1. Advocacy 101: Agency Capacity-Building Training
Lyndsey Lyman Agency Outreach Coordinator
Randi Lynn Quackenbush Community Engagement Coordinator
Advocacy 101: Agency Capacity-Building Training
a regional agency of Catholic Charities and a member of Feeding America

2. The three legged stool of advocacy Engaging with elected officials
Training Agenda
Introductions
What is advocacy?
The three legged stool of advocacy
(public policy, grassroots, media)
Engaging with elected officials
Statistical resources
Brainstorm your own advocacy campaign
Next steps

3. “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.”  ― William Faulkner

4. About us – FBST Advocacy Committee
Lyndsey: Agency Outreach Coordinator
Randi: Community Engagement Coordinator

5. About the Food Bank
The Food Bank is a regional agency of Catholic Charities and a member of Feeding America.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity. Their network of more than 200 food banks across the United States provide food to more than 25 million Americans each year.

6. About the Food Bank
In operation since 1981, the Food Bank proudly serves the six counties of Broome, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins.
The Food Bank’s network of over 160 hunger-relief agencies includes soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other non-profit organizations.

7. About the Food Bank
Each week, the Food Bank’s hunger-relief network serves more than 11,000 individuals.
Last year, one out of four residents in the Southern Tier received some kind of assistance from the Food Bank.
How much food does the Food Bank give out?
In 2013, the Food Bank distributed nearly 9.7 million pounds of food. That is the equivalent of 8.1 million meals.

9. Here are the top issues that came out of the AM brainstorming session for each element of the pyramid and prompted afternoon discussion:
Advocacy:
Advocate with elected officials- educate about changing face of hunger. Get decision makers to pantries, kitchens, etc. to see for themselves
Train agency volunteers to be advocates – help fill out paperwork, connect to other resources, lobby, etc.
Create storytelling campaigns to show experiences of people who are hungry, realities about who is hungry
Help with referrals
1. Need to know about resources available
2. Needs to be updated – which still operating, which still have resources available
Advocacy: How agencies would like FBST to help (based on afternoon session notes)
Help coordinate in-person meetings and tour with elected officials & other decision makers at agencies
Create tools for training volunteers in advocacy
Storytelling campaigns

10. What is advocacy?

11. Brainstorming Session (in groups of 2)
What is advocacy?
Brainstorming Session (in groups of 2)
1.) What do you think of when you hear the word “advocacy?”
2.) What does it mean to be a concerned citizen?
3.) Why do you think our “decision-makers” listen?

12. advocacy (n.) (The American Heritage Dictionary)
What is advocacy?
advocacy (n.) (The American Heritage Dictionary)
1. The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.
advocate (n.) (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
One who pleads another’s cause
One who argues or pleads for a cause or proposal

13. What is advocacy?

14. Advocacy Roadblocks
What is currently preventing you from engaging in advocacy?
Lack of comfort with advocacy process
Lack of knowledge with the issue(s)
Lack of time / staff
Lack of focus
It doesn’t make a difference, so why bother?

15. Why should your agency care about advocacy?
You are the voices of hunger: As a food pantry, you are on the front lines of the issue of hunger and have unique insight into the current situation. YOU are the experts and should be the ones to shape public policy and dialogue around the issues.
Your voice matters: It is your responsibility: If not you, then who? Having everyone participate in advocacy will ensure our voices are heard.
Funding is limited and you need to make sure the issues you care about are a priority when budget decisions are being made.
Your wisdom brings credibility to the issues and are most often seen as working on behalf of others.
No one else may be advocating for your clients.

16. It works!
2011 Congressional Management Foundation, based on a survey of more than 250 congressional staff (

17. The Three Legged Stool of Advocacy (public policy, grassroots, media)

18. Public Policy: Advocacy vs. Lobbying

19. Non-Lobbying Advocacy
“Non-lobbying” advocacy: educating public officials without asking for anything
Examples:
Providing statistics on meals served by your program this year compared to last year
Meeting with a legislator’s office to discuss your program, its mission, and the services you provide in their district
Hosting a legislator to tour your program

20. Public Policy - Direct Lobbying
“Direct”: Contacting any legislative member, staff, or government employee to influence him/her to propose, support, or oppose specific legislation
Examples:
ing a member of Congress to vote NO on the Farm Bill
If a budget bill is introduced that cuts HPNAP funding, speaking out against that funding cut measure to a legislative staff member
Asking a member of Congress to support a bill renewing food donation tax incentives

21. Grassroots Lobbying / Mobilization
“Grassroots”: Trying to persuade the public to share your views on a particular legislative proposal and to act.
Examples:
Asking your donors and clients to call their legislators to support the Governor’s budget proposal for HPNAP
Encouraging clients to sign a petition in favor of increased funding for TEFAP
Sending an action alert to a listserv to encourage them to their member of Congress and telling them to vote NO on the Farm Bill

