“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

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