Updated: February 28, 2015

Democracy is not a Democracy is not a Spectator SportSpectator Sport

It is a “Contact” It is a “Contact” SportSport

Effective Advocacy

How to be Heard in Olympia

Advocacy Tips & Tricks

Resources

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Be informed:

◦about the PROCESS

◦about the ISSUES

◦about the PLAYERS

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How a Bill Becomes Law:

aka

“Structured Chaos”

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WASA

◦Web site: www.wasa-oly.org◦Newsletter: TWIO – This Week in Olympia◦End of Session Report

WSSDA, AWSP, PTA, WEA, OSPI

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Legislators:

◦What District?

◦What Committee assignments?

◦Leadership position?

◦Issues of interest/expertise?

◦Personal information: occupation, social/civic memberships, schools attended, church affiliation, hobbies

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Additional Players in the process:

Legislator’s personal staff

Committee staff

Caucus staff

Agency liaisons

Lobbyists

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Contacting your legislators

◦Personal letters

◦Phone calls

◦E-mail

◦Face-to-face meetings

Public testimony

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Tips:◦Think about your timing◦Stick to one subject◦Be brief◦Be positive; be polite◦Ask for action – and a response◦Think about letters from students◦Avoid form letters◦Say “thank you”

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Tips:◦Ask for legislator or specific assistant

(know the players)◦Name, title, school district◦Focus on one issue/bill◦State your position—be prepared to

provide rationale for position◦Ask for your legislator’s position

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Tips:◦See tips for “writing to your legislator(s)”

(slide 11)

- AND -

◦Limit e-mail to very short messages or if timing is crucial

◦Provide your full postal address (address of voter registration)

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Tips:◦Schedule meeting well in advance◦Note subject matter and attendees◦Do your homework (know the process;

issues; and players)◦Prepare presentation; select

spokesperson◦Introduce yourself and/or team

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Tips, cont’d:◦Briefly present your case “just the facts” – avoid emotion note the impacts use visuals

◦Leave one-page summary◦Follow up with written “thank you” re-state your position provide answers to questions

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Prior to testifying:◦Prepare your remarks in writing if

possible—provide to Committee staff◦Be punctual to hearing◦Locate sign-in sheet Sign in with full name and address Note support or opposition to bill

◦Be mindful of amendments or substitutes to your bill

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Making your remarks:◦Introduce yourself; clearly indicate who

you’re representing, if anyone◦Be brief and be clear about your position◦Avoid technical jargon, acronyms◦Be prepared for questions—but don’t

answer if you don’t know (“I’ll get back to you”—AND then follow through)

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Establish an ongoing, personal relationship with your legislators

Know your legislator’s staff

Keep Association staff informed

Collaborate with community groups

Attempt to personalize issues with names of students, teachers, school buildings, etc.

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WASA: www.wasa-oly.org

Education Associations:◦ WSSDA: www.wssda.org◦ AWSP: www.awsp.org◦ WEA: www.washingtonea.org◦ PTA: www.wastatepta.org

Education Agencies:◦ OSPI: www.k12.wa.us◦ SBE: www.sbe.wa.gov◦ PESB: www.pesb.wa.gov

Legislative-related:◦ Legislature Homepage: www.leg.wa.gov◦ Governor’s Homepage: www.governor.wa.gov◦ LEAP (Budget info):

http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/default.asp

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If you don’t advocate for your students, your district and your staff, who will?

You can be sure someone will speak up—and they may not have the same information, experience or position as you.

Legislative Advocacy—Legislative Advocacy—Why be Involved?Why be Involved?

“The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing”

-Charles F. Aked (1864-1941)

An educated citizenry is critical to the state’s democracy; a well-educated population is the foundation of our democracy, our economy, and the American dream

Public education plays a critical role in promoting equality, operating as the great equalizer; public education provides unprivileged citizens with the tools they need to compete on a level playing field with citizens born into wealth or privilege

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Education plays a critical role in building and maintaining a strong economy; public education builds the well-educated workforce necessary to attract more stable and higher wage jobs to the state’s economy

Washington’s duty to education is constitutionally declared to be its paramount duty

In summary: Public education is a wise “investment” in the future

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Daniel P. SteeleAssistant Executive Director,

Government Relations825 Fifth Avenue SEOlympia, WA 98501

360.489.3642

dsteele@wasa-oly.org

Engaging with LegislatorsUpdated: February 28, 2015