1.  Advocacy 101: How to talk to legislators and why we should Presentation adapted from Bessie Proffet, MSW, Paige Finley, MSW Kristi Wisdom, MSW, the PAFCO training by Suzanne Schunk, LCSW Last update on December 2010 by Catherine Pellegrino, NASW-IN Policy Intern © 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved National Association of Social Workers

2. Table of Contents IntroductionIntroduction……………………………………………………………………..Slides 3-7 Section 1Section 1………………………………………………………………………….Slides 8-23 1.1 Who is the constituent? Slide 8 1.2 Let’s look at the basics Slide 10 1.3 How can we affect this process? Slide 16 Section 2Section 2…………………………………………………………………….....Slides 24-39 2.1 Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts Slide 25 Section 3Section 3………………………………………………………………………..Slides 40-47 3.1 Resources for Self-Directed Learning Slide 40 3.2 Fun and Interesting Information Slide 43 3.3 Information on Lobbying Slide 44 3.4 How Much Do You Know About Poverty? Slide 45 3.5 Do You Know Where Your Taxes Go? Slide 46

3. Why Legislative Advocacy?  A good idea is not enough  Being right is not enough  Who are power brokers beholden to and responsible to in the end?  It is our birthright as citizens It’s about POWER!!!  It is our responsibility as citizens  It is our responsibility AS SOCIAL WORKERS!

4. Build Coalitions and Partnerships  Act with others rather than alone! There is power in numbers  Mobilize existing resources and create new advocates  Create energy around the issue  Build an email network to spread the word and call to action

5. Lobbying vs. Advocacy Lobbying Specific form of advocacy Elected officials are asked to take a position on a particular issue and vote a certain way Part of an advocacy campaign Advocacy Broad promotion of an idea or cause Every day people shape public policy through organized intervention

6. Types of Advocacy  Organized rallies  Neighborhood Caucuses  Informational meetings  Grass Roots on an issue/topic by those affected  Letter writing campaigns  Boycotts  Education  Action Alerts

7. The Advocacy Cycle

8. Who is the Constituent? YOU ARE!

9. The Role of the Constituent  YOU are the constituent  Register to vote and VOTE at elections!  Let legislators know what you care about and what is important to you  Educate legislators about your issues  The system was designed to represent YOU…so don’t let the special interests and the money interests control the power!

10. Let’s Look at the Basics: Structure of the State Government Executive Governor and Executive Agencies Legislative The Senate and The House of Representatives Judicial The Supreme Court

11. Indiana State Legislature Senate 50 districts & 50 members President Majority Leader (party in control with the most votes) Minority Leader Whips Committee Chairs Staff House 100 districts & 100 members Speaker of the House Majority Leader (party in control with most votes) Minority Leader Whips Committee Chairs Staff

12. How an Idea Becomes a Law  Talk about an idea and gain some support.  Write it up and find a legislator to sponsor/author the bill.  The bill is introduced into either the house or the senate.  The bill is assigned to a standing committee.  Standing committees hold public testimony and three hearings on each bill in its originating chamber where they may approve, amend, delete, or reject the bill.

13. How an Idea Becomes a Law: The Committee Process  If the bill is still alive, it then begins the process again in either the House or the Senate (which ever one did not originate the bill).  When the bill is transferred to the other chamber, a senator or representative sponsors the bill.  If the bill is amended, then there is a Joint House/Senate Conference Committee.

14. How an Idea Becomes a Law: The Final Vote  If the joint conference committee agrees, then the bill goes back to both chambers for a vote.  It will then pass to the Governor who may sign or veto the bill. If the Governor chooses to do neither, it will become a law without a signature after 7 days.

15. How a Bill Becomes a Law For visual representations of how a bill becomes a law, click on these links:  http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/BillintoLaw.pdfhttp://www.in.gov/idoa/files/BillintoLaw.pdf  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I

16. How Can We Affect This Process?  Write a bill  Speak during a committee meeting  Write your legislator a letter asking him/her to support your stance and vote a certain way  Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your legislator  Make a phone call to your legislator  Educate others about the issue/bill and encourage them to speak out as well

17. Advocacy is about telling the story of MORAL OUTRAGE!  Do your homework as necessary:  What is the size, nature, scope, impact, frequency, of the social or health issue?  Why does it matter if anything is done or not done? RESEARCH and FACTS!  Facts are very important, but are always subject to interpretation. They are always filtered through values and ideology.

