Transcript Caregiving in the Workplace June 2012 Gail Gibson Hunt
You as a Caregiver Advocate: How Coalitions Can Impact Federal and State Legislation Today
Amy Friedrich-Karnik, Legislative Consultant, NAC 7 th Annual National Conference for Caregiving Coalitions March 13, 2013, Chicago
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Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts
ARIZONA: Public Awareness Campaign
Educating consumers (voters) about the importance of family caregivers to society
Targeted specific campaign elements to policymakers
Helped to initiate public support for coalition work PENNSYLVANIA: Proactive Legislative Campaign
Successful, multi-year advocacy effort to pass legislation expanding the state’s caregiver support program
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Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts
CALIFORNIA: Defensive campaign against spending cuts
Testified at state budget hearings
Online petition through change.org
Petitions from local organizations & allied organizations HAWAII: Comprehensive, ongoing advocacy activities
Establishing relationships with policymakers through annual events, one-on-one visits
Annual Aging and Disabilities Issues Booklet – a guide for legislators and others on key policy issues for the year
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Advocacy Tips For Coalitions
Tap your grassroots – Use family caregivers whenever possible to tell their story and/ or make an ask
Reach out to allied organizations to support your cause or effort – it may be in their best interest too!
Raise awareness and educate your community – informing voters about your issues and turning THEM into advocates can be as important as educating policymakers directly
Understand the political context – create long-term and short-term goals, think big and be realistic, be bold and be patient
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How the Alliance Can Support You
Provide up-to-date information on federal policies through Caregiving Exchange Newsletter, Legislation section on website, listserv
Quarterly Caregiving Coalition Calls/ Webinars
Topics often focus on aspects of policy advocacy
Always include a federal legislative update
Guide to Establishing and Growing Your Caregiving Coalition will contain advocacy module
Policy campaign templates for local engagement
Let Your Voice Be Heard, National Family Caregivers Month
One-on-one support for your coalition’s advocacy work
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Contact Us
National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org
Amy Friedrich-Karnik [email protected]
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