1 You as a Caregiver Advocate: How Coalitions Can Impact Federal and State Legislation Today Amy Friedrich-Karnik, Legislative Consultant, NAC 7 th Annual National Conference for Caregiving Coalitions March 13, 2013, Chicago

 Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts ARIZONA: Public Awareness Campaign  Educating consumers (voters) about the importance of family caregivers to society  Targeted specific campaign elements to policymakers  Helped to initiate public support for coalition work PENNSYLVANIA: Proactive Legislative Campaign  Successful, multi-year advocacy effort to pass legislation expanding the state’s caregiver support program 2

 Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts CALIFORNIA: Defensive campaign against spending cuts  Testified at state budget hearings  Online petition through change.org  Petitions from local organizations & allied organizations HAWAII: Comprehensive, ongoing advocacy activities  Establishing relationships with policymakers through annual events, one-on-one visits  Annual Aging and Disabilities Issues Booklet – a guide for legislators and others on key policy issues for the year 3

 Advocacy Tips For Coalitions  Tap your grassroots – Use family caregivers whenever possible to tell their story and/ or make an ask  Reach out to allied organizations to support your cause or effort – it may be in their best interest too!  Raise awareness and educate your community – informing voters about your issues and turning THEM into advocates can be as important as educating policymakers directly  Understand the political context – create long-term and short-term goals, think big and be realistic, be bold and be patient 4

 How the Alliance Can Support You  Provide up-to-date information on federal policies through Caregiving Exchange Newsletter, Legislation section on website, listserv  Quarterly Caregiving Coalition Calls/ Webinars  Topics often focus on aspects of policy advocacy  Always include a federal legislative update  Guide to Establishing and Growing Your Caregiving Coalition will contain advocacy module  Policy campaign templates for local engagement  Let Your Voice Be Heard, National Family Caregivers Month  One-on-one support for your coalition’s advocacy work 5

 Contact Us National Alliance for Caregiving Amy Friedrich-Karnik 6