“Effective Legislative Advocacy”
description
Transcript of “Effective Legislative Advocacy”
“Effective Legislative Advocacy”
“Effective Legislative Advocacy”
We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.
- Thomas Jefferson
A. Effective Communication B. Legislator Contact Information C. CA State Legislative Process Information D. CA State Legislative Calendar E. Federal Legislative Process F. Legislative Links
Effective Legislative Advocacy
Five Basic Rules for Effective Communication:
1) Be Brief 2) Be Appreciative- acknowledge past support and
state thanks for current action 3) Be Specific-
◦ a) Refer to local and district needs b) Make a specific request
4) Be Informative- give reasons why should support5) Be Courteous- be positive, polite, ask without being
demanding or threatening
Effective communicationfrom ALA Washington Office Paper
Develop a relationship before you arrive. Understand what motivates your audience. Understand what is possible and what is not. In a group, have one person in charge, and
know who will say what. Specifically tell what you want. Tell them why they should care. Bring solutions, not problems.
Tips for Successful AdvocacyAssemblyman Joe Simitian’s suggestions
Describe the elements of a solution, rather than insist on your own solution.
Do not chastise, insult or threaten. Understand that less is more- give 3 things
to remember. Layer your advocacy in steps, democracy is
incremental. Persistence pays off, but know when to back
off. Know the value of a thank you.
Tips for Successful Advocacy (cont.)
Personal visits Letters Emails, Fax, telegrams and mailgrams Telephone calls
Means of CommunicationFrom ALA Washington Office for Literacy
Why meet with your Legislator?
In person visits on an issue have the greatest impact on a member’s decision making process if a firm decision has not yet been made. (Congressional Management Foundation)
1. Face to face discussion is the most effective means of communication
2. Constituents are welcome in the local and State or National office
3. If Legislator not available, make appointment for later or speak with appropriate staffer
4. Take others along- teachers, students, parents, administrators, etc. but not too many
5. Introduce yourself and others.
Personal Visits
6. State who you represent and define special terms.
7. State concern, have details, provide success stories. Avoid emotionality and side issues.
8. Ask Legislator what their position is on a bill or issue, if in support “appreciate”, if opposed, ask about objections.
8. Don’t overstay your time.9. Leave your information, letter or card.
Personal Visits (cont.)
Letters are read, they elicit responses and they represent votes. Each letter writer is deemed to represent several like-minded, less motivated constituents.
Can be formal or informal, typed or handwritten, can include photos.
State or demonstrate your program including successes. Due to security concerns, mail can take longer to get to
legislator. Consider printing your letter and sending it by FAX or email.
Use correct form of address- First impressions count: ex. The Honorable__________(full name)
http://www.ala.org/washoff/letter.html
Letters
Be individual- no carbon copies or multiple produced letters if you want individual attention. ◦(Does this represent individual views or just
passing something along?)◦Sign with your name and address.
Be Brief- (legislators are swamped!)◦Keep body of letter to one page,◦Attach facts or information sheets
separately.
Writing tips(San Diego County Office of Education)
oBe positive- Tell in own words why proposed legislation is good or bad. o Cite the bill number and the amendment date,
since amendments change the bill.oFocus- Write only about matters of deep and
serious concern. Do not continually write.oSay thank you, when legislator casts vote or
makes public comment. o Ratio of Complements to condemnation 1:10.
Writing tips (cont.)
Fast, easy communication when need for action is critical. (Just prior to a committee floor vote.)
Different legislators respond differently to technology.
Include your regular mailing address Keep email to 40 characters wide to stay properly
formatted and easy to read. Keep it short for printing and reading. See handout for URL for current addresses.
Email and Fax
Once you have made the acquaintance with your representative, telephone calls are appropriate and easy.
Make calls sparingly to Legislator. Regular contact with a staff person is possible and often
effective. Times to call-
◦ To ask for support before a hearing or floor vote◦ To ask for help with legislative colleagues◦ To convey urgent local concern.Judge how far to pursue by the reaction- it is more difficult
for a legislator to compromise in a conversation than in a letter.
Telephone calls
Legislator Contact Information Handout
The Legislative Process
State and Federal
CA Legislative Process overviewand
Resources-links for tracking legislation and propositions, opinions, contacts
California Legislative Information-
Handout
Is there a Bill that affects you? Search for laws or bills of interest. Link to daily digest to learn what is being discussed, and find your representative.
Be sure to understand the Legislative Process
Understand the Legislative Calendar and when your input can be effective.
Know the language, viewpoints and status of the Bill.
Keys to Advocacy
CA State Legislative Calendar
Handout
“Effective Communication with Congress ◦ Your Guide to Influencing Capitol Hill”
American Network of Community Options and Resources, 2009◦ www.ancor.org/issue/AdvocacyToolKIt.html
Chapter 1: Understanding How Congress Works
About 95% of ALL bills introduced in the House and Senate DO NOT become law.
Legislative Information- Federal Handout
Next up: CAC goes to Sacramento
……!