NY DREAM ACT LOBBYING TRAINING GUIDE FOR DREAMERS

PART I: The Nature of Lobbying Definition : Lobbying means to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and specially members of a legislative body. Lobbyists help the legislative process work more effectively by providing lawmakers with reliable data and accurate assessments of a bill's effect. Constitutional basis Congress shall make no law...or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances. Special Interest The founders of this country understood human nature. They recognized that it leads individuals to represent their own interest or special interest, rather than the greater public interest. They also understood that factions were inevitable, so they viewed factions as a necessary part of a competitive system of checks and balances. History Two major accounts have been circulated in discussions on the origin of the term lobbying Willard Hotel Lobby of the NY State Capitol waiting to address legislators.

PART II: Understanding Forces that Shape Legislation 7 Ps

Profile Previous Experience Positions Positions Press/Public Opinion Promoters PromotersPriorities Personal Experience.

PROFILE of Constituents: What are the demographics of the constituency? For example, urban or rural, traditional or progressive, level of prosperity, ethnicity. How much of the economy is agriculture, service, technology, or manufacturing? For what products, attractions, annual events such as traditional festivals, or services is the area known? What is the history of the area? How did the area develop? Has there been natural disasters recently? How significant is your issue in the district or state?

PREVIOUS Experience. Where did the policymaker grow up and attend school? What career path did the policymaker pursue before entering politics? What political or policy making positions did the official hold previously? How might these positions shape the officials current views?

POSITIONSPOSITIONS How does the member typically respond to your type of issue? How familiar is the policymaker with your issue or concern? What is the legislators voting record on your issue or on similar issues? What private or public statements has the member made regarding your issue or organization?

PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION What is the current and anticipated public opinion regarding your issue? What has been the extent of press coverage in the state or district on the issue? What type of press coverage will the legislator likely receive upon publicly supporting your position? Would the policymaker be criticized in the media for changing a previously established position? Look at the Legislators press release section of his or her website and find the accomplishments for which the legislator is specially proud.

PROMOTERSPROMOTERS Which groups or individuals actively helped the policymaker get elected? Who has supported the policymaker financially? Who are the current supporters or legislative allies?

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Has the policymaker had a personal experience on the issue?

PART III Understanding Government Institutions and Processes

NY STATE GOVERNMENT The 3 men in a room

THE SHORT LEGISLATIVE PROCESS Ideas for Bills Idea into Bill Bill Introduced Bill sent to Committee Committee Agenda Public Support or Attack on a Bill After Committee

NY STATE BUDGET PROCESS Agency Budget Preparation (June–September/October) Division Of The Budget Review (September/October– December) The Governors Decisions (November - January) Legislative Action (January–March) Budget Execution (March–April):

PART IV Know your Issue

DREAM ACT LEGISLATION PUBLIC FUNDING FOR DREAM STUDENTS TAP/PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIPS TAP/PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIPS PRIVATE FUNDING FOR DREAM STUDENTS PRIVATE FUND PRIVATE FUND COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (529s):

PART V Communicating Effectively with Policy Makers

Lobbying is NOT about status and influence. It is about changing the hearts and minds of government and legislators. An effective lobbyist uses information, communication, public pressure and engagement to bring policy change. Educate Members of the NY Legislature Educate Members of the NY Legislature Give them the tools to make your case Makes them passionate about your issue Keep them updated on your issues--especially when you arent asking for something

Face to Face 1) Keep it short; 2) A concise presentation is most effective; 3) Members and their staff have 15 to 30 minutes per visit depending on the standing of the member; 4) You may be interrupted at anytime by votes, schedules, etc. Be Focus: Talk about your goals in numbers where possible: 1) JOBS; 2) $$$$; 3) Constituents that benefit. Know your Issue: 1) Have a one pager; 2) Know how the issue effects you; 3) Be knowledgeable about the details; 4) Be persuasive-use personal stories. Be assertive but not offensive. Overall, remember they are there to listen to you and they are regular people.