18. Advocacy is about telling the story of MORAL OUTRAGE! Continued…  Facts are not enough. Building the power to make change is necessary.  Using “The Human Story” with emotions and passion is deemed most effective.  Use media relations- conflict and stories, ask yourself what your angle is.  Be honest, credible, and consistent!

19. Champions and Allies Champions All issues need a group of lawmakers dedicated to being tireless, committed advocates for your cause. What they can do for you is make the case to their colleagues, help develop a strong “inside” strategy, and be visible public spokespeople. What they need from you is good information and visible support outside the Capitol. Allies Another group of legislators will be on your side but can be pushed to do more – to speak up in party caucuses or on the floor. These are the legislators you need to target!

20. Your Targets The Fence Sitters Some legislators will be uncommitted on the issues, potentially able to vote either way. Mellow Opponents Another group will be clear votes against you, but who are not inclined to be active on the issue. What’s key is to keep them from becoming more active. Hard Core Opponents Those who are leading your opposition. The key is to isolate them and highlight the extremes of their positions, rhetoric, and alliances. You must give other lawmakers doubts about joining them.

21. It’s about RELATIONSHIPS!  Building relationships with your legislators  Cultivating Champions  Being bi-partisan while being true to yourself  Becoming a trusted source of information  Building relationships with key players who have influence  Who are the key legislative staff and committee chairs around your issue?

22. Why will lawmakers and policy makers listen to you?  You are a constituent from their district.  You have good reliable information. They are not experts in your field--you are.  You are a trusted source based on professional background, community status or personal knowledge.  You are representative of a group they want support from.  Your comments are representative of a broad based cross-section of politically active people  You are personally affected by the issue.

23. Remember…  Legislators are generalists, they can see over 1000 bills a year.  Be a source of knowledge for them!  It takes 50 to 60 separate contacts with a legislator to make an impact.  If you don’t know something, say so, and then get back to them with the information!

24. How Do I Do It? This is all very nice, but how am I supposed to do it??

25. Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts Don’t be angry Don’t be hostile Don’t threaten Don’t have too much information or take up too much of their time. Don’t lose credibility Don’t be dishonest or exaggerate Do be polite and friendly Do be concise and to the point Do play on emotion and include personal relevance Do mention that you are a voting constituent Do thank them and follow up afterwards

26. 501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN Lobby! 1. 501(c)(3) a. Corporations, funds, or foundations organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. b. Limited lobbying activities 2. 501(c)(4) a. Civil leagues/social welfare organizations b. Unlimited lobbying activities 3. 501(c)(6) a. Associations (NASW), Business leagues/chambers of commerce b. Unlimited lobbying activities 4. 527 a. Political organizations b. Lobbying efforts permissible but may be taxed.

27. 501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN:  Conduct candidate forums/meet the candidate nights with all of the candidates.  Participate in candidate forums/meet the candidate nights.  Send surveys/questionnaires to each candidate with a list of important questions.  Send information on issues to all candidates so that they are informed about what the organization does.

28. 501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN also:  Encourage voter registration.  Support or oppose ballot initiatives.  Prepare voter scorecards that show how each legislative member has voted on key issues.  Give staff time off to vote.  Encourage staff to work at the polling places.

29. 501(c)(3) Nonprofits CANNOT:  Show favoritism for one candidate or political party.  Target voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or other efforts at members of a particular political party.  Provide support (financial or in-kind) to a political candidate.  Coordinate efforts with a candidate or political party.

30. Tips for Speaking Up and Out  You have a right and a responsibility to voice your opinion.  Go with at least two other people  Choose a spokesperson(s).  Be disciplined. They are very busy!  Organize yourself, your group, your points, and your handouts ahead of time!

31. Tips for Speaking Up and Out Continued…  Be able to answer why you are there and what organization you are a part of.  Have a clear, concise, consistent message.  Reframe the issues as you see them.  Find out what your legislator’s position is on specific issues of concern to you here.here  Prepare a fact sheet to give to them.  Click here to see samples of talking points and letters to legislators.here

32. Tips Continued… Core Values: Let legislators know why you do the work you do and what it is you believe!  Don’t shy away from emotion  Embrace controversy  Don’t Be Defensive  Be gracious and polite  Don’t be nervous if you don’t know the answer to a question  Respectfully ask for accountability and listen carefully to their response  Ask for support  And ALWAYS thank them for their time!

