Transcript Title Here (36

The Many Faces of Respite
14th Annual National Lifespan
Respite Conference
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
“From Individual
Advocacy to
Systematic Change”
Joe Rubio, Lead Organizer – Valley Interfaith Project (VIP)
Siobhan McCurdy, Education & Advocacy Coordinator – National MS Society AZ Chapter
Objectives
During this workshop, we will:
Discuss the role of direct service work in achieving successful policy
change
Explore a process of organizing around an issue
Identify ways in which you can contribute to local organizing efforts
Traditional Advocacy Tactics
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Email Alerts
Letter writing campaigns
Phone banking
A Day at the Capitol
Petition drives
Etc..
Definitions
• Advocacy:
What citizens & leaders do around issues of importance to them.
Exercising Leadership.
• Organizing:
Building the capacity to develop citizen leaders.
Developing leadership.
Advocacy & Organizing vs. Direct Service
• There are MANY FACES involved & and it begins with you!
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Caregivers
Social Workers
Care-partners
Non-profit professionals & volunteers
Citizens
Community Leaders & State Officials
Families & friends
Advocacy & Organizing vs. Direct Service
Misconceptions:
• “I’m not a protester, I don’t advocate.”
• “How much will I really help? In this state, organizing is
pointless.”
• “Advocacy will offend donors.”
• “Aren’t there laws against me organizing?”
Advocacy & Organizing vs. Direct Service
Truths
• In this economy & political reality, the people we serve and our
professions can’t afford for us not to integrate advocacy & direct
service.
• Direct service work & caregiving puts you at the front line hearing
personal stories & seeing barriers to achieving quality of life for
those most vulnerable and at-risk. You are a natural organizer.
What goals guide our efforts?
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To empower citizens to share their stories.
To provide guidance and direction for policy makers.
To provide solutions and at least start discussions.
To provide explanation to those impacted most by policies as to
why they were developed.
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Institutions
Citizens
Power
Iron rule
What steps do we take to address issues?
The Cycle of Organizing
One to One
Relational Conversations
Evaluation
House Meetings
Public Action
Research Actions
& Power Analysis
Successful Organizing for a Specific Issue
One to One
Relational Conversations:
Bonnie Danowski & VIP
Evaluation
Issue: Long Term Care
Public Action:
- Formalized training for nonmedical workers
- SB1302 (Vetoed) Increase
wages for caregivers
Research Actions &
Power Analysis:
- Phoenix College
- Arizona Bridge to
Independent Living
- Foundation for
Senior Living
House Meetings:
Unqualified in-home
caregivers
Ready to Organize? Don’t forget to…
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Know the chain of command in government bureaucracy. Who is your target?
Put yourself in community leader’s neighborhood. Relationships determine results.
Join in coalition with others. This is key.
Practice sharing your story. Again & again for different audiences & people.
Engage the media. Letters to the editor, Op-ed, news features, press conferences…
Follow up and hold lawmakers accountable. VOTE!
Questions?
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your time & participation!
Joe Rubio: [email protected]
Siobhan McCurdy: [email protected]