LEGISLATIVE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY William Skeen, MD/MPH July 17, 2010

Single Payer The Next Great Movement for Social Justice in this Country – Sen. Mark Leno Building the movement: – Creating the national dialogue – Educating the public and power brokers – Enacting the legislation

Grassroots Advocacy Single payer legislation is the end game. Role of electoral grassroots advocacy. Role of legislative grassroots advocacy.

“Let’s Talk” Message Based – Action Alerts! – Letters, , faxes, phone calls – Petitions, Sign-on letters – (One-way communication) Relationship Based – Face-to-face meetings – Develop ongoing personal relationships – (Two-way communication)

Getting Their Attention The Power of Money – Financial support for re-election – PAC money The Power of the Zip Code – I’m a constituent. – I vote. – I represent others like me in your district. – I want your support.

Strength in Numbers District Leader Network – One leader in each district – Coordinates legislative visits – Recruits others in district – Develops ongoing relationship with health staff and/or legislator

Central Coordination Monthly Action – Timed to legislative bill cycle. Synchronized Action – All legislators hearing the same message at the same time.

Operation Single Payer Action Alert E-blasts District Leader Network Regional Grassroots Ttrainings Annual Lobby Day in Sacramento Winter Conference!