2. Presentation Instructions At the top of the screen, select VIEW Then, select SLIDE SHOW – This will start the show, which in total lasts about 20 minutes. Slides will advance on their own. – Slides have audio commentary so be sure your speakers are ON! (This particular slide is silent.) – You can stop at any time by pressing ESC on the keyboard, and return to the presentation later.

3. The Early Care and Education Consortium Summer 2009 Advocacy Campaign: “THIS is high-quality child care!” Be sure your speakers are on! The slides will advance through the slideshow on their own.

4. Welcome The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) Summer 2009 Advocacy Campaign (202) 408-9626 info@ececonsortium.orginfo@ececonsortium.org

5. Purpose of the Campaign Goals: 1.Help more children get access to good programs by improving policies for providers and families 2.Let Congress know about the many existing high-quality early childhood programs To help achieve the goals: We’re going to bring Members of Congress to our centers!

6. Purpose Bring elected officials and other leaders out of their offices and in to the communities they represent More than a tour - an opportunity to share our message and ask for their support

7. Simple but Effective These events do not have to be complicated or difficult to plan A brief visit can make a difference! Move beyond the paper and the meetings Show them child care

8. Campaign Toolbox  A complete guide  Planning checklist  Resources: talking points, sample letters, more! Download the Toolbox at www.ececonsortium.org

9. When, where and who? August 10 – August 28, 2009 Your centers! Key Members of Congress have been selected and matched to ECEC member centers

10. Ideas for the Visit A tour plus more! Interaction is the most compelling part - this is what sets a visit apart from other advocacy strategies! Briefly provide numbers and facts, and an overview of your community. Take pictures!

11. Action Steps We invited these Members of Congress because we want them to support child care Tell them there are things they can do when they return to Washington, DC! Basic “talking points” in the Campaign Toolbox

12. The Scheduling Process FAX or email, but do not MAIL the invitation letter – Sample letters are included in the Campaign Toolbox The letter will take some following up Try to be flexible about dates and times to increase our chances of successfully scheduling the Member of Congress! – But make sure it is a time when the program is in action, with children who are awake!

13. Sample Invitation Letter Just fill in the blanks! Samples are in the Campaign Toolbox

14. Sample Agenda for lunchtime idea 11:30-11:40Welcome Representative “A” 11:40-12:00Tour the center 12:00-12:20Enjoy lunch with the children! (take pictures!) 12:20-12:30Thank Representative “A” for coming, tell him to support child care, improve quality and make sure more children have access to wonderful programs like this one

15. Sample Agenda for morning idea 10:00-10:10Welcome Senator “B” 10:10-10:30Tour the center 10:30-10:45Ask Senator “B” to participate in circle time, and read a story together (take pictures!) 10:45-11:00Thank Senator “B” for coming, tell her to support child care, improve quality and make sure more children have access to wonderful programs like this one

16. Materials Provide participants with background materials to refer to later that clearly convey the positive message of the day ECEC will provide policy-related handouts to give to the Member of Congress

17. Promoting the Visit Consider letting your local press know about the event Prepare to highlight the event in your next newsletter and on your website ECEC will promote this nationally

18. Follow-up Send a thank you letter immediately after the event Congratulate yourself and your staff! Send the Follow-Up Form to ECEC

19. Next Steps: Review the Campaign Toolbox Send out your invitation!

20. Thank you! Please contact ECEC if you have any questions, need help, or have ideas to share with others involved in this campaign! Phone: (202) 408-9626 Email: info@ececonsortium.orginfo@ececonsortium.org Website:www.ececonsortium.orgwww.ececonsortium.org