1. continuing advocacy at home NRPA Legislative Forum March 27– 29, 2012 Presented by Roslyn Johnson and Brian Knapp

2. who are your elected officials – what is their agenda? – what is their political affiliation? – what is the geographic jurisdiction? – where are they aligned? – are there staffers with a common interest? continuing advocacy at home

3. customize – find common ground – mini marketing campaigns – target officials in small groups – involve staffers at the local level committees, advisory boards, projects – it helps to have other local partners speak highly of you – NRPAs Advocacy Resource Center

4. do the elected officials know who you are – establish value – what have you accomplished in their district? – what are your goals? – what are your messages? – why does it matter to them? continuing advocacy at home

5. relevancy – what is your ask? – what resonates? – can they be responsive? – what difference will it make in their district? – assistance with problem solving – dont accept NO for an answer

6. continuing advocacy at home know the bottom line: – spending in Forest Park generates $413.2 million in economic activity and $136 million in earnings – there are 1323 LWCF projects in Missouri, $42 million in federal dollars leveraged against $77 million state side – in Missouri, forestry, fisheries and wildlife represents an $11.5 billion industry Information courtesy of Susan Troutman

7. making (insert your city) a better place to live – promoting good health – connecting communities and neighborhoods – preserving and connecting people to nature – improving economic vitality – providing transportation options continuing advocacy at home

8. catchy phrases that resonate – We are in the business of saving lives. We promote health and wellness all day long. Parks and recreation provides activities for creative people -lifeblood of thriving communities. We help shape and support military readiness – We are the only agency that increases property values and reduces juvenile crime. – We take care of you from womb to tomb. – Phone message Out of the office helping to build community.

9. events and celebrations – the more elected officials you have at an event the greater your leverage to get them there – make sure they have the opportunity to speak and to be seen continuing advocacy at home

10. To do list while on the plane – Jot down notes detailing office visits – Follow up with a separate thank you email to include commonalities, quick summary and additional information. Offer to add them to your newsletter mailing list. – Send summary to your marketing team back home to be included in newsletter for users and advisory groups. Be sure to include contact information of who you met with, staffers/representatives interests to be taken into consideration for future event invites. Be positive. – Add legislative visit as an agenda item for supervisor and staff meetings. – Create briefing for staff, include how they can involve the children and participants in their programs. – Make sure you are on the contact list for all legislative updates from your representative. – Set monthly reminders in outlook to follow up and keep lines of communication open. continuing advocacy at home

11. roslyn.johnson@pgparks.com Brian Knapp Board of Directors, NRPA Chairman of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority bknapp@cohengroup.net Roslyn Johnson Division Chief Maryland - National Capital Park and Planning Commission continuing advocacy at home