Influencing Policymaking at a Grassroots Level

Advocacy Myths and Misconceptions  I don’t have time!  I am intimidated/scared. I am not an expert in policy or politics – I am just a regular person.  I’m shy.  It doesn’t make a difference. I have heard that Congress deletes constituent s, ignores phone calls and/or sends generic responses to letters.  My Members of Congress just doesn’t seem to care about education. So why bother?  I’m a Democrat and my Member of Congress is Republican. Or, I’m a Republican and my Member of Congress is a Democrat.  I can’t make it to Washington to meet with my Members of Congress.

The Truth About Advocacy  Taking action can take less than 5 minutes by using CEC’s Legislative Action Center  You possess the content knowledge relating to the issues CEC advocates for  You can , fax a letter, or place a brief phone call to show your support  Despite rumors to the contrary, congressional offices count all calls, s, faxes, and letters they receive from constituents. In fact, all congressional offices have systems and entire staffs in place to respond to constituent communications

Who is an Advocate?  Someone who supports and/or defends a cause; and  Persuades other like-minded individuals to support the cause

Importance of Advocacy  Critical issues confronting the education community are most effectively and accurately addressed with the input of educators, parents, and students.

Getting Started: Advocacy Basics Know your audience Understand the issue Collaborate with other like-minded individuals Build and nurture relationships Become a resource to your network

GAIN  G et interest and attention  A ddress the problem  I nform the solutions  N ow take action!

What Makes Politicians Tick? Politicians…  Hold public office to help others  Like to be asked for help  Are good learners  Do not know everything  Have demanding schedules  Like getting to know their constituents  Love good press!

Who are Members of Congress  Lawyers  Educators  Business Executives  Homemakers  Farmers  Physicians  Journalists  Social Workers  Veterinarians  Scientists Before they were elected, they were…

Capitol Hill Advocates  Write your legislators using CEC’s Legislative Action Center  Participate in your local town hall meetings  Establish a relationship with your legislators’ staff through phone, , and meetings  Meet with your legislator while they are in the district

Understand the Issue  Research + personal experience= successful advocacy  CEC provides brief summaries on legislation impacting children with exceptionalities and the professionals that work on their behalf on the CEC website

Articulating the Issue  Organize your issue—lead statement followed with supporting evidence  Take into account the background and experience of your audience  Humanize the issue with stories

Articulating the Issue (cont.)  State the positive benefits of your position  Avoid complaints  Keep it brief  Separate the facts from your opinions

Become a Resource  Present accurate, reliable, and timely information show that you’re reliable and knowledgeable  Becoming the “go to” person for Congressional staff is an effective way to influence policy  It is okay to say “I don’t know” and to research and follow up later

Components of a Successful Meeting  Do your homework  Practice speaking to help organize your thoughts  Be concise with your request  Make the issues real  Be clear in your next steps, and follow through  Thank the member and staff

Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call  Outline your objectives and practice saying it aloud  Call and ask to speak with the legislative assistant that handles education issues  State your name, town, and the unit that you represent (ex. Lauren Clark from Providence, calling on behalf of the Division on Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children)

Guidelines for a Successful Advocacy Phone Call (cont.)  Do not keep the person on the phone for more than 5-10 minutes  Ask for their address if you want to send any follow-up materials  Remember to request a follow-up from the office with the legislator’s position on the bill, amendment, etc.  Follow up your call with a letter or meeting when the legislator is back in his/her district

Other Advocacy Methods  Volunteer on a political campaign  Attend Congressional/state/local hearings  Attend political receptions/dinners  Attend speaking engagements by the legislators  Attend town hall meetings  Invite your members of Congress for a site visit

Advocacy Today  Become an e-advocate –Send letters through the Legislative Action Center –Participate in virtual town hall meetings –Blogs –Online communities of like-minded individuals

CEC’s Legislative Action Center  Identify your members of Congress  Locate Town Hall meetings  Personalize a pre-written letter to be ed to your legislators  Access biographical information on legislators  Register to vote  Access to the latest election information