AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 AMCHP Advocacy training call February 5 th, 2009

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 How to make an appointment Do homework in advance Staff Matter Introduce Yourself Educate

January 22, 2009 Do Your Homework Try to research your member. Past positions and actions regarding the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Help them understand what it means for the state. AMCHP Legislative Briefing & Training

January 22, 2009 Staff Matter Staff members are consulted on the day-to-day decisions. Regular access to the Congressman or Senator. End Goal: Having your idea considered.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Introduce Yourself Who you are. What you do. What you want them to do? Don’t overwhelm with talk or materials.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Educate What exactly is the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant? How is it funded? What does it do to help? Stories are good.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Materials AMCHP can provide An official ‘ask” sheet Specific state profile The MCH Pyramid of services Other materials

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 “Ask” sheet

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 AMCHP State profile

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Meeting Tips Be flexible. Be ready to move. Call ahead if you are running late. Remember, you are the “expert”

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up The success or failure of a meeting is determined almost entirely by what you do after the meeting.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up Tips Thank You note. Provide requested information. Brief your network on the ground as to the delegation’s positions and if appropriate, urge them to contact the staff as well.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Follow Up Tips Share the delegation’s positions with the officials in your agency. Consider writing a Letter to the Editor. Invite your member to visit. Ongoing relationship.

AMCHP Legislative Briefing & TrainingJanuary 22, 2009 Question and answer Remember, Many members are also doing first time visits! No question is too big or too small. AMCHP is here to assist you, our membership.