+ Presented by Anne Broussard, John Harris, Peter Huffaker, and
Gary J. Kinley, Ed.D. FINDING AND SUPPORTING A CANDIDATE WHO WILL
BECOME A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN IN THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE Slide
2 + Topics to be addressed in this session What is CSEE and CSEE
PAC? What we do and what our experiences have taught us? Why is it
important to find and support champions for children? How do you
identify such champions in your region? Once identified, how can
you support them? Slide 3 + What are CSEE and CSEE PAC? CSEE: is a
broad- based coalition, founded in 1986, that actively engages in
public policy, advocacy efforts, and public education campaigns, so
that all California's children have access to quality early
education. CSEE Political Action Committee: CSEE PAC develops and
supports lawmakers who understand the benefit of quality early
education. Slide 4 + Why is it important to find and support
champions for children? Individuals who provide input, vote and
financially support politicians have the ears of the latter.
Unfortunately, children dont have the power to do any of these
activities. Many times their parents are not registered to vote or
are very busy managing their everyday lives to impact public
policy. Based on the above, we must identify, evaluate and then
support individuals for public office who have the best chance of
making a difference for children, families and the ECE community.
Slide 5 + Finding a candidate(s) Examine the needs and priorities
of children, families and ECE staff in your community Ask questions
of individuals who have announced or are considering a run for
state office; as well as individuals who would make viable
candidates for office Use a survey tool to further assess potential
candidates Other thoughts for consideration Slide 6 + Examine the
needs and priorities of children, families and staff in your
community What are the demographics in your community? What ECE
services are missing? What are some reasonable areas where the
state might/should be involved? Prioritize these services and
areas. Not all are achievable. Slide 7 + Ask questions of
individuals who have announced or are consi- dering a run for state
office* Examples of questions to ask: What are your views on the
needs of young children and what specific steps would you take to
address them? What are your views on the ways in which early
education can close the achievement gap in CA? As a member of the
CA legislature, what would be your top four budget priorities
relating to children ages birth to five years? *Also consider
individuals who would make viable candidates for office Slide 8 +
Use a survey tool to further assess potential candidates Conduct a
thorough review of an individuals candidacy Who is contributing to
the candidate? Who would be upset if you supported him/her? Does
the candidate have an ECE statement/platform? Is the candidate
compelling and exude confidence? If elected, would he/she be
willing to champion ECE issues and be influential in the
legislature and with the Governor? Slide 9 + Other thoughts
Remember to seek candidates from both major parties, try to avoid
partisanship For existing office holders, review their voting
records Examines races that are close and where your support can
make a difference in finding candidates and then supporting them
Slide 10 Using the above, make decisions where your support can be
the most effective Slide 11 Supporting your candidate(s) J. Doe for
Assembly Slide 12 + Who to support? Consider supporting current
members of the legislature who have demonstrated support for ECE
issues and are in critical races Support legislators who are in a
position to move into leadership positions Slide 13 + How to
support them Of course, contributing money, advertising those
contributions, and making the contributions at critical junctures
of the campaign are essential Provide input or assistance in
writing position documents for candidates in ECE issues Offer
hands-on support Consider going door-to-door Do telephone
canvassing for a candidate who you support Slide 14 + Other
thoughts for consideration Work to groom candidates by shaping
their positions on ECE issues or other topics of relevance to
families Grooming future candidates is also essential (i.e., school
board members who might move into city council, then board of
supervisors and then assembly/senate seats) Dont forgot that many
parents forget to register to vote or re- register when they move
Remain in contact with a candidate when elected and make
connections for the success with local organizations statewide
groups who have critical information about the community Slide 15 +
Final thoughts Questions and comments Doable? Require work?
Achievable results? We Can Do It!
