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