"Every actions needs to be prompted by a motive" Leonarda da Vinci.  There are times that citizens and local leaders need to advocate for change within their community.  Having the tools and knowledge to communicate with elected officials and decision makers is important to turn a passionate motive into a positive action that will institute change.  A working group of extension agents developed the "Empowering Local Leaders" program to place the skills and information needed to communicate with elected officials in the hands community members and local leaders.  Several agents across the state were trained to deliver this information state wide.  The Caldwell County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources was asked to deliver this information both regionally and locally.  Everyone communicates differently and elected officials are no exception.  Much time was spent locally helping participants "get to know" their local and state officials and the best ways to contact them individually.  Pre and post-surveys were given during each training.  30% of participants increased their knowledge of both local and state legislative processes.  52% felt comfortable contacting an elected official and 15% planned to contact an office about an issue within the next year.