ADVOCACY TRAINING

Effectively Communicating with Policymakers and the Media

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Margaret Mead 1901 1978

OBJECTIVESWhat is advocacy? Key audiences Building partnershipsTelling your storyCommunications tacticsSustaining advocacyWhat is success?

WHAT IS ADVOCACY?

Speech, written word and/or action regarding issue delivered by a supporter or defender of the issue You!

Fact sheetsOne-on-one meetingsRalliesTestimonyCommentariesLetters-to-the-editor / opinion editorials

WHY ADVOCACY?

Put a face on the issueDemonstrate human impacts Build trustBecome a resourceYou have a right!

KEY AUDIENCES Those who can enact policies, educate audiences, and/or support your issue

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS Share common short-term and long-term goal(s)

Demonstrate broad and diverse support

Appeal to your audiences

Provide communications networks

POTENTIAL PARTNERS

WHO?

Business Community-based organizations Ethnic groups Faith-based organizations Non-profit health organizations

TELLING YOUR STORY Identify issues

Obtain facts

Develop messages

Anticipate questions

COMMUNICATIONS TACTICS Policymaker outreach

Media relations

Constituent and partner education

Business community outreach

POLICYMAKER OUTREACH Legislative VisitsDistrict-specific or leadership

Demonstrate broad support

Designate a team leader

Be brief

Offer yourself as a resource

POLICYMAKER OUTREACH Other Audiences, Same ApproachUS Senators and Congressional Representatives

Regulators

County Supervisors

City Council members

MEDIA RELATIONSOutreach to Reporters Have your facts straight Make it relevant If you cant answer, get back to them No such thing as off the record Media training is recommended Offer yourself as a resource

CONSTITUENT AND PARTNER EDUCATION Identify common ground

Stay in touch

Provide information about your efforts

Keep them updated

Assist them when you can

SUSTAINING ADVOCACY Have a plan for regular contact

Send information through various sources

Provide invitations to events & tours

WHAT IS SUCCESS Organizing

Identify goals

Identify objectives

Becoming a resource

Positive media coverage

Impacting policy

Questions?

Fact sheetsOne-on-one meetingsRalliesTestimony CommentariesLetters-to-the editor and opinion-editorials

Policymakers Local/civic, state and federalThe MediaThe PublicConstituentsPotential PartnersBusiness Community Share common short-term or long-term goal(s)Demonstrate broad and diverse supportAppeal to your audiencesProvide communications networksIdentify your key issueObtain credible facts to support your positionDevelop key messages in common languageTailor messages to your audiencesAnticipate questions and develop answersDo not be hostile, threatening facts are on your side! Locally or in Sacramento (tell them meeting with staff is ok)District-specific or leadership (you must be from their district or they must be leadership to care).Demonstrate broad support (bring others who appeal)Designate a team leader (to ensure your issue is presented clearly) Be brief (they dont have a lot of time) Offer yourself as a resource (they need this and appreciate your help)

Other audiences, same approachUS Senators and Congressional RepresentativesRegulators (Dept of Managed Care, DHS, etc.)County Supervisors (these are often future state officials)City Council members Send them information and follow-upHave your facts straightMake it relevantIf you cant answer, get back to them with informationNo such thing as off the record!Media training is recommendedOffer yourself as a resource

Stay in touch (dont just call on them at the last minute when you need them)Provide information about your effortsKeep them updatedAssist them when you can

Have a plan for regular contact (once a month/quarter, on their calendar)Send information through various sources, including e-mail and snail mail (news on org, FYI in your district, etc)Invite policymakers, media, partners, and business community to events/tours Organizing (internally having a plan in place) These first two are important and first steps. Identify goals (broad statements)Identify objectives (must be specific and measurable)Becoming a resource (for your audiences)Impacting policyPositive media coverage