1. Advocacy is Everyone’s Job!
Jill Dolan, Director of Public Affairs, Mt. SAC
Juan Gutierrez, Director of Governmental and Community Relations, Pasadena City College

2. Who is CCPRO?
We are a statewide professional development and service organization that seeks to promote excellence in California's community college public relations and related professions. The organization serves as a central resource of information and provides counsel and assistance relating to the advancement of community colleges statewide and the professional growth of its members.

3. What is Advocacy? Juan’s story: John Kerry What do you think it is?
Is it signing petitions?
Is it talking to politicians?
Is it speaking at hearings?
Is it picketing and protesting?
These are all components, or tools, of advocacy.
Using research, resources, and relationships to shape the outcomes of decisions that will affect your constituency.

4. Why Is Advocacy Necessary?
Term limits mean turnover in the Legislature, and the need for education of new members.
Redistricting also leads to changes.
Everyone else is doing it.
If you don’t raise your voice, it won’t be heard or someone will speak for you.
Juan: According to LA County Clerk’s office, one assemblymember’s district includes both Lancaster AND Pasadena? Huh?
Jill: Holden and Mt. SAC
Used to be 6 years in the Assembly, 8 years in the Senate.
Prop. 25 changed it to 12 years in one house.
Nearly half the Assembly's seats – 38 of 80 – are filled by freshmen. The modern high, 39, was recorded in 1934.

5. EVERYONE! Who Should Do Advocacy? Students Faculty Staff
Administrators
Board of Trustees
Community Partners
Regional CCC Associations
EVERYONE!
Students – Went to visit the Capitol in February and met with local legislators
Help them focus their energy
They are paying their advocacy
Juan: AS Lobby advisor
Faculty – Academic Senate passes resolutions; unions weigh in on legislation
Staff – unions weigh in on legislation
Administrators –
Board of Trustees – Elected officials talking to elected officials
Community Partners – Helped us with re-authorization of EDPAC
Each of these groups is represented on our Advocacy Team and is actively involved.
Advocacy is too big for one person.
SanFACC and a similar group in Orange County
There are 2,000 bills that have been introduced in the current legislative session. You are all subject matter experts.

6. Reality Check Advocacy = Relationships
Don’t wait until you need something
You are not the only person asking for something
Staff members really do the work
Make it personal – bring students
Teamwork is necessary
Coordinate with your Government Relations staff
Be flexible…you may meet in a hallway
JHEAD –
Juan>> Ratio of help: 10 to 1
Juan’s bad experience

7. A Little About Letters Which type of letter carries the most weight?
Letter from constituent within district
Form letter without signature
Handwritten letter
Form letter with signature
Letter from constituent outside district

8. Legislative Visits Expect a brief appointment
If legislator is unavailable, it’s acceptable to make an appointment with staff handling education
No more than 5 people – One person should facilitate the discussion, engaging each attendee
All attendees must speak with one voice on issues
Write thank you notes
Invite the legislator to visit your college

9. Federal Advocacy No more earmarks (appropriations)
All funds are at agency level
Still good to make visits and nurture relationships

10. Ten Commandments of Lobbying
Always Tell the Truth!
Keep it Simple
Be Organized
Be Unified
Do your Homework on Legislators
Do your Homework on Legislation
Work with Staff
Monitor & Communicate Progress of Bills
Always be Prepared with a Position Paper
Compromise – It’s the Name of the Game
Bio, background, CC
Juan: Example DUI and buy a drink at dinner

11. Where Can I Get More Information?

12. Other Resources www.leginfo.ca.gov
Your college’s advocacy handbook or website
American Association of Community Colleges, Advocacy
CCLC Legislative Conference January 26-27, 2014 (Sacramento)
ACCT National Legislative Summit February 10-13, 2014 (Washington DC)
Higher Education Government Relations Conference December 11-13, 2013 (San Francisco)

13. Questions?