Legislative Advocacy 101 This presentation was prepared by Arise Citizens’ Policy Project. It may be reproduced with acknowledgment of ACPP, Box 1188, Montgomery, AL 36101; (800) 832-9060; www.arisecitizens.org

What is a democracy? Civics is the study of the rights & duties of citizenship. Then what are your rights & duties as a citizen of a democracy?

Democracy by its nature demands the participation of its citizens…each one of us!

Good Government -- It’s On Us!! Our common vision/our common good We understand the affects of past decisions We build together what we cannot alone

“All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. -- Edmund Burke 1729-1797

Three Levels of Governance Local government City/Municipal County State government Federal government

State Government What is the legislative process? What can I do to impact that process?

We’ve Got the Power! Legislators are our elected officials. We can hold them accountable as someone who represents our interests. We have a right and responsibility to let them know how we feel about issues. They are generally open to hear from us, their constituents. Without us, they would not be in office.

Alabama Legislature: Two Chambers Senate 35 members (Senators) from the 35 senate districts House of Representatives 105 members (Representatives) from the 105 house districts

Legislative Session: When the Chambers Meet Annually – the first Tuesday in January, February or March depending on which year of the quadrennium. 2009 Session begins February 3. Legislature meets a maximum of 30 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days; 2009 Session ends in May. The Governor may call “special sessions” indicating the subjects he wants considered.

Bill is introduced and assigned to committee 1st Reading Committee considers bill Committee reports favorable action 2nd Reading and placed on calendar Vote 3rd Reading If passed, moves to other chamber

Who’s Important in the Process Governor – final authority to approve or veto legislation Lt. Governor – presiding officer of Senate Senate President Pro-Tem

Who’s Important in the Process Speaker – presiding officer of the House of Representatives Rules Committee Chairpersons in each chamber – determines the special order calendar Other Committee Chairpersons

Where You Have Influence Before a bill is introduced When a bill is in committee When a bill is being debated on the floor When a bill awaits the Governor’s signature

Where You Have Influence contd. Before a bill is introduced: You can work with organizations that research issues and recommend policy changes You can talk to your legislator about introducing bills on issues important to your community

Where You Have Influence contd. When a bill is in committee: You can contact members serving on the committee and ask them to support, reject or change a bill, especially if the legislator is your Senator or Representative. You can ask family and friends to contact members of the committee. You can testify for or against the bill.

Where You Have Influence contd. When a bill is being debated on the floor: You can ask your Legislators to support, reject or change a bill. You can ask family and friends to contact their Legislators about the bill.

Where You Have Influence contd. When a bill awaits the Governor’s signature: You can urge the Governor to accept or reject a bill that has passed out of both houses.

You can find your legislators at: www.legislature.state.al.us Constituents can have more impact than anyone else in the legislative process. You can find your legislators at: www.legislature.state.al.us

More Things You Can Do! Build relationships with your Legislators when they are not in session Invite them to speak to your community or church group. Talk to them when they are out in the community. Tell them your concerns & remember today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate

When Talking to Elected Officials… Know your subject matter Be clear about what you’re requesting Never mislead…it’s much better to say that you will get back with more information Know your opposition Be forceful, but not aggressive Know the interests of your official & if possible, present your issue to match

When Talking to Elected Officials contd. DON’T ALIENATE – today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate Keep in contact throughout the year Offer solutions Personalize your request Always thank the official for their time

Remember… While there’s strength in diversity, there’s power in unity. Bring as many diverse voices to your cause. Be clear, simple and personal. Spread your message Involve family, friends, church members Write letters to the editor Speak to groups and organizations in your community.

Final Thought: People who choose to do nothing still affect public policy—but their silence supports the way things are rather than helping make things better.

Information Sources A Student’s Guide to the Alabama Legislative Process, prepared by Office of the Secretary of State Alabama Arise, A coalition of 150 church, civic and community groups that work on poverty issues. www.legislature.state.al.us The Alabama Legislature’s home page. This presentation was prepared by Arise Citizens’ Policy Project. It may be reproduced with acknowledgment of ACPP, Box 1188, Montgomery, AL 36101; (800) 832-9060; www.arisecitizens.org