advocacy and the park & recreation · –brand yourself as a helpful resource for reporters...

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 – tmccaff@cityofeastlansing.com

Arnold Weinfeld – arnold.weinfeld@primacivitas.org

Ann Conklin – aconklin@mparks.org

mParks – info@mparks.org

www.mparks.org/connect