Advocacy 101:How to talk to legislators and why we should

Presentation adapted from Bessie Proffet, MSW, Paige Finley, MSW Kristi Wisdom, MSW, the PAFCO training by Suzanne Schunk, LCSW

Last update on December 2010 by Catherine Pellegrino, NASW-IN Policy Intern© 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved

National Association of Social Workers

Table of ContentsIntroduction……………………………………………………………………..Slides 3-7Section 1………………………………………………………………………….Slides 8-23

1.1 Who is the constituent? Slide 81.2 Let’s look at the basics Slide 101.3 How can we affect this process? Slide 16

Section 2…………………………………………………………………….....Slides 24-392.1 Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts Slide 25

Section 3………………………………………………………………………..Slides 40-473.1 Resources for Self-Directed Learning Slide 403.2 Fun and Interesting Information Slide 433.3 Information on Lobbying Slide 443.4 How Much Do You Know About Poverty? Slide 453.5 Do You Know Where Your Taxes Go? Slide 46

Why Legislative Advocacy?A good idea is not enough

Being right is not enough

Who are power brokers beholden to and responsible to in the end?

It is our birthright as citizens It’s about POWER!!!

It is our responsibility as citizens

It is our responsibility AS SOCIAL WORKERS!

Build Coalitions and Partnerships

Act with others rather than alone! There is power in numbers

Mobilize existing resources and create new advocates

Create energy around the issue

Build an email network to spread the word and call to action

Lobbying vs. Advocacy

LobbyingSpecific form of advocacyElected officials are asked to take a position on a particular issue and vote a certain wayPart of an advocacy campaign

AdvocacyBroad promotion of an idea or causeEvery day people shape public policy through organized intervention

Types of Advocacy Organized rallies Neighborhood Caucuses Informational meetings Grass Roots on an issue/topic by those affected Letter writing campaigns Boycotts Education Action Alerts

The Advocacy Cycle

Who is the Constituent?

YOU ARE!

The Role of the ConstituentYOU are the constituent

Register to vote and VOTE at elections!

Let legislators know what you care about and what is important to you

Educate legislators about your issues

The system was designed to represent YOU…so don’t let the special interests and the money interests control the power!

Let’s Look at the Basics:Structure of the State Government

Executive Governor and Executive Agencies

Legislative The Senate and The House of Representatives

Judicial The Supreme Court

Indiana State Legislature

Senate50 districts & 50 membersPresidentMajority Leader (party in control with the most votes)Minority LeaderWhipsCommittee ChairsStaff

House100 districts & 100 membersSpeaker of the HouseMajority Leader (party in control with most votes)Minority LeaderWhipsCommittee ChairsStaff

How an Idea Becomes a Law Talk about an idea and gain some support. Write it up and find a legislator to sponsor/author

the bill. The bill is introduced into either the house or the

senate. The bill is assigned to a standing committee. Standing committees hold public testimony and

three hearings on each bill in its originating chamber where they may approve, amend, delete, or reject the bill.

How an Idea Becomes a Law: The Committee Process

If the bill is still alive, it then begins the process again in either the House or the Senate (which ever one did not originate the bill).

When the bill is transferred to the other chamber, a senator or representative sponsors the bill.

If the bill is amended, then there is a Joint House/Senate Conference Committee.

How an Idea Becomes a Law: The Final Vote

If the joint conference committee agrees, then the bill goes back to both chambers for a vote.

It will then pass to the Governor who may sign or veto the bill. If the Governor chooses to do neither, it will become a law without a signature after 7 days.

How a Bill Becomes a LawFor visual representations of how a bill becomes a law,

click on these links:

http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/BillintoLaw.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I

How Can We Affect This Process? Write a bill

Speak during a committee meeting

Write your legislator a letter asking him/her to support your stance and vote a certain way

Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your legislator

Make a phone call to your legislator

Educate others about the issue/bill and encourage them to speak out as well

Advocacy is about telling the story of MORAL OUTRAGE!

Do your homework as necessary: What is the size, nature, scope, impact, frequency, of the social or health issue?

Why does it matter if anything is done or not done? RESEARCH and FACTS!

Facts are very important, but are always subject to interpretation. They are always filtered through values and ideology.

