Advocacy 101 Light CTE Network March 16, 2018

Before you start Understand the Process At what level of government is your problem? The federal, state and local processes are different. Be sure you know how policy is enacted in the venue in which you are working.

Before you start Understand the Process Is your issue with regulations? Legislation or statute? Administration or implementation of a program? If it is…….. Regulatory: Find the commission or board who has jurisdiction, or find the agency that is governed by those agencies. Legislative: Call, write or visit the (capitol or district) office of your state or federal representative, your county board of supervisors or your city council. Ministerial: Find the agency, department or staff making those administrative decisions.

Who Will You Be Dealing With? Who surrounds your legislator: Personal Staff Chief of Staff Legislative Director Legislative Aide/Assistant Scheduler District Director Field Representative Committee Staff Staff Director/Chief Consultant Committee Consultant Committee Secretary Staff to Each House Secretary and Clerks Office Sergeant at Arms CHP and Security Staff

How to Connect with Them Connecting Personal Meeting Personal Letter Form Letter Email Phone Call Where to find them In their capitol office (Monday pm – Thursday noon) In their district office (Fridays) At fundraisers (evenings and weekends) At townhall meetings (when they’re not fundraising) Other Events: Grand-Openings, parades, carnivals, baby kissing….

Find Someone to Champion With You on Your Issue Another Elected Official Industry Leaders Staff Members Statewide Associations Trade Associations Community Groups Other groups or government agencies

Do Your Homework Understand the Issue Have a clear message Know your audience Be yourself, show you are invested You (not show off) your passion and expertise Don’t bore them, try blowing them away or blow them off Define the problem and have solutions in hand Don’t exaggerate and have your facts right Make your ask clear Ask for a response (will you support this bill) Be respectful and say thank you Follow-up

Final Thoughts Don’t get discouraged – it often takes years (don’t we know it) and a lot of hard work to make policy changes. Keep working – Persistence pays off. Find ways to educate the community leaders and their staff (host briefings, add them to your mailing list, invite them to your events or to visit your sites). Build relationships and be a resource. Remember – you are playing an important part in the public policy.