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Government Isn’t Broken: How to Work the System and Beat the Odds
A Presentation from Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru
Topics
Factors of Influence The Basics of Effective Advocacy The Top 10 Things NOT to Say The One Thing that ALWAYS Works
But first a short quiz… (with fabulous prizes!)
How many times is the phrase “School Libraries” mentioned in bills in the Pennsylvania ?
How many bills total are normally introduced in an Illinois General Assembly session?
What percentage pass? How many people does a member of the Illinois
House typically represent? How long is the typical meeting with an elected
official?
What is “Advocacy”?
When in doubt, turn to Wikipedia
“Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes — including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions — that directly affect people’s current lives. (Cohen, 2001)”
Potential Factors:
Personal _______________– Friends– Staff– Family
Jobs / ____________ Issues in Their Districts
The _______________ ___________________??? The ________________ Their Own ____________
and Passions
MOST IMPORTANT
Their _____________
Representative Democracy reflects and amplifies the POWER
of the Grassroots
Breaking Through the Chaos: Four Keys to Successful Advocacy
What do you want? Who should you ask? How should you ask? How should you
follow-up?
Two Kinds of Asks: Policy Related and Relationship Building
Policy-related– Support for a bill– Support for funding
initiative– Support for change in
policies
Relationship Building– Newsletter Article– Public Statement – One minute or five
minute speech – Site visit– Website statement
The Spectrum of Asks
Will you make a statement?
• Some cost
• Limited opposition
• Some self benefit
Will you come to a lunch?
• Low cost
• Low opposition
• Self benefit
Will you vote for this controversial bill?
• High cost
• High opposition
• ? Self-benefit
The Hardest Asks
Cost (Money, Time, Reputation)
OppositionLimited Self-Benefit
HARDEST
HardHard
Hard
Policy Asks (Examples)
• Support funding for school libraries
• Demonstrate support for school library leaders through resolutions
• Ensure that laws designed to protect children (lead laws, e.g.) are both reasonable and effective
• Provide additional resources for Web 2.0 applications in schools
Relationship Building Asks
Campus Visit Statement in Congressional
Record Local (District or State)
meeting Newsletter Article Website statement / photos Helping out with case work
Who Are You Asking: Know Your Audience!
Relevance: Why Are You Relevant?
Interests / Passion: What Are They Interested In?
Position: What Position Do They Hold?
Politics: What Are Their Politics?
Tips on Dealing With Staff
Talk to the Right Person Remember, Your Issue Is
One of Many Staff Contact Has
Advantages Over Member Contact
Institutional Memory in an Elected Official’s Office Can Be Short
Expect (and Appreciate) Youth
The Message Formula
Hello, my name is [] and I’m from [] (establishes relevancy) I am here to talk to you about [policy / relationship ask] Knowing of your interest in [info about your audience] we think
you’ll be interested as well This is important to the people I represent because [personal
story] That’s why we really hope you’ll [ask] I’d like to follow-up by [follow-up ideas] Can I get contact information for all the appropriate people in
your office?
The Top Ten List: What Staff & Elected Officials Hate to Hear
10. But I thought my appointment was with the member!
9. Here’s some reading material for you – our 300 page annual report
8. I know you probably won’t listen to me because I didn’t contribute to your campaign, but I’m supposed to ask you for more money
7. I assume you know all about bill number 1234
The Top Ten List, Continued
6. No, I don’t have an appointment but I promise I’ll only take ½ hour of your time.
5. No, I don’t really need anything specific. 4. What you’re telling me can’t be right. I heard
Jon Stewart from the Daily Show say otherwise. 3. We have ten (or more) people in our group. 2. What do you mean we have to stand in the hall?
… And the number one item?
No, I don’t represent anyone from your jurisdiction. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.
The One Little Thing That Makes ALL the Difference
Persistence
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On”, has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.
Calvin Coolidge
Contact Information
1640 19th Street NW
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-1353
www.advocacyguru.com