How To Advocate Trainer Version Presented by The Arc of Pennsylvania 101 S. Second St., Ste. 8 Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-234-2621 or 800-692-7258

What is Advocacy? Handout # 1 Advocacy is defined as – “The Art of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea or policy; active support.” American Heritage Dictionary 2000

What is the Difference Between Lobbying and Advocacy? Lobbying is “trying to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause.” Lobbyists are usually compensated for their services. Need to comply with various ethical and lobbying disclosure laws governing their activities. Guaranteed RIGHT in America.

Lobbying and advocacy can be the same So, if you have ever spoken with a public official on an issue that you are for or against, then you have “lobbied” your official and “advocated” on behalf of a cause. However, you are usually not subject to lobbying, registration and disclosure laws unless you are compensated for your activities.

State and Federal Definitions of Lobbying Federal Definition: Influencing, for financial or other compensation, the formulation, modification, or adoption of legislation, rules, regulations, executive orders, or any other programs, policies, or positions of the government, the administration or execution of a government program or policy (including the negotiation, award, or administration of a government contract, grant, loan, permit, or license), or the nomination or confirmation of a person for a position subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Pennsylvania Definition: An effort to influence legislative action or administrative action by any individual, association, corporation, partnership, business trust, or other entity that engages in such an activity on behalf of a principal, for economic consideration

Legislators are hardworking, dedicated individuals. They need to be knowledgeable about everything from Special Education Funding to Agricultural Issues From the Waiting list Initiative to the Trucking Industry. It is our job to inform them of the issues that effect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially personal stories from their constituents. How do we do that?

Take Action Checklist Handout # 2 Understand the Issues – Handout # 3-The Arc of Pa 2009 Public Policy Priorities 1. Check out The Arc of Pa’s website www.thearcpa.org or call 1-800-692-7258 to find out the key issues – Click on website-The Action Alert 2. Sign up for The Arc Action Alerts- to be alerted when any key issues arise that require action 3. Read The Arc of PA’s Position Papers and Resolutions on Key issues- www.thearcpa.org, click Disability Resources and then Position Papers and Resolutions – Click on Position Papers & Resolutions 4. Learn who to contact on specific issues-click onto www.legis.state.pa.us

Take Action Checklist II. Get Involved Contact your local chapter of The Arc – Click on Chapters Become a member Develop a relationship with your local and state governmental officials Ask about, attend or join committees- such as MH/MR Advisory Boards, local chapter fundraising efforts, etc. Attend SAGA Day- in Harrisburg and The Arc of US annual Policy Seminar in Washington, DC Attend local trainings Access support from local Arc chapters

Take Action Checklist III. Take Action 1. Action Alerts- through local chapter website of www.thearcpa.org 2. Emails to local and state officials 3. Letter writing- examples on Advocacy Tools and Telling Your Story – Click onto Disability Resources, click next- Advocacy Tools & Telling Your Story-Handout # 4- letters and stories 4. Phone calls 5. Visits to Legislators at district office or Harrisburg- found on www.legis.state.pa.us 6. Attend community events and talk to legislators 7. Inform others in your support groups 8. Invite officials to your chapter to Board meetings or special events – Handout # 5

Helpful Hints when Advocating with an Elected Official Handout # 6 A - B Be authentic, passionate and professional Identify who you are and who you represent Do your homework and know your issue. Present the facts and any statistics that are area specific If asked a question you do not know, tell them you will research the question and get back to them. Tell your story , but be brief and to the point and how it relates to the issues Bring along a picture of the person you are representing.

Contacts Via Mail or Phone Handouts # 7-8 Identify yourself and your issue. Be concise State your purpose Refer to legislation- whether you favor or oppose the bill State your concern Think about how this effects your local community. State the facts Ask if they support your view

Contacting your Legislator Handout # 9 Schedule appointments with your legislator during their time in the district offices. Be on time. Dress appropriately. It is ok to meet with staff or an aide. Introduce yourself and why you are there. State your objective. Thank him or her for previous support- if applicable. Explain how this issue effects you and your community. Personal stories help the legislator relate to the human side of the issue. Ask for legislative support. Ask what you can do to help the legislator. Leave fact sheets or other written materials regarding your issue, 1 or 2 pages. Thank the legislator for their time and send a written thank you as soon as you get home.

Five Conversations a Legislator Wants To Have With You Handout # 10 1. What are the local/county statistics? 2. How state monies are being spent in the district 3. Real life stories that illuminate the statistics 4. How your organization accesses voters in the district 5. What specific legislative action would make you happy.

Take Action Checklist IV. Stay Involved 1. Services constantly change- so it is important to stay involved. Understand that current issues may not be relevant to you now- but are on the horizon for you and your family 2. Provide feedback to your local or state chapter of The Arc on visits with local and state officials

Thank You This training was developed by The Arc of Pennsylvania Advocacy Capacity Committee. The Advocacy Capacity Committee shall work to: develop advocacy at the local level by providing assistance or training to local chapters or creating advocacy where no local chapter exists. provide assistance to local chapters in advocacy matters that may have significant state-wide impact. This includes offering network resources for advocates, so they can share information and identify opportunities for successful individual and system advocacy. aid the Arc of Pennsylvania in carrying out its System Advocacy Governmental Affairs mission by promoting grass roots efforts and empowering individuals to advocate at a variety of levels.