© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Research - A Key Tool Yet, policymakers rarely make decisions based solely on research and science –International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and others: policy is made within wider political, economic, and emotional contexts and constraints. –The influence of research can be enhanced by linking policymakers, researchers and grassroots actors through networks and communication The policymaker’s dilemma

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Shifting public perceptions: Changing the terms of the discussion Sex and crime issues have little to do for people with “the facts” and research. Makes coming at it from science difficult “Common sense” says – if you want to protect kids from predators, move the predators away How do you change or reframe what is perceived as common sense? The terms used don’t sound so bad: e.g. civil commitment, residency restrictions How do you change or reframe the terms and/or the concepts behind them?

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Legislative Advocacy v. Lobbying Advocacy Educating broadly Factual; offering balanced, non-biased info More likely to be bi- partisan No call to specific action or “ask” Providing testimony Hosting fora Lobbying Influencing in favor of a particular position or piece of legislation Asking a legislator to vote a particular way A request for funding/appropriations Influencing partner organizations to pressure legislators for particular votes or funding

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Non-Profit Lobbying Non-profits CAN lobby within specific parameters –If annual budget is under $500K, can spend up to 20% of annual budget on lobbying Includes staff time and mailing, transportation, printing, telephone, etc. costs Excellent online guidelines and resources; see (among others):

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Educating Legislators Find key members of relevant committees or someone geographically relevant to you and/or your issue Find key legislative staffers –Remember young ages, high turnover Short meetings so talking points Always leave one-page materials; prepared packets clearly labeled with your organization’s name for their files; bring business cards

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Skills Necessary For Legislative Visits Deep knowledge of issue but ability to convey simple message/s Deep commitment but ability to avoid “zealotry” Ability to be concise and direct, but engaging Ability to stick to predetermined talking points but able to be flexible in answering questions and responding to “off-point” inquiries Ability to illustrate key points and facts with stories from personal and/or real experience that bring them to life If relevant, know well what you are asking for

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Being Proactive: Developing a Legislative Bill Identify the issue Develop talking points that state its need Find legislator/s to champion it with you Work with legislative staff to develop the legislative language for the bill Develop constituent support including those who have been affected Garner support amongst other policymakers including “Letters of Support” to share with all legislators Hold legislative hearings and press conferences or briefings Introduce the bill

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Local or State Policy Advocacy v. Federal Benefits to focusing locally* – –Local policies can be tailored to individual community needs – –Local initiatives raise community awareness and support – –Local communities are not burdened with bureaucracy that often inhibits progress (at the state and) national level(s); easier access to policymakers – –Local initiatives are a laboratory for broader policy change, providing valuable clues to the most effective and appropriate models * Adapted from Prevention Connection presentation, May, 2005

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting Local or State Policy Advocacy v. Federal Benefits to focusing on federal policy advocacy –Sweeping reform: successes and change will be mandated and enforced broadly throughout the states –Power to make social change

© 2007 Alisa Klein Consulting When being interviewed for media: Don’t let reporters “lead” you places you don’t want to go Don’t allow them to force you to reify their concepts Develop ahead of time your talking points: have 3-4 ready at all times on a variety of SO-related subjects Have reframes and “reframe phrases” at your ready, e.g. “The real question you should be asking is…” Sound bites, sound bites, sound bites Remember: “off the record” does not exist Don’t use professional or other jargon Never say “no comment” You don’t have to say yes to every interview