Transcript Advocacy 101 NAEHCY’s 19th Annual Conference Portland, Oregon Sunday, November 11, 2007

NAEHCY’s 19th Annual Conference
Portland, Oregon
Advocacy 101
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What is advocacy?
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Dictionary definition: “The act of pleading or arguing in
favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy;
active support.”
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Client and program advocacy - you do it every day!
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Legislative and policy advocacy - attempt to create
changes in systems and policies that impact many
people
Why get involved in policy advocacy?
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Good policies are informed policies
No one else knows what you know - no one
else is likely to take up these issues
Children and youth experiencing
homelessness are invisible to the public and to
policymakers
As a constituent, you have the most power to
effect change
Advocacy v. Lobbying
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Lobbying: activities that ask legislators to take a
specific position on a specific piece of legislation, or
urge others to do the same (IRS definition for nonprofits)
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Advocacy: any activity that a person or organization
undertakes to influence policy - includes educating,
providing information, arguing a cause
What if I can’t lobby?
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Check to be sure that you can’t; be mindful of the
narrow, specific definition of lobbying
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Find others to “make the pitch” for you, but stay
engaged in general advocacy activities
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Act as a private individual - you don’t lose your rights
as a citizen just because you work for government
Where do I begin?
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It’s all about relationships!
Know who represents your community or
communities and school district:
www.house.gov and www.senate.gov
Make it part of your work plan to develop an
ongoing relationship with at minimum of one or
two Congressional offices
Establishing Relationships: Meetings
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Face-to-Face meetings are ideal for beginning
a relationship
Variety of possible locations:
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Local offices
National office
Program sites: school, shelter, non-profit office
Events
Meetings: Who?
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Legislator: if you develop a positive relationship
with the legislator himself or herself, the legislator
will direct staff to make the issue a priority
(important because of staff turnover)
U.S. Representatives often easier to reach than
Senators, except in small states
Legislators can be hard to reach; they don’t “do”
details, nor do they have much time
Staff are critical; they have tremendous influence.
Good relations with staff are essential.
Meetings: How?
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Call in advance
Ask to speak with scheduler (to meet with legislator) or
person responsible for elementary and secondary
education (staff, usually “legislative assistant”)
Tell them your topic, group size, and participants (“I’d
like to share information about what our
district/community is doing to help homeless children
succeed in school, and where we need your help”)
Follow up with a letter
Meetings: When?
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Now! Before a crisis, bill, or vote; background
education is essential for relationship-building
At the beginning of a new Congressional season new staff, new priorities
As specific legislation develops, it is important
weigh in to help shape it
In response to impending votes or actions
Meetings: Content and Flow
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Ask if they are familiar with the topic and the
McKinney-Vento Act
Usually, they will say no, or “a little” - then provide a
nutshell summary
If they say “yes,” respond with “That’s great” and find
ways to include some of the basics as you speak
Think of the meeting as a conversation, not a
presentation: watch for body language cues, pick up on
their interests, encourage questions, ask questions
Meetings, Continued
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Don’t be intimidated - you are the expert! They
work for you.
If you don’t know an answer, tell them you’ll get
back to them; don’t be thrown by jargon
Present broad statements, supported by specifics
(“accomplishments and challenges”)
Research the Member’s priorities - frame the issue
accordingly
Provide real case studies and stories; arrange
visits with kids and families
Meetings: Tips for Framing M-V
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Brief background on child/youth homelessness; how
many, who, impact on health and development sizable portion of children living in poverty, not a small
static group
Explain the educational barriers created by
homelessness (enrollment, mobility, poverty)
M-V as door opener - no child can succeed in school if
they are not enrolled and attending regularly
M-V provides links to basic supports and supplies
needed to succeed in school (unique service delivery
system)
Meeting: Wrapping Up
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Provide only a few concise written materials (bullets
and white space!)
Conclude with your “ask:” prioritize your requests and
state the specific commitments you are seeking (it
doesn’t have to be a bill number; i.e. “We’d like to ask
for your support M-V in NCLB reauthorization; increase
funding; make preschool more accessible to homeless
kids…)
Refer them to NAEHCY for policy specifics (“Have your
people in Washington contact my people in
Washington.”)
After the Meeting:
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Follow up with a thank you letter that
summarizes the meeting and the
commitment you are seeking
Offer yourself as a resource to them
Keep in touch - find ways to maintain the
relationship separate from the “ask” (i.e.
newsletter, news stories, invitations,
accomplishments)
It’s “Who You Know:” Getting
Connected
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Other people can help pave the way to a relationship:
– State legislators
– Mayors
– City Council Members
– Community partners and civic groups
– Business leaders
– Spouses
Ask for their help with getting a meeting, urging the
member to take a specific position, or making the issue
a priority
Letters
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Important advocacy method as legislation develops
Always personalize and localize letters
Fax is better than snail mail
Emails are least effective; but if you send one, be sure
to add your mailing address
Be specific, and request the favor of a response
Numbers matter! Circulate widely and “gently” remind
others to follow through
Get letters from diverse community groups
(businesses, others beyond the “usual” suspects)
Phone Calls
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Before key votes or decisions
State that you are a constituent
State specific request: “Vote yes on the Biggert
amendment to increase homeless education
funding!”
Urge others to make calls
Don’t forget to say “thank you”
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If a member takes an action to support the
issue - whether a vote, a letter, or a bill
sponsorship - don’t forget to say thank you
Let them know the specific benefits of their
actions
Give awards and recognition where
appropriate
There’s Strength in Numbers
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Ask other groups to take up the issue - get it on their
agenda:
– Local and state homeless coalitions
– Children’s advocacy groups
– Education advocacy groups
– PTA
– Junior League
– Faith-based groups
– Businesses
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Gather email addresses of friends, colleagues to distribute
materials
Shine a Spotlight: Media Attention
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Local press articles get legislators attention
Invite reporters to visit program (check with
press offices, releases, etc.)
Forward good articles to your legislators
Invite legislators to participate in press events
Write op-eds that praise or ask for leadership
Write letters to the editor - look for “pegs”
How do I stay in the loop?
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NAEHCY legislative list - give me your card, or
write your email address on a piece of paper,
or email me at [email protected]
NAEHCY web site: www.naehcy.org
NPACH - www.npach.org
Key Web Sites for Information
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thomas.loc.gov
www.opensecrets.org
www.house.gov
www.senate.gov
Congress.org
Contact Information
Barbara Duffield, Policy Director
NAEHCY
202.364.7392
[email protected]
Joel Ryan, Executive Director
Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP
Phone: 253-373-9100
Email: [email protected]