Transcript Slide 1
Impacting Real Change Renell Weathers Outreach Director Michigan League for Public Policy [email protected] The Michigan League for Public Policy educates and advocates for policies that support economic security so all Michigan citizens can have economic opportunities. We do this through research and analysis and recently celebrated our 100th year of research and advocacy. The League was formerly known as the MLHS and changed its name to more accurately reflect our work and end confusion with the similarly named DHS. What is advocacy? Advocacy is the tool citizens use In our democracy to bring about improvements. Advocacy Toolkit www.mlpp.org Where to Begin • What do we want and who can give it to us? • Who should deliver the message? • What are your assets and what resources are missing? What You Need to Know • Learn the process • Federal bills and the budget process: http://thomas.loc.gov • State bills and budgets: www.legislature.mi.gov http://house.michigan.gov/hfa/ http://senate.michigan.gov/sfa/ • Voting record: http://votesmart.org/ Civics 101 • The Clock is Ticking – Session • Always Looking for a Majority • Two-party System – Majority in Power • Bi-Cameral Legislature The Senate – 38/20 The House of Representatives – 110/56 • The Governor Four Critical Numbers • 2500: Different piece of legislation to be considered EACH YEAR • 10-20%: Voters who contact elected officials • 12: Phone calls needed to get attention • 5-20: Enough to start or stop a discussion How a Bill Begins Law • Introduced in House or Senate • Bill referred to committee • Budget bills automatically referred to appropriations • Hearings/Public Comment • Committee - Vote/Passes • 1st Chamber – Vote/Passes • Referred back to committee in 2nd Chamber • 2nd Chamber – Vote/Passes • Sent to Governor Advocacy Tools • Write – Call – Visit • Building a relationship o Legislative recess • Michigan League “When you need a friend, it’s too late to make one.” Mark Twain Cat Frame Sneezing Affection Fur Cat Shedding Cat Food Costliness Cleanliness Kitty Litter Voices Leadership Training Michigan's Children Vets Message Box Value Vision So what? What the world will look like if your audience does what you want them to do. Reflects their values. Reflect the values of your audience. Make them nod back a you in agreement Policy Ask What one, specific thing do you want them to do? Barrier (a.k.a. Overcome the barrier) Your response when your audience says, “Yeah, but…” Message Box Value We all want to live in a Michigan we can be proud of, and that means one that invests in our future. Vision By putting people first, we can ensure our state remains a great place to live, work and play for generations to come. Barrier Revenue Crisis Ask Make budget decisions that keep Michigan’s promise by investing in the things that have made our state great. If we don’t make the choice to re-invest in schools, roads, etc. for our future, they will crumble Tips How to have the most impact Champions… • Are highly committed to your issue • Have a compelling personal story • Are willing and eager to get more involved Visits Legislator Champions Press Conference Testimonials Social Media Advocates Letter to the Editor Personal Letter Phone Call Contacts Email Influence of Advocacy Communications on Legislators In-person meetings Individualized letters A lot of influence Individualized emails Some influence No influence at all Phone calls Form letters Form emails 0% 20% Source: Congressional Management Foundation 40% 60% 80% 100% Know the Rules • Learn if you need to be a registered lobbyist, and if you do, register to be a lobbyist and become an active participant in impacting policy decisions. • Registration handled by the Michigan Secretary of State’s office http://www.michigan.gov/sos/. No Nos • Nonprofits classified 501(c)(3) cannot endorse. contribute to, coordinate with, or align in any way with candidates or political parties • Nonprofits may not lobby using government funds. When in doubt… • As an individual, you are entitled to engage in unlimited lobbying and political activity, provided you do so on your own time without using nonprofit corporate. You have the power! … Conscience asks the question "Is it right?" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” -- Margaret Mead Thank You! [email protected] Website: www.mlpp.org Sign up for “Email Alerts” Become a member Michigan League for Public Policy 1223 Turner Street, Suite G-1 Lansing, Michigan 48906-4369 Phone: (517) 487-5436