Advocacy is about telling the story of MORAL OUTRAGE! Continued…

Facts are not enough. Building the power to make change is necessary.

Using “The Human Story” with emotions and passion is deemed most effective.

Use media relations- conflict and stories, ask yourself what your angle is.

Be honest, credible, and consistent!

Champions and AlliesChampions

All issues need a group of lawmakers dedicated to being tireless, committed advocates for your cause. What they can do for you is make the case to their colleagues, help develop a strong “inside” strategy, and be visible public spokespeople. What they need from you is good information and visible support outside the Capitol.

AlliesAnother group of legislators will be on your side but can be pushed to do more – to speak up in party caucuses or on the floor. These are the legislators you need to target!

Your TargetsThe Fence Sitters

Some legislators will be uncommitted on the issues, potentially able to vote either way.

Mellow Opponents Another group will be clear votes against you, but who are

not inclined to be active on the issue. What’s key is to keep them from becoming more active.

Hard Core OpponentsThose who are leading your opposition. The key is to isolate them and highlight the extremes of their positions, rhetoric, and alliances. You must give other lawmakers doubts about joining them.

It’s about RELATIONSHIPS!Building relationships with your legislators

Cultivating Champions

Being bi-partisan while being true to yourself

Becoming a trusted source of information

Building relationships with key players who have influence

Who are the key legislative staff and committee chairs around your issue?

Why will lawmakers and policy makers listen to you?

You are a constituent from their district. You have good reliable information. They are not

experts in your field--you are. You are a trusted source based on professional

background, community status or personal knowledge. You are representative of a group they want support

from. Your comments are representative of a broad based

cross-section of politically active people You are personally affected by the issue.

Remember… Legislators are generalists, they can see over

1000 bills a year.

Be a source of knowledge for them!

It takes 50 to 60 separate contacts with a legislator to make an impact.

If you don’t know something, say so, and then get back to them with the information!

How Do I Do It?

This is all very nice, but how am I supposed to do it??

Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t be angryDon’t be hostileDon’t threatenDon’t have too much information or take up too much of their time.Don’t lose credibilityDon’t be dishonest or exaggerate

Do be polite and friendlyDo be concise and to the pointDo play on emotion and include personal relevanceDo mention that you are a voting constituentDo thank them and follow up afterwards

501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN Lobby!

1. 501(c)(3) a. Corporations, funds, or foundations organized and operated exclusively

for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.

b. Limited lobbying activities 2. 501(c)(4) a. Civil leagues/social welfare organizations b. Unlimited lobbying activities3. 501(c)(6) a. Associations (NASW), Business leagues/chambers of commerce b. Unlimited lobbying activities4. 527 a . Political organizations b. Lobbying efforts permissible but may be taxed.

501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN: Conduct candidate forums/meet the candidate nights with

all of the candidates.

Participate in candidate forums/meet the candidate nights.

Send surveys/questionnaires to each candidate with a list of important questions.

Send information on issues to all candidates so that they are informed about what the organization does.

501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN also:Encourage voter registration.

Support or oppose ballot initiatives.

Prepare voter scorecards that show how each legislative member has voted on key issues.

Give staff time off to vote.

Encourage staff to work at the polling places.

501(c)(3) Nonprofits CANNOT: Show favoritism for one candidate or political party.

Target voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or other efforts at members of a particular political party.

Provide support (financial or in-kind) to a political candidate.

Coordinate efforts with a candidate or political party.

Tips for Speaking Up and OutYou have a right and a responsibility to voice your

opinion.

Go with at least two other peopleChoose a spokesperson(s).

Be disciplined. They are very busy!

Organize yourself, your group, your points, and your handouts ahead of time!

Tips for Speaking Up and Out Continued…

Be able to answer why you are there and what organization you are a part of.

Have a clear, concise, consistent message. Reframe the issues as you see them. Find out what your legislator’s position is on specific issues

of concern to you here. Prepare a fact sheet to give to them. Click here to see samples of talking points and letters to

legislators.

Tips Continued…Core Values: Let legislators know why you do the work you do

and what it is you believe! Don’t shy away from emotion Embrace controversy

Don’t Be Defensive Be gracious and polite Don’t be nervous if you don’t know the answer to a question Respectfully ask for accountability and listen carefully to their response Ask for support And ALWAYS thank them for their time!

