Successful Practices Network Do Now ! 1.Identify 2 things you think you have done to advocate for CTE. 2.Identify one thing you think your organization did last year to advocate for CTE. 3.Write your advocacy activities on the charts on the wall. 1

Successful Practices Network ADVOCACY Strategies for Influencing Decision Makers “Making Our Common Voice Count” Dr. Constance H. Spohn Lead Technical Assistance Specialist

Successful Practices Network Why Discuss Advocacy? 1.Not doing a good job promoting ourselves/CTE 2. Our content, courses and programs are value added for students. 3.We need to be prepared to answer ???s 4.Want to be at the table when decisions are made. Opportunities presented by the BOR 5.There is power behind the collective group 6.Our commitment to CTE

Successful Practices Network What is Advocacy? Speaking or writing in support of something: Using the media to get your message out Visiting your local legislators Sending business letters / faxes / s Making telephone calls on important issues Sharing “Fact Sheets” with decision makers Inviting legislators/decision makers to visit your CTE Centers/programs Presenting to various groups on 21 st Century CTE Raising community awareness through collaboration with civic organizations and community agencies Presenting important data to school boards Letters to the editor

Successful Practices Network Who do we need to influence? Administrators Boards of Education State Education Department State Legislators Assembly Senate Governor Federal Legislators Senate House of Representatives President

Successful Practices Network Why Advocate? Lack of support from policy makers – elimination of your programs Support can result in increased funding or more effective policies to better serve students.

Successful Practices Network What to Use When? Something is going to happen immediately: Faxed letters Phone calls s – especially with staffers you know If you have a longer time period and want to provide detailed information and : Write a letter Make a personal visit

Successful Practices Network Basic Guidelines Know Your Legislator/Decision Maker Where do they stand? How do they vote? What is their political philosophy? Do they support your position?

Successful Practices Network Where do I get information?

Successful Practices Network Guidelines Continued Identify yourself – Are you a constituent? Career and Technical Education professional – area of expertise Your role in the broader advocacy effort – member ACTEA, ACTE, NYSACTE Use the common talking points developed here Leave business card or contact information

Successful Practices Network Guidelines Continued Be Prepared: Know your issue! Impact on community, state, country Use research, stats, and facts Be Specific: Action you wish legislator to take Hold them to the commitment Refer to specific legislation if possible

Successful Practices Network Guidelines Continued Be Concise: Limited time to devote to issues One to two page fact sheet Highlight key issues Be Constructive: Pleasant, polite, “soft-sell” Identify problems, offer solutions Do not threaten!

Successful Practices Network Guidelines Continued Follow-up Follow legislation Make further contacts Keep the pressure on – key times Continue the connection: Congratulate! Thank Share further information

Successful Practices Network Some Other “Do’s” Be positive Make links to district or interests Consider the political impact Know the opponents arguments Admit to not knowing answer Personalize issue Sensitive to time Arrange for a visit

Successful Practices Network Don’t … arrive unexpectedly and expect to be seen be late, call ahead if you are be confrontational or threatening try to discuss too many issues give incorrect information, lie or make up information

Successful Practices Network Letters and Faxes Personal letters most effective, but… Keep it short Use appropriate address and salutation Address: The Honorable (full name) Salutation: Dear Senator (last name) Be Positive Ask for a reply Establish self as resource Write neatly – grassroots appearance Type – professional appearance

Successful Practices Network and Phone Calls Summarize your views in subject line Keep Content Short - Bullet points Same rules for letters Phone Calls Ask to speak to person who handles issue you are calling on Identify yourself and issue – short, focused Thank you, considering views

Successful Practices Network Issues Impacting CTE Fiscal Year Budget and Appropriations Carl D. Perkins (Perkins IV) Career and Technical Education Act Workforce Investment Act American Competitiveness and STEM Race To The Top

Successful Practices Network Who Can Help You? Students Parents Other CTE professionals – sharing and working together Business Persons Community Representatives Other Legislators

Successful Practices Network Questions ?? Thank you! Contact Me: Connie Spohn