Making a Difference Ruth Hoffman Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 1701 Arroyo Chamiso Santa Fe, NM (505)

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 2 What is Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM?  A state public policy office of the Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA and ELCA World Hunger  Advocates for and with those with little or no economic or political power  Advocates for just, sound and compassionate public policies based upon the social justice policy positions of the ELCA

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 3 Advocacy basics Enthusiasm and passion Provide information and point of view Work in and with coalitions Legislation = public policy

How does legislation happen? Someone wants the legislature to do something about a situation that they care about (change public policy) – A change in an existing law Funding for a program or project A new law Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 4

How does legislation happen? Why & how do you think public policy should be changed? Discuss it with others concerned about the issue Do some research Research what you want done Research possible solutions Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 5

How does legislation happen? After you know what you want done Find out if other people or organizations want the same thing and ask them to join with you or you can join with them Coalitions can be much more effective Keep your coalition informed & urge them to respond to your “alerts” Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 6

How does legislation happen? Talk to your legislators about it Explain it Tell stories to illustrate it If possible, show them the “situation” Listen to ideas that they might have Ask them to help you get it done Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 7

When should we start working on making legislation happen? Now! Working on changes in public policy happens all year long Don’t wait until a legislative session starts Interim legislative committees meet during each summer and fall Legislators have more time to talk with you when they are at home and not “in session.” Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 8

When are legislative sessions? Convene on the 3 rd Tuesday of January at noon Odd-numbered years – 60 days Even-numbered years – 30 days Special sessions – usually called by the governor Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 9

What about the executive branch of government? Try to meet with the governor or the governor’s staff about your issue. Explain what you are trying to do and ask for support. Tell stories to make your case. The governor can ask legislators to carry bills Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 10

What about the executive branch of government? Try to talk with the executive agency or department that will be implementing your legislation. They can be helpful. It is important that they understand how the legislation or funding should be implemented when it becomes law. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 11

What are interim legislative committees? Interim committees include legislators from both houses and parties They generally meet monthly from June through November and into December They are organized by policy areas They recommend legislation Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 12

Can I speak before an interim committee? YES! You should contact the chairman of the committee or the staff of the committee and ask to be on the agenda for one of their meetings This is an opportunity to explain what you want the legislature to do If you can, use local stories. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 13

How does a bill get written? What you want the legislature to do must be written in the form of a bill. You don’t have to write it! The legislator who is working with you will ask the Legislative Council Service staff to write a bill about your issue. All funding is ultimately included in the state budget bill (HB2). Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 14

When should we start contacting legislators to support our issue? Now! It is very effective to contact and talk with legislators before a legislative session starts. They have more time to meet with you when they are at home Ask others to contact their legislators too! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 15

Does contacting legislators make a difference? YES! What you think about an issue counts and legislators care about what you think! Be sure to contact all members of the legislative committees that will be considering your bill BEFORE each committee hearing. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 16

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 17 Communication Basics Be courteous, respectful, friendly and positive Don’t be arrogant, condescending or threatening Be brief and accurate Be sure to mention if you are a constituent -- You are important!

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 18 Communication Basics Listen carefully Be appreciative; acknowledge past support Be specific; if possible, refer to specific legislation or issue Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” in answer to a question: Find the answer and get back to them later

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 19 How do I communicate with policymakers? Letter Writing, including messages Letters can be the most powerful means of communicating with public officials Write about only one issue per letter Neatly handwrite, type or your letter Try to include supporting facts and give reasons for your position Refer to a specific bill, if possible

How do I communicate with policymakers? Put your return address on the letter and the envelope Use the proper form of address “The Honorable” on the address on both the envelope and the heading “Dear Representative” or “Dear Senator” is the salutation Brevity is even more important for messages! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 20

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 21 How do I communicate with policymakers? “Letters to the Editor” of a newspaper Very effective way of influencing both public policy and public opinion Keep your letter short – about 250 words Get to the point and write in simple language Sign your letter with your contact info Newspapers accept letters electronically

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 22 How do I communicate with policymakers? Telephone calls During legislative sessions, office staff answer most calls to lawmakers. When you call a legislator at home, you may reach them or, more likely, an answering system. Be brief and specific Talk about only one issue per call

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 23 How do I communicate with policymakers? Personal Visits Follow “Communication Basics” It is most effective to try to make an appointment while lawmakers are at home in their districts. During sessions: Expect brief visits You may have to simply leave a note saying you came by and briefly stating your position or issue

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 24 How do I communicate with policymakers? Attend Committee Hearings (interim & session) Meetings of standing committees during legislative sessions: Anyone may attend and testify Chairman will ask if anyone would like to speak either in favor of or opposed to the bill being discussed Stand, identify yourself, and briefly state your position Don’t speak for an organization unless you know its official position Committee meeting schedules and agendas can be long and unpredictable

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 25 Remember -- As long as you are sincere and polite, there is no wrong way to communicate with a policymaker!

What should I do after my bill passes the legislature? Follow up with the governor’s staff or try to talk with the governor personally and with executive agencies to make sure that they understand the need for your bill. Have others contact the governor’s office in support of your bill or funding. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 26

Know the opposition Find out who might oppose your issue Know the arguments they will use Plan how to respond to their arguments Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 27

What happens to a bill? Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 28

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 29 You can make a difference! Advocacy is -- Exciting Challenging Crucial Effective Long term