Influencing Policymaking at a Grassroots Level
Influencing Policymaking at a Grassroots Level
Advocacy Myths and Misconceptions
Advocacy Myths and Misconceptions
I don’t have time! I am intimidated/scared. I am not an expert in policy
or politics – I am just a regular person. I’m shy. It doesn’t make a difference. I have heard that
Congress deletes constituent e-mails, ignores phone calls and/or sends generic responses to letters.
My Members of Congress just doesn’t seem to care about education. So why bother?
I’m a Democrat and my Member of Congress is Republican. Or, I’m a Republican and my Member of Congress is a Democrat.
I can’t make it to Washington to meet with my Members of Congress.
The Truth About AdvocacyThe Truth About Advocacy
Taking action can take less than 5 minutes by using CEC’s Legislative Action Center
You possess the content knowledge relating to the issues CEC advocates for
You can e-mail, fax a letter, or place a brief phone call to show your support
Despite rumors to the contrary, congressional offices count all calls, e-mails, faxes, and letters they receive from constituents. In fact, all congressional offices have systems and entire staffs in place to respond to constituent communications
Who is an Advocate? Who is an Advocate?
Someone who supports and/or defends a cause; and
Persuades other like-minded individuals to support the cause
Importance of AdvocacyImportance of Advocacy
Critical issues confronting the education community are most effectively and accurately addressed with the input of educators, parents, and students.
Getting Started: Advocacy BasicsGetting Started: Advocacy Basics
Know your audience Understand the issue Collaborate with other like-minded
individuals Build and nurture relationships Become a resource to your network
GAINGAIN
Get interest and attention
Address the problem
Inform the solutions
Now take action!
What Makes Politicians Tick? What Makes Politicians Tick?
Politicians… Hold public office to help others Like to be asked for help Are good learners Do not know everything Have demanding schedules Like getting to know their constituents Love good press!
Who are Members of CongressWho are Members of Congress
Lawyers Educators Business Executives Homemakers Farmers
Physicians Journalists Social Workers Veterinarians Scientists
Before they were elected, they were…
Capitol Hill AdvocatesCapitol Hill Advocates
Write your legislators using CEC’s Legislative Action Center
Participate in your local town hall meetings Establish a relationship with your
legislators’ staff through phone, email, and meetings
Meet with your legislator while they are in the district
Understand the IssueUnderstand the Issue
Research + personal experience= successful advocacy
CEC provides brief summaries on legislation impacting children with exceptionalities and the professionals that work on their behalf on the CEC website
Articulating the IssueArticulating the Issue
Organize your issue—lead statement followed with supporting evidence
Take into account the background and experience of your audience
Humanize the issue with stories
Articulating the Issue (cont.)Articulating the Issue (cont.)
State the positive benefits of your position Avoid complaints Keep it brief Separate the facts from your opinions
Become a ResourceBecome a Resource
Present accurate, reliable, and timely information show that you’re reliable and knowledgeable
Becoming the “go to” person for Congressional staff is an effective way to influence policy
It is okay to say “I don’t know” and to research and follow up later
Components of a Successful MeetingComponents of a Successful Meeting
Do your homework Practice speaking to help organize your
thoughts Be concise with your request Make the issues real Be clear in your next steps, and follow
through Thank the member and staff
Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call
Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call
Outline your objectives and practice saying it aloud
Call and ask to speak with the legislative assistant that handles education issues
State your name, town, and the unit that you represent (ex. Lauren Clark from Providence, calling on behalf of the Division on Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children)
Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call (cont.)Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call (cont.)
Do not keep the person on the phone for more than 5-10 minutes
Ask for their email address if you want to send any follow-up materials
Remember to request a follow-up from the office with the legislator’s position on the bill, amendment, etc.
Follow up your call with a letter or meeting when the legislator is back in his/her district
Other Advocacy MethodsOther Advocacy Methods
Volunteer on a political campaign Attend Congressional/state/local hearings Attend political receptions/dinners Attend speaking engagements by the
legislators Attend town hall meetings Invite your members of Congress for a site
visit
Advocacy TodayAdvocacy Today
Become an e-advocate– Send letters through the Legislative Action
Center– Participate in virtual town hall meetings– Blogs– Online communities of like-minded individuals
CEC’s Legislative Action CenterCEC’s Legislative Action Center
Identify your members of Congress Locate Town Hall meetings Personalize a pre-written letter to be
emailed to your legislators Access biographical information on
legislators Register to vote Access to the latest election information