The ABCs of Good Advocacy Educating for Careers Pathways to Success The ABCs of Good Advocacy Teri Burns Education Advocate February 13, 2012

GET ORGANIZED 1.Do your homework. 2.Understand your issue. 3.Why is the issue important? 4.History – is it a new issue? Has it been debated before? 5.Who supports your issue? 6.Who opposes your issue? 7.Where is your issue relevant – Federal? State? Local? 8.Who will help you in this effort?

UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS The Federal, State and local legislative processes are different. Be sure you know how policy is enacted in the venue you are working in. Is your issue a regulatory issue? Is it legislative? Does it refer to a constituent service? If it is regulatory – find the commission who has jurisdiction. If it is legislative – call or write the capitol office of your state or federal representative (you can find their addresses on the web). If it is locally related – call or write the district office of your state or federal representative. If it pertains to your city or county, contact your representative on your County Board of Supervisors or City Council. If it is related to schools, contact your school board.

KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE Federal issues – Congress State agency – Governor State issues - Legislature County issues – Board of Supervisors Local issues – City Council Local School issues – School Board

Who are your resources? Who can help influence your target? Who knows your target? Who knows your issues? Meet together or separately?

UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF KEY PLAYERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY PROCESS Legislators/Local elected leaders Other elected officials Staff –  Chief of Staff;  Legislative Assistant;  District Director Committee  Staff Director;  Chief Consultant;  Analysis, Reports, etc.

Other Legislative Players Department of Finance Legislative Analyst State Board of Education State Department of Education Other state agencies

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE?  Personal meeting  Personal letter vs. Form letter or postcard  Phone calls (phone banking) 

WHERE TO FIND THEM Capitol Office District Office Fundraisers Public meetings/Town Halls Community Meetings Newsletters

IDENTIFY YOUR CONCERN AND PROPOSE A SOLUTION OR FIND SOMEONE TO CHAMPION YOUR ISSUE Elected officialIndustry leader Staff memberTrade association Non-ProfitConstituent Other government agencyCommunity leaders

DEVELOP YOUR MESSAGE… Make it compelling – let your passion for the issue show Make sure your facts are accurate Find out from the beginning what the opposition may say Remember – BE POSITIVE! Even if the community leader you are talking to does not agree with you.

Before meeting your elected official Schedule an appointment Have a manageable size group Decide in advance who will start the conversation for your group Know the key points you want to make Have a 1-pager or leave-with document

The Meeting Arrive on time, but prepared to wait Introduce yourself. It’s a good idea to give the Legislator(s) or staff your business card Have your lead start right out Allow the conversation to flow Don’t be afraid to bring them back to your topic

Issues Identify the legislator’s level of expertise Explain issues thoroughly Give reasons for your positions Link your issues to the legislator’s own Share personal examples

DELIVER YOUR MESSAGE… Make your request specific – do you want legislation? Do you want support? Do you want them to oppose a policy? (Remember what restrictions your organization may have.) Offer a solution to the problem you are advocating for. Ask for a specific response – if they tell you they will look into it, ask if you can call them in a few days to follow up.

Goal: Educate not Alienate Answer questions honestly Don’t commit to provide additional information or complete a task unless you plan to do it Don’t get baited into arguing or losing your temper Don’t over-stay your welcome

After the Meeting Follow-up on requests for information in a timely manner Send a thank you letter for their time and consideration, even if they didn’t agree with you! Share insights with your leadership

Resource Websites Federal LegislationState Senate State LegislationAssembly California Department of EducationCA Legislative Analyst Calif. Dep. Of FinanceWorkforce Investment Board CAROCPCALCP

FINAL THOUGHTS… Don’t get discouraged – it often takes years and a lot of hard work to make policy changes. Keep working – persistence pays off. Find ways to educate community leaders and their staff – host briefings, add them to your mailing list, invite them to your sites and events. Remember – you are playing an important part in public policy. It is our duty and right to advocate!