Making Your Case How To Effectively Educate Legislators And Policymakers

Vote – whatever you, whoever you vote for. Get registered, get your friends and family registered, get out and vote. One of two most effective ways to get attention of policy makers Before We Begin …

“The world is run by those who show up.” – Anonymous Remember:

These folks we’re talking about work for you – it’s called democracy. That having been said, you need to know the process and how to effectively work within it. Remember:

Why Partners in Policymaking Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Vitally important to do this – look at the current situation Making Your Case

Aide to member of Congress – if they hear from 5 – 10 people about a particular issue or piece of legislation, that’s a lot. On most issues/legislation, they hear nothing from constituents. You can make a difference.

Credibility Get it out of your head that you can do anything else, even a little. Keep your eye on the ball. Honesty - page 3

Remember that civics class in high school? This is the real life, high stakes version. It’s very important to understand the rules of each body you’re approaching. Find someone, usually another advocate, to give you a run down. You can pick up a lot quickly. This is the ocean the policy makers and staff swim in – you have to get to know it. The Rules - page 5

The Network Manners / be polite Gossip/Threats Keep in mind – you’re trying to get them to do something for you. Act accordingly, no matter how passionately you may feel. If you can’t do this, find someone else to take the point and wait until you’re ready. If you don’t, you can kill your cause. The Rules - page 5

Schedule in advance – be aware of the calendar. Take what you can get. Staff – key to the process Research – know your stuff cold Offer to be a resource for the policy maker and their staff Gifts – don’t. Probably can’t take it. One pagers. Close the deal – ask for their support If there’s time, take a photo. Nice way to end. Thank yous Legislative Visits - page 7

Hone your message so that you can deliver it in 30 seconds in a hallway walking to an elevator, if you have to – because you will probably have to at some point. Legislative Visits - page 7

Sign in Formality in presentation – know the drill – “Mr. Chairman, members of the committee..” Not listening / transcribing – don’t worry about it. Get your comments on the record. Kids are great – Governors pay attention Make issues real – don’t let people be turned into numbers Answering questions Written testimony Don’t push it – “waive in support” can sometimes help more than 10 minutes of testimony Committee Testimony - page 13

Personal, personal, personal Handwritten Never form letters Always note bill / statute citation Give the policy maker something he/she can use – seen them waved on the floor. s are easy – too easy. Faxes are better. Letters - page 17

Everything can and should be organized or formatted in this style Letters – page 18

Vital when used properly. Timing is crucial. Be aware of the infrastructure. You can have a great impact when you act at the right time. Phone calls – page 19

Meet as group prior to seeing legislators to get run down Appointments in advance Prepare applicable materials Staff / aides Cookies Have a business card and leave it Thank you Debrief as group at end of day – schedule it and commit to it. Very important. Day at the Capitol - page 21

Frontline They Do ALL the work Friend or foe – act accordingly Help them help their boss Florida House – 1 aide, who also acts as assistant, etc., during session Florida Senate – 2 aides. Maybe assistant if they’re chair of a committee. STAFF - page 25

President, Governor, Mayor Department Secretary Commissioners Council members Agency Directors On and on down the line Policymakers - page 28

Meetings more informal More time with the official Same format as page 18 Don’t forget District staff When you go to Tallahassee/Washington, you won’t be just another face Congressman’s cell phone numbers – meeting lasted maybe 5 minutes In the District - page 31

Why not to use it When you have to use it Get to the right person Lots of information available for free on the Legislature’s web site – bills, amendments, committee packets, videos of committee meetings, etc. Know your way around this. Technology - page 35

Vote DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION: OCTOBER 6 Don’t complain about the problem unless you are a part of a solution Vote Just do it Vote VOTE - page 38

Rich La Belle Executive Director Family Network on Disabilities 2196 Main St, Suite K, Dunedin, FL Thank you !