33. After The Meeting  Follow-up Thank You Letter  You have an opportunity for the following:  Make a brief recap of your position/issue and request.  Make additional points you had no time for or forgot to say at meeting.  Answers to questions that came up at the meeting.  Include additional fact sheets, stats, etc.

34. Tips for Writing to Your Legislator  Be brief and to the point. Identify yourself and how you (or people you know) will be affected by what's being proposed, that is, a new law, a cut in the budget or a change in the rules that govern a program.  Be clear about what you want. Name the law that's being discussed or the program rules that are about to be changed, and specifically what you want the policymaker to do.  Let your legislator know how you can be reached for further information, clarification, or help.

35. Tips for Writing Letters Continued…  Concentrate on your own representative.  Respectfully ask for a response to your request, and indicate that you will follow up and monitor their action.  Write original letters when possible; they are more effective than form letters and blast or repetitive emails.  Be constructive. If you believe a bill takes the wrong approach, offer an alternative. If you have expert knowledge, share it.  Encourage genuine letters from children, if appropriate, which have a strong emotional impact.

36. Tips for a Successful Phone Call 1.Make an outline of what you want to say ahead of time. 2.You will most likely talk to a secretary, always be nice to the secretary! 3.Urge action. 4.Call back for a follow-up.

37. Letters to the Editor - Remember, with a few minor changes, the letter you send to a policymaker can also be a letter to the editor in the newspaper!

38. Before Legislative Education and Advocacy Day…  Call your legislator and set up an appointment. You’ll probably be speaking with an aide or assistant.  To find your legislator go to: http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup/ http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup/  “I would like to make an appointment with Representative (or Senator) ______, to talk about ______” (NASW priority issues or other pertinent issues).  “I am a constituent, and a student at _______ University. I will be there as part of the annual Legislative Day for Social Workers.”  Be prepared for a five to ten minute visit.  Thank you very much, we will see you then.

39. Resources for Bill Information:  View legislation online at: http://www.in.gov/legislative  Track Bills online at: http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=other_info http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=other_info

40. Useful Resources For Self-Directed Learning:  Visit the NASW Indiana Chapter website at: www.naswin.org www.naswin.org  Go to the Advocacy/Public Policy Tab and click on Advocacy Links  Use the links for further information about:  Legislative Education & Advocacy Development (LEAD)  PACE Endorsements  Public Policy Agenda  General Assembly Committee Schedule  Voting Requirements

41. Useful Resources:  Glossary of Congressional and Legislative Terms The Capital. net will help you understand Washington and Congress http://www.thecapitol.net/glossary/  Additional Indiana Local Government Resources A guide of useful links to learn more about Indiana State and local government, its people and the economy http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/crd/localgov/links.htm  Indiana’s State Budget The Sunshine Review is a great resource that highlights the state’s budget http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Indiana_state_budget  Indiana State and Local Government Directory A directory of official state, county, and city government websites http://www.statelocalgov.net/state-in.cfm

42. Useful Resources Continued…  Indiana State Legislature Indiana General Assembly website http://www.in.gov/legislative  National Association of Social Workers National Advocacy Website Learn how to take action on the federal issues important to social workers http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/default.asp  National Council of Nonprofit Associations Tool Kit with election activities for 501 (c)(3) charities http://www.npaction.org/resources/Election_tool_kit2.pdf Caucus- A group of legislators who have certain interests in common and who may vote together on matters affecting that interest.  View Democrat Caucus Leadership at: http://indianahousedemocrats.org/caucus_leaders.html  View Republican Caucus Leadership at: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/leaders.html

43. Fun & Interesting Information on the State of Indiana… Click on this link: http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/WebPageFactsBookletKids.PDF Take a virtual tour of Indiana’s Statehouse herehere

44. Interesting Information on Lobbying Check Out: http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/index.php

45. How Much Do You Really Know About Poverty? Take this quiz to find out: http://halfinten.org/issues/articles/how-much-do-you-really-know-aboutpoverty/ by

46. Do you know where your taxes go?  Click here to find out!here

47. Thank You for Taking the Time to Learn About Advocacy! National Association of Social Workers © 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved