25th Annual ConferenceNovember 2013

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• You are experts.• No one else knows what you know.• Good policies are informed policies.

• No one else is likely to take up these issues.• Children and youth experiencing homelessness are

invisible to the public and to policymakers.• As constituents, you have the most power to effect

change.

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• All the same reasons, plus:• Many of the laws that affect children and families

are state laws.• Education• Child welfare

• Many of the laws that affect unaccompanied youth are state laws.

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1. What law changes do you need in your state?

2. Where should you start?

3. Who should be on your team?

4. How do you approach policymakers?

5. When will we be done?

Check out NAEHCY’s “State Advocacy Toolkit” at www.naehcy.org

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Can unaccompanied youth access medical care or shelter?

Can they get their own birth certificates and access their school records?

Do state laws support or hinder McKinney-Vento implementation?

Do state laws make it harder for homeless youth to accrue credits? Participate in sports?

Are there barriers to accessing benefits and services?How does child welfare law affect your students? Do

foster youth have legal rights that could benefit homeless youth? 5

Ask young people. (How?)Ask service providers and community

members. (Who?)It’s important to understand the barrier, why

it is happening, and what specific steps could address it.

It’s important to distinguish between implementation problems and legislative problems.

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Do you have a deeper understanding and specific experience with some issues?

Are some issues less controversial than others?Are there law changes that require little or no cost? What issues can rally the broadest and strongest

support?Have your governor or legislators announced related

initiatives you can build on?Can you build on laws that are already in place, in

your state or elsewhere?7

Who really knows the issue? Youth, practitioners (which ones?)

Who can help with the detail work? Lawyers (Pro bono? Legal services? NAEHCY?)

Who has relationships at the Capitol? You probably know someone who knows a state

legislator or two. (Where to start?)Who is likely to support your bill?

Don’t forget the media! (Good candidates?)Who might oppose your bill?

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Let the people with the best relationships start the conversation.

Have a specific proposal and concise justification ready. Ask for what you want, and know what you’re willing to

accept.Have data and real stories!Be prepared to answer questions and concerns.

Go get information you don’t have.Prepare witnesses to testify about bills. (Who?)

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Solicit letters of support from constituents. (Who?) Especially members of relevant committees. It helps to share draft letters.

Prepare witnesses to testify about bills. (Who?)Build momentum. (What organizations are good at

this?) The media Advocacy days, especially led by youth Professional associations

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Lobbying: asking legislators to take a specific position on a specific piece of legislation, or urge others to do the same (IRS definition for non-profits)

Advocacy: any activity that a person or organization undertakes to influence policy - includes educating, providing information, arguing a cause.

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Check to be sure that you can’t. I’ve been amazed at how many liaisons can lobby,

and how many superintendents support it.If you can’t lobby:

Advocate! Find others to “make the pitch” for you. Act as a private individual - you don’t lose your

rights as a citizen just because you work for government

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When you win. It may require compromise (SB 177). It may require multiple tries (AB 951). You may need to add supporters,raise the issue’s

profile, tweak your proposal, and/or address opponents’ concerns.

If the legislature isn’t fruitful, administrative agencies may be able to help.

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Patricia Julianelle pjulianelle@naehcy.org (202) 436-9087