ADVOCACY JIM TOBIN 9 E LONG ST. COLUMBUS, OH

What Can I do? Legislative Advocacy

ADVOCACY PLANS

Families/Individuals Community & Faith Institutions Private Sector Government

The Big Picture Why advocacy from the perspective of faith-based social service providers is important –“Real world” experience of clients and agencies –Moral voice on behalf of the poor and vulnerable; –Respected amongst policymakers

Why Advocacy Is Important Advocacy is your right –The first amendment guarantees your right to connect with lawmakers Advocacy is our responsibility –Part of our faith/agency Mission Now, more than ever –Budget threats and policy changes –Contentious political environment

Why Advocacy Is Important Local connections with constituents make an impact on policymakers You have the power to impact the political process and improve policies that effect the poor and vulnerable

Making a Commitment to Advocacy Varying levels of advocacy –What kind of time and resources do I need to devote to advocacy? –Activities range from making one phone call to implementing a long-range plan –Think about how what you are already doing is advocacy Even a small effort can make a big difference

Knowledge is Power Stay informed –Keep abreast of current legislative action on issues important to you Know the players –Know who your lawmakers are and where they stand on your issues

U.S. Senator Washington D.C. Office 524 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C phone: (202) Cincinnati Office 36 East 7th Street Room 2615 Cincinnati, OH phone: (513) George Voinovich (R)

U.S. Senator Cleveland Office 600 East Superior Ave Room 2450 Cleveland OH Phone: Fax: Washington, D.C. 455 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC Phone: (202) Fax: (202) Sherrod Brown (D)

U.S. House

Ohio Senate Statehouse Room #201, Second Floor Columbus, Ohio Telephone: 614/ Bill Harris ( R) 19th District SENATE PRESIDENT

Ohio House Jon Husted (R) 37th District SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Address: Riffe Center 77 S. High St 14th Floor Columbus, Ohio Telephone: 614/

LEGISLATIVE INFO LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION word

Legislative Decisions VOTER PERCEPTIONS INFLUENTIAL PERSONS POLITICAL PARTY LEADERSHIP COMPROMISE PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

Relationships are Key KNOW WHO YOU NEED TO KNOW Elected Officials Other Faith/Social Work Leaders Power Brokers POWERS OF THE BROKEN

Relationships are Key WORK ON RELATIONSHIPS Strive for Name Recognition Agree to Disagree and Move On Invite to Events/Dialogues

Relationships are Key USE YOUR INFLUENCE Voting Constituent Expertise on Issue Member of Agency, Church, Civic Group, Advocacy Organization

Types of Advocacy Activities Letters, phone calls, s, faxes –5-10 Letters /Communiqués Can Be a lot Visits to your Legislators Site Visits –Invite policymakers to visit your programs –Spread the good news: show off how your program helps the community –Make the connection between your program and policy decisions made in Washington

When Interacting with Policymakers Be strategic Be informed Use simple, effective messages All written communication should be clear and concise Emphasize local impacts and successes Honor any commitment you make to them Never miss an opportunity to thank them Build and sustain relationships over time

Types of Advocacy Activities Form or participate in coalitions – there is strength in numbers Work with local media to highlight your programs/issues Other activities –Invite policymakers to receptions, groundbreakings, program milestones –Attend and speak at public forums held by policymakers This applies to federal, state and local advocacy

Hang in there Be persistent and consistent. Your efforts matter and you can make a difference. You have the power to make change.

ADVOCACY JIM TOBIN 9 E LONG ST. COLUMBUS, OH