22. Why the Differences are Important
Non-Lobbying Advocacy
Direct Lobbying
Grassroots Lobbying
No IRS limitations
Must amount to “insubstantial” amount of activities
Up to 20% of first $500K
Up to 5% of first $500K
IRS imposes limits on the level of lobbying activity
Public charities may engage in a limited amount of legislative lobbying under either the “substantial part” test or by electing to operate under the Section 501(h) election of the tax code
IRS evaluates the “substantial part” test on the basis of the fact and circumstances, such as the time (by both paid and volunteer workers) and the expenditures devoted to lobbying by the organization
Under the 501(h) election, public charities may spend
20% of the first $500K of its exempt purpose expenditures ($100K) and 15% of the next $500K on Direct Lobbying
5% of the first $500K of its exempt purpose expenditures, and 3.75% of the next $500K, and so on, on Grassroots Lobbying
Remember, every charitable non-profit is allowed to engage in some lobbying activities

23. Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying
You schedule a site visit with your county executive to educate her about your programs and show the impact your agency is having on the community. NOT LOBBYING!

24. Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying
You send a letter to your U.S. Senator asking him to support S when it comes to a vote next week. DIRECT LOBBYING!

25. Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying
You send out an action alert to the public urging them to call their representatives and voice support for a proposed increase in funding for housing programs. GRASSROOTS LOBBYING!

26. Media Advocacy “Traditional” media News releases Media “tip sheets”
Op-Ed pieces & Letters to the editor
Radio interviews
TV coverage of “visual” events
“Social Media” Opportunities
Build your own communities
Keep them informed – send out action alerts
Grow presence among new demographics
Mobilize action
Create dialogue
Need help? Contact
Jonathan Fuller, Community and Public Relations Manager at the Food Bank, x4023

27. Engaging with elected officials

28. Civics Review
We are a representative democracy.
Representative democracy is founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people.
To be represented, you must be heard. To be heard, you must speak. To speak well, you need to know your group’s message.

29. Local, State, and Federal Policy
Local government: town, city, county
62 counties in NY
New York State Government (Albany)
NYS Assembly (150 assemblymen/women)
NYS Senate (63 state senators)
Federal Government (Washington DC)
435 Representatives (1-53 per state)
100 Senators (2 per state)

30. US Senators
QUIZ:
Who are our US senators?
Senator Charles Schumer
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

31. US Congressional Districts
QUIZ: What is your Congressional District? Who is your Congressman?
Congressman Tom Reed (23rd district: Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga)

32. US Congressional Districts
QUIZ: What is your Congressional District? Who is your Congressman?
Congressman Tom Reed (23rd district: Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga)
Congressman Richard Hanna (22nd district: Broome, parts of Tioga)

33. New York State Senators- Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler
State Senator Tom O’Mara
(58th district)

34. New York State Senators-Tompkins
State Senator James Seward
(51st district)
State Senator Michael Nozzolio
(54th district)

35. New York State Senators-Tioga and Broome
State Senator Thomas Libous
(52nd district)

36. NY State Assembly
Chris Friend: 124th (Chemung, Tioga)

37. NY State Assembly Members-Chemung
Phil Palmesano: 132nd (northern Chemung)
Chris Friend: 124th (Horseheads, Elmira)

38. NY State Assembly Phil Palmesano: 132nd (Corning area)
Bill Nojay: 133rd
(Hornell)
Joseph Giglio: 148th (Jasper)

39. NY State Assembly-Schuyler
Phil Palmesano: 132nd (Schuyler)

40. NY State Assembly-Tompkins
Barbara Lifton: 125th (Tompkins)

41. NY State Assembly- Broome
Chris Friend: 124th (Town of Maine)
Donna Lupardo: 123rd (Binghamton area)
Clifford Crouch: 122nd (rest of Broome)

42. NY State Districts

43. The Advocacy “Menu” Appetizers
- s, mail and phone calls to legislators
-Social media action alerts
Lunch Specials
-Visit legislators and staff, either in district or at capitol
-Build relationships with policy makers and their staff
-Have legislators visit your agency
Entrees
-Gather stories for advocacy
-Involve clients in advocacy
-Organize staff and clients at hearings, rallies, action days

44. Engaging with Elected Officials
Build personal relationships (local, state & federal)
Stay in regular communication
Get to know their legislative staff
Attend local county board and municipal meetings
Keep them informed on the issues

45. How to engage elected officials
Invite them to tour your agency!
Tips for a Successful Tour:
Line up tour date with staff
Invite local officials
Send written invites
Keep tour short
Be accommodating
Invite the media and let officials know!
Prepare and provide an agenda and any supporting materials
Be knowledgeable about state, local issues

46. Getting to know your elected officials
Do your homework online by reviewing their website
Political Life
Who is this person as a representative? Geographic and demographic area they represent? Term in office? Platform? Major issues and concerns? Voting record? Committee assignments? Staff members?
Personal Life
Who is this person? Spouse? Children? Relate this information to the issue to make a more personal presentation.
Do your homework in person by meeting your representative to introduce yourself and build relationships
The most effective approach to advocate is through building relationships
“The key to successful advocacy with each audience is to develop a relationship based on honesty, trust, and a command of the issues.”

