1. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Advocacy: It’s Easier than You Think! Nichole Westin Director of State Legislative Affairs SNA

2. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org State Policy Assistance Monthly Summaries on State Legislation Assistance in: Drafting testimony and talking points Lobbying tips Template letters to members of State Legislative Bodies Special projects/research A State Policy Section on the website Will house information on trends, key legislation A section on best practices – please send in yours! Resources and toolkits – grassroots, lobbying, media guides, etc.

3. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org New State Policy Tracking System SNA began using a new tracking system for legislation in the 50 States in July. Every month, State Leadership, the Board, PPL, and other interested parties are sent a legislative summary. StateTrac allows SNA to provide states more in-depth, policy-focused, and user friendly information on legislation. Specific reports for issues, regions, and states. Information is clickable, shareable, and easier to understand.

4. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Example of Report: Breakfast

5. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Research and Reports Current policies across the states Competitive Foods Meal Mandates Reimbursement Rates Summaries and Trends Updated yearly and located on SNA Website

6. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org The Policy Window Policy Window Problem Policies Politics

7. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org What is the Problem? More access to programs? More funding? Streamlined regulations?

8. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org What are the Policies? Developing policies to fit the problems can be hard. Finding the path between what you want and what is feasible. What is workable? –Looking at those what has gone before – good and bad. What is the cost? Keep it simple.

9. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org What are the Politics? Important to understand current political environment. Some years will be easier than others to implement legislation. Consider if it’s an election year, budget considerations, previous speeches such as State of the States. Triggering events. Media Story

10. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Preparing for the Policy Window

11. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Engagement Identify the key players of your state government – State Agency, Gov’s Office, Committees of Leg Chamber. Focus on building the relationship with you as the resource on school nutrition programs. Facts emphasized with personal stories. Keep lines of communication open – occasional emails, etc. Use Cafeteria site visits, “breakfast in the office”, etc to showcase benefits of program. Establish a relationship before a crisis.

12. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Creating a Coalition What is your common ground and goals? Who are your natural allies? –Anti Hunger Groups (Share our Strength, food pantries) –Education groups (PTA, School Boards) –Anti-poverty groups Who are unique groups to work with? –Local athletes/teams –Farmers/food producers Grassroots Efforts

13. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Who is Against? In case there is opposition, good to know the other side’s arguments. When preparing talking points, reference their points and refute with facts. Communicate! Reach out to see if there is room for discussion. Work towards a cordial, respectful relationship

14. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Smoothing Policy Road Bumps Having established relationship with policy makers will help. Letters or talking points that address specifics on: –how the legislation will negatively impact your program, –Impact on your budget or the states, –and if possible, options for amending the legislation. Offer to provide testimony or a written statement during a committee hearing. Ask to table legislation or vote no when it comes up for a vote. Grassroots efforts.

15. Copyright © 2013 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved. www.schoolnutrition.org Marathon…Not A Sprint (except when it is) Positive policy development can take years or it can take weeks. Never doubt that you are the experts for your programs and the best advocates. Engagement, communication, and education help open policy window. Email: Nwestin@schoolnutrition.org