Advocay for Everyone and Public Policy Update!

MAXIMIZING YOUR ADVOCACY TIME AND EFFORTSIts All About Relationship

1What is AdvocacyAdvocacy is supporting or defending a cause.Advocacy is educating. Advocacy can include lobbying. Lobbying is not a dirty word.

2Advocacy Myths and MisconceptionsI dont have timeI am intimidated/scaredI am not an expert in policy or politics, I am just a regular person Im shyIt doesnt make a differenceMy legislators dont seem to care about my issues. So why bother? Im a Democrat and my legislator is Republican. Or visa versa.I cant make it to Washington or Harrisburg I am not a lobbyist My organization is non-profit thats means I cant lobby

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4What Makes Politicians Tick?PoliticiansHold public office to help othersLike to be asked for helpAre good learnersDo not know everythingHave demanding schedulesLike getting to know their constituents Love good press!Want to be re-elected

5Anatomy of a Typical MeetingHook: Introductions

Line: Local stories or talking points

Sinker: Our request

Stay on Message!

6Anatomy of a Typical MeetingDo your homework and know opposing arguments if possiblePractice speaking to help organize your thoughtsBe concise with your requestMake the issues realBe clear in your next steps, and follow throughThank the member and staffFollow-up

What is my AskWhat are my takeaways?What are the facts and sound bytes I need this person to remember?Take a business card, leave yours if you have one. Write an email or letter thanking everyone for their time. Use it as a way to restate your Ask. 7Anything thats not a Yes is a No.8No doesnt necessarily mean NO.gab95 Conversations A Legislator Wants to HaveWhat are the local statistics?How many people receive your services or buy your products?How many people work there? How long have you worked there? How is state money being spent in the district? What are some real stories from the district?How does your organization (or you) access voters in the districtWhat specific legislative action would make you happy.

All politics are local in this conversation, YOU are the expert. You want something from the legislator they want some info from you: information about what is actually happening in their neighborhoods and communitiesThis is a Conversation. And its ok if you dont know. Talk to what you know. Promise to get back to them with any additional info you can. Examples of recent conversations on the budget my intro, my ask, talking points, story.These are the people you might know make it real.Avoid jargon most legislators have NO IDEA what ICF/MR, community hab, ISP, IEP, SC, ODP means. Most common follow up questions: how many people are served in my district?How many people are waiting for services in my district?How many families are affected by this in my district?How many people are employed in my district?Basically, what does this have to do with me and my constituents, my neighbors?Specific action what do you want this person to do about a situation? 10Establishing CredibilityPresent accurate, reliable, and timely information show that youre reliable and knowledgeable

Becoming the go to person for legislative staff is an effective way to influence policy

It is okay to say I dont know and to research and follow up later. (In fact, this is a great starting point for your next conversation. )

Becoming the Go To person leave a card, a pamphlet, a magnet. Offer yourself as a resource. Example of the can I borrow your shoes? conversation.11hail_to_the_chief39775.945