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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

To do list while on the plane – Jot down notes detailing office visits – Follow up with a separate thank you 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

Brian Knapp Board of Directors, NRPA Chairman of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Roslyn Johnson Division Chief Maryland - National Capital Park and Planning Commission continuing advocacy at home