47. Study the issue Study websites, educational magazines, and journals
What has been tried before?
What are both sides of the issue?
Talk to others
Who is affected by the issue or the solution?
Where do your colleagues stand?
Develop your “elevator pitch”
Connect it to the representative’s life
Connect it to your life (Make your presentation personal)

48. In-person Meeting
Visit with your representative at the Capitol or in his/her home office
Schedule an appointment and inform the office about the reason for requesting the meeting
Most meetings last 15 to 20 minutes
Prepare for the meeting
Study the issues
Prepare one-page “leave-behind” about your organization
During the meeting
Introduce yourself and exchange business cards
State the issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)
State the action that you want the representative to take. Ask for them to commit to support the bill.
Thank the representative or aide
After the meeting
Follow up with a phone call, , or letter thanking the
representative for meeting with you
Offer another personal visit for more information

49. Leave-behind Packet
Members and staff are happy to accept a “leave-behind packet” from your agency. This packet should include:
A “One-Pager” on your organization. Your one-pager should include a brief history of your organization, mission statement, some notable impacts of your work, a look ahead at future objectives, and (optionally) a short list of what the Member can do to help you reach those objectives.
Food Bank area fact sheets
Any materials you’ve developed about your organization, including brochures, mission statement, etc.
Recent articles on your organization
Business cards and contact information

50. Tips for meeting with elected officials
Schedule your appointment well in advance
Be punctual for your meeting
Dress appropriately for the occasion
Prepare adequate materials, handouts and a brief “leave-behind
Stay focused on your issue
Provide relevant, specific examples from the legislator’s home district
Follow up after your meeting to answer any questions or unresolved issues
DON’T:
Show up 15 minutes late
Talk about your recent doctor’s appointment
Wear your work boots
Bring everyone you know to the meeting
Get upset if you only get to meet with staff
Wear out your welcome
Mix personal and professional agenda

51. Tips for meeting with elected officials
Schedule your appointment well in advance
Be punctual for your meeting
Dress appropriately for the occasion
Prepare adequate materials, handouts and a brief “leave-behind
Stay focused on your issue
Provide relevant, specific examples from the legislator’s home district
Follow up after your meeting to answer any questions or unresolved issues
DON’T:
Show up 15 minutes late
Talk about your recent doctor’s appointment
Wear your work boots
Bring everyone you know to the meeting
Get upset if you only get to meet with staff
Wear out your welcome
Mix personal and professional agenda

52. Tips for writing letters
Send original communications instead of mass-produced ones
Communicate in a variety of ways
Phone the representative to learn the preferred method of communication
Include these parts in your one-page letter
Your name, address, and telephone number
The issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)
Refer to the bill number
The action that you want the representative to take
Other ideas to remember
Keep it short, focused, positive, polite, business-like
Avoid educational jargon
Proof your letter and write well
Don’t go overboard with your passion and zeal

53. Tips for Phone Calls
Phone calls are an effective and fast way to communicate, especially when a critical vote is coming up
Your previous nurtured relationship with your representative will pay dividends
Include these parts in your phone conversation
Ask to speak to the representative
Probably will speak to receptionist or aide, who is tallying constituents’ votes for and against an issue
Your name, address, and telephone number
The issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)
Refer to the bill number
The action that you want the representative to take
Watch

54. Client Engagement Advocacy
Voter Registration Drive
An estimated 70-80% of low-income voters will not vote in this fall’s midterm election
Paper plate campaign
Sharing Stories

56. Statistical Resources

57. Need stats?
Food Bank fact sheets
NYSCAA poverty profiles
Map the Meal Gap (Feeding America)
meal-gap.aspx
Cornell County Profiles (US Census info)
American Community Survey (US Census)
New York Times Mapping Poverty in America
Slate’s Food Stamp Usage tracker

58. Brainstorm Your Own Advocacy Campaign

59. Brainstorm Activity
What is a current issue your agency is faced with? Which of your elected officials would be most helpful in solving this problem? How can you begin to address this issue with their help?

60. Next Steps

61. How You Can Be an Advocate

62. Takeaways
What are you taking home with you after this training?
What’s one thing you can do in the next month to advocate for your agency?
How can the Food Bank help you?

63. Questions?

64. Food Bank of the Southern Tier 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue
Lyndsey Lyman Agency Outreach Coordinator
Randi Lynn Quackenbush Community Engagement Coordinator
Food Bank of the Southern Tier 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue
Elmira, New York 14903
ext fax:
A regional agency of Catholic Charities and a Member of Feeding America