advocacy and the park & recreation · –brand yourself as a helpful resource for reporters...
TRANSCRIPT
ADVOCACY and the
Park & Recreation Professional’s Role
WHY does it matter? – one example
Tool tips: Free resources at
www.mparks.org/advocacy
WHAT is advocacy?
advocacy
• The act or process of supporting a cause or
proposal; advocating for something
• Public support for (or recommendation of) a
particular cause or policy
WHY does it matter?
FUNDING
LIABILITY ACCESSIBILITY
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
MNRTF
PROGRAM
SUPPORT
AFTERSCHOOL
MEALS
LWCF
TRAILS & TRANSPORTATION
PERSONNEL & HR
P&R AUTHORITIES
Two thirds of proposed
legislation affects municipalities
Challenges
Opportunities
Typical day for a legislator
Complex process
Opportunities to influence
Provide background & potential impacts
Advocate for changes
Give feedback, share impacts on P&R
Follow up
HOW does the legislative
process work?
https://youtu.be/H-eYBZFEzf8
Opportunities to educate
Tool tip: Find your legislator at
www.mparks.org/advocacy
Building relationships with lawmakers AND staff
• Make it a priority & talk regularly!
• Reach out to introduce yourself
• Meet with them in district
• Let them know your priorities
• Communicate with their staff
• Connect on social media
Helping legislators understand P&R
• Essential service
• Economic driver
• Health and wellness
• Vibrant communities
• Prosperity
Expectation: Reality
Legislative Priority: P&R Funding
Legislative Priority: Health and Wellness
Additional Focus Areas
Revenue Sharing
Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
Placemaking
Tool tip: Current legislative priorities and legislation
www.mParks.org/advocacy
Say “thank you”
– Phone call
– Favorable remarks at events, functions
– Other public acknowledgement (cable
television, etc.)
– News releases or press events
– Council resolutions
– Public letters
– Social media
Elevate the conversation
• Build relationships with media outlets in your area
– Brand yourself as a helpful resource for reporters
– Meet with editorial boards
• Information to Share:
– Impact of state proposals / new bills on the community
– Ceremonies / events
– New community projects
– Recently passed resolutions
Building your community of advocates
Tool tip: Sample letters
www.mparks.org/advocacy
Connect with and educate others:
• the PUBLIC
• Township supervisors
• City managers
Share legislative
updates at every
opportunity – events,
registration
correspondence, etc.
Reaching challenging legislators
• Keep record of
communication efforts
• Work with their staff
• Get community involved
(they’ll listen to voters!)
Tool tip: www.mparks.org/advocacy
Get started at mparks.org/advocacy
• Join the Public Policy Committee
• mParks eBlast (weekly) & public policy update (monthly):
bit.ly/mparksemail
• Engage when mParks sends action alerts via email, text
• Devise a plan to build relationships with your legislators
Tim McCaffrey – [email protected]
Arnold Weinfeld – [email protected]
Ann Conklin – [email protected]
mParks – [email protected]
www.mparks.org/connect