Administrative Advocacy Ellen Andrews October 16, 2003 Hispanic Health Council

I congratulated a DSS official on her promotion and asked "Isn't it great being up there where the buck stops?" Her answer: "I'm not sure where the buck stops. I don't really think that it's here. But I have seen it roll over us at times."

Administrative Advocacy Very powerful Include them early – both top and bottom of food chain Create relationships of trust -- can be champions and important sources of info They implement the laws – they are the devil in the details They are not elected, they dont answer to you or to voters Appointed vs. civil service Agency turf issues Current climate – staff reductions, great anxiety, overworked

Carrots Use your champion to gain access, to get a meeting Make their life easier –Write a grant –Invite them to a conference or event –Good press –Research for them, crunch numbers, answer your own questions –Give them a heads up when taking a shot –Testify on behalf of their initiatives/needs Thank them – they rarely get recognized

Sticks Serve on an advisory board, task force (can be a carrot) Freedom of Information requests Oversight bodies, watchdogs Legislation they dont want Play on turf issues Bad press

Freedom of Information Powerful tool Agencies usually cooperative Right to obtain records and attend meetings, public notices, with reasonable exceptions Rights to inspection Can charge up to 25 cents/page for copies Within reasonable timeframes Freedom of Information Commission enforces – no need for a lawyer

Regulations Statutes give guidance, regulations give detail How to find them, if they exist Process – Reg.s Review Committee Under-appreciated by advocates, legislators

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