1. Civics & Legislative Advocacy 101

2. Civics is the study of the rights & duties of citizenship. In other words, the study of government with attention to the role of citizens.

3. What is a democracy? What is advocacy?

4. Good Government -- It’s On Us!! We understand the affects of past decisions We build together what we cannot alone Our common vision/our common good

5. Public Policy Advocacy Public policy can undermine or enhance what we do. People are hurting because of policy decisions made at all levels of government. One voice matters. Your voice matters. You can make a difference. Democracy by its nature demands the participation of its citizens.

6. Which are advocacy actions? Reading a newspaper article and discussing it with family or friends Calling, writing or visiting your legislator Voting Volunteering to help an election campaign Educating yourself on issues you care about Setting up an email group to share information Drinking coffee or eating ice cream What else?

7. “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. -- Edmund Burke 1729-1797

8. Three Levels of Governance Local government City/Municipal County State government Federal government

9. State Government What is the legislative process? What is the legislative process? What can I do to influence that process? What can I do to influence that process?

10. Our participation in the legislative process is essential to the preservation of democracy.

11. We’ve Got the Power! Legislators are our elected officials. Legislators are our elected officials. We can hold them accountable as someone who represents our interests. We can hold them accountable as someone who represents our interests. We have a right and responsibility to let them know how we feel about issues. We have a right and responsibility to let them know how we feel about issues. They are generally open to hear from us, their constituents. They are generally open to hear from us, their constituents. Without us, they would not be in office. Without us, they would not be in office.

12. Alabama Legislature: Two Chambers Senate Senate 35 members (Senators) from the 35 senate districts 35 members (Senators) from the 35 senate districts House of Representatives House of Representatives 105 members (Representatives) from the 105 house districts 105 members (Representatives) from the 105 house districts

13. Legislative Session: When the Chambers Meet Annually – the first Tuesday in January, February or March depending on which year of the quadrennium. Annually – the first Tuesday in January, February or March depending on which year of the quadrennium. 2012 Session begins February 7. This is the second year of the quadrennium. 2012 Session begins February 7. This is the second year of the quadrennium. Legislature meets a maximum of 30 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21. Legislature meets a maximum of 30 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21. The Governor may call “special sessions” indicating the subjects he wants considered. The Governor may call “special sessions” indicating the subjects he wants considered.

14. Bill is introduced and assigned to committee 1 st Reading Bill is introduced and assigned to committee 1 st Reading Committee considers bill Committee reports favorable action 2 nd Reading and placed on calendar Committee reports favorable action 2 nd Reading and placed on calendar Vote 3 rd Reading Vote 3 rd Reading If passed, moves to other chamber

15. Who’s Important in the Process Governor – final authority to approve or veto legislation Governor – final authority to approve or veto legislation Lt. Governor – presiding officer of Senate Lt. Governor – presiding officer of Senate Senate President Pro-Tem Senate President Pro-Tem

16. Who’s Important in the Process Speaker – presiding officer of the House of Representatives Speaker – presiding officer of the House of Representatives Rules Committee Chairpersons in each chamber – determines the special order calendar Rules Committee Chairpersons in each chamber – determines the special order calendar Other Committee Chairpersons Other Committee Chairpersons

17. Where You Have Influence  Before a bill is introduced  When a bill is in committee  When a bill is being debated on the floor  When a bill awaits the Governor’s signature

18. Constituents can have more impact than anyone else in the legislative process. You can find your legislators at: www.legislature.state.al.us www.legislature.state.al.us

19. More Things You Can Do! Build relationships with your Legislators when they are not in session Invite them to speak to your community or church group. Talk to them when they are out in the community. Tell them your concerns & remember today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate

20. When Talking to Elected Officials…  Know your subject matter & be clear about what you’re requesting  Never mislead…it’s much better to say you will get back with more information  Know your opposition  Be forceful, but not aggressive  Know the interests of your official & if possible, present your issue to match  Don’t alienate – today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate  Personalize your request  Always thank the official for their time

21. Remember…  While there’s strength in diversity, there’s power in unity. Bring as many diverse voices to your cause.  Be clear, simple and personal.  Spread your message Involve family, friends, church members Write letters to the editor Speak to groups and organizations in your community.

22. People who choose to do nothing still affect public policy—but their silence supports the way things are rather than helping make things better.

23. Information Sources A Student’s Guide to the Alabama Legislative Process, prepared by Office of the Secretary of State Alabama Arise, A coalition of 150 congregations and groups that work on poverty issues. www.legislature.state.al.us The Alabama Legislature’s home page.www.legislature.state.al.us