1. United Way of Pennsylvania
Hill Day 2018 Briefing
United Way of Pennsylvania
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

2. General Information Attire | LIVE UNITED Shirts
Parking |
Breakfast &
Packet Pick-Up | 108 Irvis Office Building
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

3. Packets: Unpacked Capitol Map Meeting Schedule Highlighted Meetings
Starred Individuals
Handle Legislator Packets
Fill Out Legislative Conference Issues Worksheet
Talking Points
2-1-1
Pre-K
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

8. Social Media for Hill Day
Most legislators enjoy taking photos with visitors and seeing them on social media – just ask first!
Video is not permitted in most legislative offices
Use your local UW handle
Include the Senator/Rep’s handles if they have one
Include #UWAdvocate to link to UW’s advocacy work across the country
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

9. Report back after you meetings!
We’ve gone digital!
Located on the Members Only Section of the UWP website
Go to AdvocacyHill Day 2018Legislative Conference Issues Worksheet
Or use this link:
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

10. Capitol Environment
Expect a busy day in the building– lots of groups having meetings
Fiscal Environment
Election Environment
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

11. ASK | Do you support $1.5 million in state funding for PA 2-1-1?
Currently 97% of Pennsylvanians can pick up their phone and get connected to 2-1-1
Public-Private Partnerships
Almost 200,000 contacts in 2017
Seniors--2144, Substance Abuse--3336, Veterans--9604
Important Targets
House Republicans, leadership offices
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

12. PA 2-1-1 Accomplishments since 2017 Hill Day
More PA’ans have access: up from 85% to 97%
Number of contacts increased by 17% from 2016 to 2017
Connect To Home – 24/7 phone point of entry for the homeless and those immediately at risk
Assisted with local disasters
Contract with CDC for Flu on Call – pandemic preparedness
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

13. ASK | Will you support the proposed $40 million investment in high-quality Pre-k and Head Start in the state budget?
Pre-K Funding
61% of eligible children do not have access to high-quality Pre-k (106,200 do not of 175,200 eligible)
Pre-K Counts--$30m, Head Start--$10m
Will serve an estimated 4,400 additional children
Important Targets
Key targets noted on meeting schedule; all leadership offices
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

14. Questions?
Thank you!
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

15. Why Advocate? Address systemic causes rather than just symptoms
Provide policymakers with missing information and perspectives
Bring together diverse members of the community to solve problems
Influence public policy by providing a conduit for individuals and organizations to voice an opinion
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

16. Building and maintaining relationships with legislators
Do some research
Don’t just call or - make personal visits
Be efficient in your outreach, while also being effective
Gain trust and become a resource
Don’t underestimate the importance of relationships with staff
Show off your program/ accomplishments/ site
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

17. What to expect at a Harrisburg legislative office
Legislators have many responsibilities – your meeting could be canceled or postponed, or staff may be asked to sub in at the last minute
Do not plan on having more than 15 minutes – if you do, it’s a bonus
When you arrive in the office, you need to check in with the secretary – tell them who you are
Expect a warm welcome for United Way
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

18. Communicating effectively in meetings with legislators
Be prepared
Be concise
Take control
Stay consistent with your message
Follow-up when asked for more info – and even when you’re not asked for more info
Recognize that some people are motivated by data, others are motivated by stories that demonstrate impact
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

19. Use social media Bring attention to your events, issues, community
Share pictures
Engage others who are involved in your work
Remember your audience
Recognize that some people are motivated by data, others are motivated by stories that demonstrate impact
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

20. Avoid traps
“It’s another difficult budget year. I am not willing/ my colleagues are not willing/ the other side of the aisle is not willing to vote for new revenue, so what should we cut to fund your program?”
Answer: All United Way priorities represent cost savings to the state down the road, so an investment will pay off for taxpayers.
“I’m just a rank and file member. My leadership makes all the budget decisions”
Answer: Would you be willing to communicate to your leadership about your support to help inform their decisions?
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018