1. GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
By: R W Thieman, Jr., BA, CAE

2. Definition
…it refers to a movement which grows spontaneously and naturally…much like stubborn grass.
People can participate in grassroots advocacy on many levels ranging from writing letters to political leaders to organizing educational workshops for members of their community.

3. “Politics is about inclusion, not exclusion!”
Grassroots networks and coalitions are about creating a role for everyone to participate and contribute something to reach the goal.

4. Questions to ask What are the crucial issues you wish to address?
Can your group handle these issues alone or will you need to combine with other groups to form a coalition
Identify the groups facing similar issues which would make them candidates to join your coalition
How should you form the coalition?
Who should lead the grass roots efforts

5. Designing a Legislative Strategy
Identify the Legislative goal
Define a strategic path for reaching the goal
Focus on relevant related legislation
Identify the preferences of the key legislators
Key on the potential of media support

6. Potential Media Support
Aim media pieces toward the undecided voters
Keep stories current, relevant and interesting
Plan media appearances to control their direction and fit
Key on the visual as well as audio aspects of media events

7. Working with the Media
Introduce yourself to the press secretaries by phone first, in person, second
Offer to assist them by providing information
Invite press secretaries to your local group or meetings
Identify an issue where you and elected official share essentially the same positions
Offer to assist the legislator in rolling out any press releases
Note which outlets are the primary ones in your area

8. Legislator
Grassroots activities are best started at the local level in the office of the legislator.
Request a meeting with senior staff
Send a description of your organization
Arrive early for the meeting
Talk with the receptionist while leaving a business card and brief

9. Legislator….
If there is more than one person attending the meeting, decide who will be the spokesperson.
Who will deliver what part of the message
Listen carefully to staff responses and questions
Decide who will close the meeting repeating the purpose of the meeting
Leave behind materials that detail your legislative goals

10. Legislator….
After the meeting, send a thank you note to the staff member with a copy to the legislator.
Mark a date three months later to update staff and legislator on issues
After six months invite the staff member to visit your organization
At every stage, maintain notes on the issues you discuss and the staff member’s position on these issues
Develop alist of the information that you’ve provided to the staff member.
Fax or a copy of this information to your association so that the association is aware of what efforts are being made and what progress is being made,

11. Program Development You need a mission statement for your program
A description of your organization and how it relates to the message
A listing of who can participate
A measurement which defines success
Steps for those who want to join in

12. Program Effectiveness
Form a task group on your legislative issues
Develop a one-page profile
Form a relationship with your local legislative staff
Develop a brief materials package

13. Politics has Supremacy Over Economics
“In the short run, politics determines economics. In the long run, economics determines politics.”
The key to prudent policy-making is to understand politics and the politicians who play it.
The presence of politics does not have to mean the absence of principle.

14. You Need to be Involved at Multiple Political Levels
“all politics is local”
Since all politics is local you’ve got to operate there, not just in the state capitol and in Washington.
Policymakers listen to constituents
Your job depends on it

15. The Quality of the Information You Have is Critical
Not only do you have to know the decision-makers, you also need to know when and where to intervene in the process itself.
You need to develop a relationship with your local legislator and his or her staff.
Communicate with your legislator

16. Associations are Limited in What They Can Do
You, as the electorate, vote your local legislator in or out of office
A legislator welcomes their local electorate to speak with them at their local offices.

17. A Professional Commitment to Grassroots in Not Enough
There has to be a solid, personal commitment as well.
You need to know that you have a personal stake in the success of the operation.

18. The Appearance of Power is Power
Thomas Hobbs: “if those you want to influence assume you have power they will pay attention to you.”
Corollary to this: “The appearance of weakness is weakness. When legislators sense you are weak, they will trade you off in favor of a coalition they believe to be stronger.”

19. Use a Variety of Grassroots Techniques
Letters to legislators
No more than 2 pages
On letterhead
No more than 3 points
Be polite
Visits to local offices
Letters to editors
If the sense is that the problem is one that is going to become increasingly important, attention will be paid.
Establish yourself as a resource

20. Don’t Ask for More Than You Need
Remember that we don’t win 100 percent of the time.
The results of a shared victory, a fair compromise, may last far longer than a 100 percent win

21. Remember the Rules of Access
Your first goal should be to get to the legislators senior staff
You want to talk to the staff person who understands the issue
If there is no one on the staff who understands then you have to conduct an educational effort.
You want to get to the staff member closest to the legislator

22. No One Wins Every Time
Understand that one battle does not lose the war
View every meeting as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and broaden support.

23. Do You Have What It Takes
Have you ever disagreed with a rule or policy?
Are you willing to take a risk for change?
Do you believe actions speak louder than words?
Do you vent frustrations to co-workers?
Do you frequently explain your profession to others?

24. Keys to Successful Advocacy
Establish the relationship
Establish yourself as the resource
Communicate with your legislator
Attend a fundraiser
Send articles of information on your industry

25. Your Participation is Critical
You are the expert
Don’t be Shy
Legislators welcome your expertise and experience

26. Top Concerns CCP Program
Cuts to program
Changing the DON Score
Increasing the income level
Managed Care

27. Discussion
Questions ?