+ Presented by Anne Broussard, John Harris, Peter Huffaker, and Gary J. Kinley, Ed.D. FINDING AND SUPPORTING A CANDIDATE WHO WILL BECOME A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN IN THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE

+ Topics to be addressed in this session What is CSEE and CSEE PAC? What we do and what our experiences have taught us? Why is it important to find and support champions for children? How do you identify such champions in your region? Once identified, how can you support them?

+ What are CSEE and CSEE PAC? CSEE: is a broad- based coalition, founded in 1986, that actively engages in public policy, advocacy efforts, and public education campaigns, so that all California's children have access to quality early education. CSEE Political Action Committee: CSEE PAC develops and supports lawmakers who understand the benefit of quality early education.

+ Why is it important to find and support champions for children? Individuals who provide input, vote and financially support politicians have the “ears” of the latter. Unfortunately, children don’t have the power to do any of these activities. Many times their parents are not registered to vote or are very busy managing their everyday lives to impact public policy. Based on the above, we must identify, evaluate and then support individuals for public office who have the best chance of making a difference for children, families and the ECE community.

+ Finding a candidate(s) Examine the needs and priorities of children, families and ECE staff in your community Ask questions of individuals who have announced or are considering a run for state office; as well as individuals who would make viable candidates for office Use a survey tool to further assess potential candidates Other thoughts for consideration

+ Examine the needs and priorities of children, families and staff in your community What are the demographics in your community? What ECE services are missing? What are some reasonable areas where the state might/should be involved? Prioritize these services and areas. Not all are achievable.

+ Ask questions of individuals who have announced or are consi- dering a run for state office* Examples of questions to ask: What are your views on the needs of young children and what specific steps would you take to address them? What are your views on the ways in which early education can close the achievement gap in CA? As a member of the CA legislature, what would be your top four budget priorities relating to children ages birth to five years? *Also consider individuals who would make viable candidates for office

+ Use a survey tool to further assess potential candidates Conduct a thorough review of an individual’s candidacy Who is contributing to the candidate? Who would be upset if you supported him/her? Does the candidate have an ECE statement/platform? Is the candidate compelling and exude confidence? If elected, would he/she be willing to champion ECE issues and be influential in the legislature and with the Governor?

+ Other thoughts… Remember to seek candidates from both major parties, try to avoid partisanship For existing office holders, review their voting records Examines races that are close and where your support can make a difference in finding candidates and then supporting them

Using the above, make decisions where your support can be the most effective

Supporting your candidate(s) J. Doe for Assembly

+ Who to support? Consider supporting current members of the legislature who have demonstrated support for ECE issues and are in critical races Support legislators who are in a position to move into leadership positions

+ How to support them Of course, contributing money, advertising those contributions, and making the contributions at critical junctures of the campaign are essential Provide input or assistance in writing position documents for candidates in ECE issues Offer hands-on support Consider going door-to-door Do telephone canvassing for a candidate who you support

+ Other thoughts for consideration Work to groom candidates by shaping their positions on ECE issues or other topics of relevance to families Grooming future candidates is also essential (i.e., school board members who might move into city council, then board of supervisors and then assembly/senate seats) Don’t forgot that many parents forget to register to vote or re- register when they move Remain in contact with a candidate when elected and make connections for the success with local organizations statewide groups who have critical information about the community

+ Final thoughts Questions and comments Doable? Require work? Achievable results? We Can Do It!