After The MeetingFollow-up Thank You Letter

You have an opportunity for the following:Make a brief recap of your position/issue and

request.Make additional points you had no time for or forgot

to say at meeting.Answers to questions that came up at the meeting.Include additional fact sheets, stats, etc.

Tips for Writing to Your Legislator

Be brief and to the point. Identify yourself and how you (or people you know) will be affected by what's being proposed, that is, a new law, a cut in the budget or a change in the rules that govern a program.

Be clear about what you want. Name the law that's being discussed or the program rules that are about to be changed, and specifically what you want the policymaker to do.

Let your legislator know how you can be reached for further information, clarification, or help.

Tips for Writing Letters Continued… Concentrate on your own representative. Respectfully ask for a response to your request, and

indicate that you will follow up and monitor their action.

Write original letters when possible; they are more effective than form letters and blast or repetitive emails.

Be constructive. If you believe a bill takes the wrong approach, offer an alternative. If you have expert knowledge, share it.

Encourage genuine letters from children, if appropriate, which have a strong emotional impact.

Tips for a Successful Phone Call

1. Make an outline of what you want to say ahead of time.

2. You will most likely talk to a secretary, always be nice to the secretary!

3. Urge action.

4. Call back for a follow-up.

Letters to the Editor -

Remember, with a few minor changes, the letter you send to a policymaker can also be a letter to the editor in the newspaper!

Before Legislative Education and Advocacy Day…

Call your legislator and set up an appointment. You’ll probably be speaking with an aide or assistant.To find your legislator go to: http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup/

“I would like to make an appointment with Representative (or Senator) ______, to talk about ______” (NASW priority issues or other pertinent issues).

“I am a constituent, and a student at _______ University. I will be there as part of the annual Legislative Day for Social Workers.”

Be prepared for a five to ten minute visit.

Thank you very much, we will see you then.

Resources for Bill Information:

View legislation online at:http://www.in.gov/legislative

Track Bills online at: http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=other_info

Useful Resources For Self-Directed Learning:

Visit the NASW Indiana Chapter website at: www.naswin.org

Go to the Advocacy/Public Policy Tab and click on Advocacy Links

Use the links for further information about: Legislative Education & Advocacy Development (LEAD) PACE Endorsements Public Policy Agenda General Assembly Committee Schedule Voting Requirements

Useful Resources: Glossary of Congressional and Legislative Terms

The Capital. net will help you understand Washington and Congress

http://www.thecapitol.net/glossary/

Additional Indiana Local Government Resources A guide of useful links to learn more about Indiana State and local government,

its people and the economy

http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/crd/localgov/links.htm

Indiana’s State Budget The Sunshine Review is a great resource that highlights the state’s budget

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Indiana_state_budget

Indiana State and Local Government DirectoryA directory of official state, county, and city government websites

http://www.statelocalgov.net/state-in.cfm

Useful Resources Continued… Indiana State Legislature

Indiana General Assembly websitehttp://www.in.gov/legislative

National Association of Social Workers National Advocacy WebsiteLearn how to take action on the federal issues important to social workershttp://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/default.asp

National Council of Nonprofit Associations Tool Kit with election activities for 501 (c)(3) charitieshttp://www.npaction.org/resources/Election_tool_kit2.pdf

Caucus- A group of legislators who have certain interests in common and who may vote together on matters affecting that interest.

View Democrat Caucus Leadership at: http://indianahousedemocrats.org/caucus_leaders.html

View Republican Caucus Leadership at:http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/leaders.html

Fun & Interesting Information on the State of Indiana…

Click on this link:

http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/WebPageFactsBookletKids.PDF

Take a virtual tour of Indiana’s Statehouse here

Interesting Information on Lobbying

Check Out:http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/index.php

How Much Do You Really Know About Poverty?

Take this quiz to find out: http://halfinten.org/issues/articles/how-much-do-you-really-know-aboutpoverty/

by

Do you know where your taxes go?

Click here to find out!

Thank You for Taking the Time to Learn About

Advocacy!

National Association of Social Workers

© 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved