start, how to engage, and how your voice can help shape the policies that affect your work and your students.

Register!

 Information coming soon about our March 6, 2026, session!

Previous Eat. Learn. Grow. Learning Sessions