Caregiving Advocacy in Maryland Elizabeth Weglein Governor's Chair Maryland Caregiver’s Support Coordinating Council October 24, 2012

Purpose of Council To coordinate statewide planning, development, coordination and implementation of caregiver support services. It is a official body of state government mandated by state statue. It is not a grassroots advocacy organization. Our legislative charge creates accountability to the public. It provides an official voice and allows a formal voice on caregiving. It most importantly provides direct access to our Governor. The Council’s primary purpose is to coordinate service systems, make information available to the public and officials and raise caregiver needs to the level of the executive and legislative branch of state government.

Building Relationships Build key targeted relationships: Identify your key objectives Identify your key relationships that will influence your issue Plan to meet face to face Identify who to contact Build a cohesive message- National Alliance on Caregiving Build a small group of strong committed advocates then recruit new members to continue the dialogue Send mailings and emails to maintain your message Be thorough Be timely

Key Relationships Key Relationships who influence Caregiving Issues Decision Makers State Administrators Department s of Health, Human Resources and Disabilities State Legislators State Regulators Department of Budget and Management Governor's Office Non-Profits For-Profits

What is the Process? After identifying your issues & priorities and identifying your relationships: If you are contacting your state legislators, look for advocacy volunteers who live in their district. You will have a better response when they are talking to their own voters. It will create a deeper impact. Tracking software. If you are contacting a state administrator or regulator, you need to know what department properly effects and influences the caregiving issue. If you are contacting your Governor’s office, ask for the Chief of Staff to schedule a meeting. Most times you will meet the key person who handles caregiving issues.

How to Secure Buy In Need to keep your membership tied into the process Expect: Strong communication- face to face, email updates, calls Strong relationship building- take Investment of time Allow input from members Treat your members as ‘ambassadors’ of your issues Network with similar organizations

Questions? Contact: Elizabeth Weglein Direct 410.608.7966 Maryland’s Governor’s Chair, Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council CEO Elizabeth Cooney Care Network Direct 410.608.7966 ew@elizabethcooneyagency.com