Critical Strategies in Effective Lobbying Presenter: Wendy Rae Hill, BSW Director of Government Relations and Political Affairs, NASW-CA

Goals of Legislative Appointment Provide Participants with a “real” & educational Legislative experience Explain why issues are important to social workers and our clients Influence Social Welfare Policy

Why Legislative Advocacy? Its about POWER!

Its About Power… Power Analysis: Money or people, or both. A good idea is not enough. Being right is not enough. Who are power brokers beholden to and responsible to in the end? Our responsibilities as citizens AND AS SOCIAL WORKERS.

Why NASW Lobby Days? Act with others rather than alone! POWER in Numbers! Mobilize existing resources and create new advocates. Create energy around the issue.

Lobbying Issues AB 2543 (Berg) Geriatric & Gerontology Workforce Expansion Act AB 2753 (Solorio) State Social Worker Title Protections AB 3015 (Brownley) Foster Youth School Safety Education

Lobbying Issues Continued… Budget Issues to Oppose Governor’s Proposed Cuts to Mental Health Governor’s Proposed Cuts to Child Welfare

Remember… Legislators are generalists, they see over 3000 bills a year Be a source of knowledge for them It takes 50 to 60 separate contacts with a Legislator to make an impact If you don’t know something, say so, and then get back to them with the information

Lobbying Do’s and Do Nots Don’t be Angry Don’t be Hostile Don’t threaten Don’t have too much information or take up too much of their time. Don’t lose Credibility Don’t be Dishonest or Exaggerate Do be polite and friendly Do be concise and to the point Do play on emotion and include personal relevance Do mention that you are a voting constituent Do thank them and follow up afterwards

Sunday’s Team Meeting Strategizing Your Legislative Appointment

Team Meeting Agenda Stay at your Team’s designated Table Identify yourself Review Your Legislator’s Background Discuss personal experiences with lobbying issues Identify Speakers - Strategize appointment Practice!!!

Monday’s Legislative Appointments What to do the day of your appointment

Before Your Appointment Meet OUTSIDE the Legislator’s door 30 minutes prior to appointment DO NOT go into the Legislator’s office until 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time Be respectful of the noise level outside the Legislator’s office

During Your Appointment Team Leader introduces Team Present the “leave behind” packet Team Member introductions Present on Issue(s) “Seal the Deal” Confirm follow-up, if any Thank Legislator/Staff

After Your Appointment Debrief with Team OUTSIDE Legislator’s Office Discuss Follow-up Fill out “Evaluation Form” Drop “Evaluation Form” at NASW table in Capitol Basement Cafeteria

Important Reminders PLEASE… DO NOT SKIP YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT! Double-check the room number Wear business professional clothing or your “This Social Worker Votes T-Shirt Don’t forget your Social Workers for Social Justice sticker! Turn off cell phones during legislative appointments You are representing NASW

Transportation to the Capitol Shuttle from the Radisson to the Capitol –Will depart every hour from 7:30am to 10:30am –Please leave 90 minutes before scheduled appointment Shuttle from the Capitol to the Radisson –Will depart every hour from 1:00pm to 5:30pm Shuttle schedules located in the conference program.

Radisson Check-out Check-out is at Noon! You may store your bags at the front desk Keys will no longer work after going through the Capitol security machines. Visit front desk to have them restored. Please remember to tip your bell person!

Lobbying Skits Skits will demonstrate what a good visit and a bad visit look like Skits will show the flow of the appointments Skits will show what to do and what not to do Skits will show how to react to unforeseen encounters Enjoy and laugh!