Capital Area Food Bank of Texas Advocacy and Hunger Kathy Green Capital Area Food Bank of Texas Betsy Kerrigan Feeding Texas

Why Advocate? Maintain or increase services available to those in need—food, funds, programs Protect against cuts Educate and publicize your mission and work; dispel myths Influence thought leaders Food banks advocate on behalf of hunger programs and clients for many reasons.

We are a part of a large network We are a part of a large network. Traditionally, this is how the information flows with advocacy. You’ll see the food bank gives and receives information at both the state and federal level. However, there is not a lot of direct advocacy from clients and partner agencies to elected officials.

There is no substitute for elected officials hearing from the “boots on the ground”—the folks that are actually experiencing the issues, seeing the clients. This can be even more effective and result in stronger policy ideas and funding.

Advocacy Actions Stay abreast of issues; then write or email elected officials Engage the media—write an op ed, letter to the editor Talk to community groups about your work: rotary clubs, junior league, faith groups Engage within other coalitions—health, education, workforce, housing These are ways to advocate

Advocacy Actions Invite elected officials to your meetings and/or programs—build relationships NOW—not when you “want” something Attend town hall meetings Set up time to meet them in their office Advocating in person is even more effective. A recent study polled elected officials and their staffs on the Hill about what advocacy actions were the most effective in getting them to vote a certain way. In person visits from constituents ranked first.

Senator Brian Birdwell visited Waco Caritas and Shepherd’s Heart Senator Brian Birdwell visited Waco Caritas and Shepherd’s Heart. He toured the agencies, met clients, and volunteered. This gave him a first-hand look at what was going on in his own backyard.

Tips… Be clear and concise Know your issues; admit it when you don’t Provide back-up info (also concise) Data and stats are good, but humanizing the issue is better Don’t get emotional, defensive, or angry about your issue (passion is good) These are important things to remember when advocating.

Tips… Testify in committees Provide support/recognition and thanks when they do the right thing Avoid partisanship or criticism Use social media—everyone has a Twitter account