1. Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
Advocacy and Hunger
Kathy Green
Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
Betsy Kerrigan
Feeding Texas

2. Why Advocate?
Maintain or increase services available to those in need—food, funds, programs
Protect against cuts
Educate and publicize your mission and work; dispel myths
Influence thought leaders
Food banks advocate on behalf of hunger programs and clients for many reasons.

3. We are a part of a large network
We are a part of a large network. Traditionally, this is how the information flows with advocacy. You’ll see the food bank gives and receives information at both the state and federal level. However, there is not a lot of direct advocacy from clients and partner agencies to elected officials.

4. There is no substitute for elected officials hearing from the “boots on the ground”—the folks that are actually experiencing the issues, seeing the clients. This can be even more effective and result in stronger policy ideas and funding.

5. Advocacy Actions
Stay abreast of issues; then write or elected officials
Engage the media—write an op ed, letter to the editor
Talk to community groups about your work: rotary clubs, junior league, faith groups
Engage within other coalitions—health, education, workforce, housing
These are ways to advocate

6. Advocacy Actions
Invite elected officials to your meetings and/or programs—build relationships NOW—not when you “want” something
Attend town hall meetings
Set up time to meet them in their office
Advocating in person is even more effective. A recent study polled elected officials and their staffs on the Hill about what advocacy actions were the most effective in getting them to vote a certain way. In person visits from constituents ranked first.

7. Senator Brian Birdwell visited Waco Caritas and Shepherd’s Heart
Senator Brian Birdwell visited Waco Caritas and Shepherd’s Heart. He toured the agencies, met clients, and volunteered. This gave him a first-hand look at what was going on in his own backyard.

8. Tips… Be clear and concise Know your issues; admit it when you don’t
Provide back-up info (also concise)
Data and stats are good, but humanizing the issue is better
Don’t get emotional, defensive, or angry about your issue (passion is good)
These are important things to remember when advocating.

9. Tips… Testify in committees
Provide support/recognition and thanks when they do the right thing
Avoid partisanship or criticism
Use social media—everyone has a Twitter account