Northeast Regional Committee Northeast Regional Committee Meeting January 19, 2012 Welcome everyone! Please check your audio by going to: Tools>Audio>Audio Setup Wizard!

Northeast Regional Committee Agenda – January 19, 2012 I.Welcome and iNACOL updates II.Program Committee report – Stan Freeda, Liz Glowa, co-chairs III.Advocacy Committee report – Chris Harrington IV.Presentation – David Teeter, Director of Policy, iNACOL

Northeast Regional Committee iNACOL UPDATES – Rob Darrow, iNACOL VSS 2012: October 21-24, 2012 in New Orleans. iNacol Committees Wiki - iNacol Forum -

Northeast Regional Committee iNACOL UPDATES – Rob Darrow, iNACOL (p. 2) iNacol Teacher Talk Webinar today at 6pm EST – Topic: “Online Breakout Rooms” Rob’s contact if you have other info to share:

Northeast Regional Committee iNACOL UPDATES

Northeast Regional Committee Committee Reports: Program Committee February 16: Advocacy Committee presentation on survey results. Open discussion of FY12 goals March 15: Next Gen Learning Coalition April 19: Blended Teaching panel discussion May 17: Advocacy Committee white paper discussion June: end-of-school virtual celebration?

Northeast Regional Committee Committee Reports: Advocacy Committee

Northeast Regional Committee Action Plan Research Develop survey tool Distribute survey Analyze data Publish whitepapers Coalitions Contact key organizations Organize strategy Mobilize coalitions Leverage research

Northeast Regional Committee

Northeast Regional Committee Featured Presentation: Advocacy 101: Insights on How to Effectively Approach Legislators and Policy Makers David Teeter, iNACOL Director of Policy

WHY IT MATTERS GENERAL INSIGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS SPECIFIC IDEAS ON WORKING WITH LEGISLATORS DISCUSSION

WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS: K-12 Education is important to elected representatives They need accurate information about digital learning Media portrayals of online learning often inaccurate. Advocacy is for students’ access to high quality online - you understand how it can empower student learning So…….. How can I help you be more effective in your work with legislators - what are some tips?

General Tips on working with elected officials Understand your state’s legislative process/timetable – Timing Matters Do your homework – Both sides of issues Be concise and clear – Keep it simple Look at the issue through eyes of official – Helps you be effective

5 Tips from Representative Alicia Morgan, GA From 2011 iNACOL VSS Conference Session: 1.Build relationship with legislator. 2.Educate them on your issue BEFORE the session Why is this important? Keep it simple – be clear, concise 3.Use parents/students to help tell the story Personal narratives help, esp. from constituents 4.Understand the world of legislators a bit What issues are on their radar? Is yours a key issue for them? How can you make it one? 5. Politics matters – understand it. It’s important reality

Working with Legislators: Relationship Building Establish a relationship with your legislator early - They have time -They’re accessible and get to know you -Builds trust and credibility – personal relationship Ways to get acquainted - Campaign support always helps -Write to them -Participate in events they attend. -Host a legislative luncheon/breakfast/event -Invite them to see your program/organization to amplify message Demonstrate your interest in them and what they care about

Working with Legislators: Relationship Building Effective Communicating: - KNOW your issue. Both sides. -Be clear and concise -Prepare one-pager with concepts they can walk away with Keep it Simple.

Keep Legislators Informed Include them in your newsletters, news releases Send them letters on key issues or concerns Occasional phone calls to office can help -Make sure your key messages are clear -Only a couple of sentences

Visiting Legislator’s Office Be prepared and organized Key points should be clear. Time is limited - Make sure they understand your “takeaway” -Be specific about what action you expect from them Present the issue from THEIR perspective - How it will benefit their district -Costs of not doing anything/supporting position -Who opposition is. Their stance. Be prepared to answer questions

Visiting Legislator’s Office (cont.) Give them formatted 1-pager on issue. Include: – What you are asking for – Details (Any critical details and information they need) Be courteous and friendly to staff, assistants – They may be gatekeepers AND can be key points of contact Leave follow up contact info with them Be sure to send a thank you note thanking them

When legislature is in Session Understand the Legislative Session timetables and deadlines Being clear, concise, organized - pressures are intense during session - Come with specific solutions, specific actions It’s all about priorities – limited time, pressures – " Everything is a matter of priorities. You have limited amounts of time; you have to convince [legislative staff] that whatever your particular issue is, it's so important that they have to make it a priority." If you have done your homework, built a relationship, a coalition and are concise and clear, they will listen

Tip - Be Part of an Organized Coalition This is one of the key ways to make it a priority for legislators Same rules on “keep it simple,” concise, organized, knowing issue from legislators point of view. – AND legislative strategy becomes more important. Knowing makeup of the legislature, developing overall narrative and powerful voices and narratives to leave legislators and committees with key messages and a compelling personal story.

iNACOL Resources to help you Member network: Our 4000 members and our committees are a huge part of our Legislative Education Efforts iNACOL website resources and publications to inform, educate Access to people, experts to help you Legislative Frameworks work to help state legislators and ALSO members

Northeast Regional Committee

THANK YOU!! My contact information: David Teeter