1. Laura Searcy MN, APRN, PPCNP-BC, FAANP Brittney Newton MPH
 Advocacy Bootcamp: Essential Skills for Advocacy and Policy Education for Prevention Specialists
Laura Searcy MN, APRN, PPCNP-BC, FAANP
Brittney Newton MPH

2. Outline 2:00 Introductions audience introduction
2:10- 3:00 Policy Work and Advocacy
3:00-3:10 Break
3:10-3:40 Federal State and Local
3:40-4:10 Strategies for communicating with and influencing legislators
Communications strategies
4:10-4:20 Break
4:20-4:50 Write and send
4:50 -5:00 Feedback and wrap up

3. Partisan Politics vs. Political Work and Advocacy

4. Partisan Politics Firm adherence to a party faction, cause, or person
Often exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance 
Political partisans often see only one side of the problem
Hyperpartisan political environment destructive to broad based participation by those with less extreme viewpoints
Engaging in advocacy first requires overcoming an aversion to such politics

5. The Dangers of Polarization
With increased polarization:
The greater the tendency to reject anything associated with the opposition.
The higher the stakes of political conflict
Increased willingness to tolerate bad behavior by their own party and its leaders.
Demonization of the opposition
Compromise seen as disloyal and unprincipled
When your opponent wins in a highly polarized environment, policy will turn against your values in a big way, not just a small one. That makes it all the more imperative to avoid doing anything that might give ammunition to the opposing party.

6. Zero-Sum Thinking
A general belief system about the antagonistic nature of social relations, shared by people in a society or culture and based on the implicit assumption that a finite amount of goods exists in the world, in which one person’s winning makes others the losers, and vice versa [...] a relatively permanent and general conviction that social relations are like a zero-sum game. People who share this conviction believe that success, especially economic success, is possible only at the expense of other people’s failures."

7. The Danger of Pervasive Zero-Sum Thinking
The belief that when others lose we win, or that we’re losing because others are “winning.”
When negotiating, thinking that for you to win the negotiation, the other side must come away the loser (in a comparative sense)
In relationships, thinking that someone’s love for one person means they have less love to give to another
How zero-sum thinking could be harming you
Zero-sum thinking, by its very definition, puts you at odds with another person or persons. When you believe that you can only win by way of others losing, you can do only one of two things:
Try to win by way of making others lose
Allow others to win and believe you’ll lose as a result
Zero Sum thinking results in increased conflict and combative behavior even when it’s not necessary.

8. Scarcity Mentality vs Abundance Mentality
The Scarcity Mentality is the zero-sum paradigm of life (WIN-LOSE).
People with a Scarcity Mentality:
have a very difficult time sharing recognition, credit, and being genuinely happy for the successes of other people
The Abundance Mentality is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody (WIN-WIN). 
People with an Abundance Mentality
Share prestige, recognition, profits, decision making. 
Results in greater possibilities, options, alternatives and creativity.

9. The Difference Between Partisan Politics And Political Work
Political work can be characterized by shared values, working toward a common goal, and an end result that is best for the community as a whole.
Being political is a way to influence legislation and regulation through government or public affairs,
Advocacy involves necessary political work to be effective in achieving needed change
Hyperpartisan political environment destructive to broad based participation by those with less extreme viewpoints
Engaging in advocacy first requires overcoming an aversion to such politics

10. What is Advocacy, Anyway
Activities that seek to bring about systemic social change
Policy Education (educating policy makers)
Issue Organizing (Community Campaigns)
Lobbying
Other forms of advocacy include educating policymakers and the public about broad social issues, encouraging people to register to vote, organizing communities, educating voters about candidate positions, litigating, and many other activities. 

11. What is Advocacy, Anyway
The exercise of power by the citizenry in the face of the government’s power. 
A tool for real participation by citizens in decision-making by government and other powerful bodies.
Gaining and exercising power to influence a political action. 
Necessary, so loudest most extreme voices are not the only ones heard

13. 7 Strategies of Community Level Change Strategy
Modifying/Changing Policy
Physical Design
7 Strategies of Community Level Change Strategy
Changing Consequences
Enhancing Access/
Reducing Barriers
Providing Support
Building Skills
Provide Information

14. Where does advocacy fit in?
Modifying/Changing Policy
Physical Design
Where does advocacy fit in?
Changing Consequences
Enhancing Access/
Reducing Barriers
Providing Support
Building Skills
Provide Information

15. Why is Policy and Advocacy Work Important
When done effectively, advocacy influences public policy by providing a conduit for individuals and organizations to voice an opinion.
These efforts can, in turn, sway public opinion, garner press coverage, and ultimately provide policymakers an opportunity to respond to constituents’ needs.
Environmental Strategy, impacts thousands as opposed to 1 person.

16. Difference between Advocacy and Lobbying
Making YOU or YOUR ORGANIZATION’S voice heard on issues that affect your life and the lives of others, on a state, local and/or national level.
Telling your member of Congress how a federal grant your organization received has helped their constituents.
Educating a member of Congress about the effects of a policy on your community.

17. Difference between Advocacy and Lobbying
Being in direct support or opposition of a piece of legislation.
Asking your member of Congress to vote for or against, or amend, introduced legislation.
ing a “call to action” to your members urging them to contact their member of Congress in support of action on introduced legislation or pending regulations.

18. Effective Policy Work Requires Lobbying & Advocacy
For many of us, lobbying is something other people do—people who wear fancy clothes and buy politicians lunch at expensive restaurants. Lobbying is something that anyone can do, INCLUDING NON-PROFITS AND THEIR MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES. And it is something all of us should do if we believe in a good cause and in a democratic form of government.

19. TEN REASONS TO LOBBY FOR YOUR CAUSE From the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. It takes one person to initiate change.
Gerry Jensen, a single mother who helped build the Association for Children for Enforcement of Support, which has helped change child support laws across the country. One person—a single mother—made the difference.
PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving convinced dozens of states to toughen up their drunk driving laws. The result: fewer drunk-driving deaths.
PEOPLE CAN CHANGE LAWS.
Our history is full of stories of people and groups that fought great odds to make great changes: limits on child labor, public schools, clean air and water, social security. These changes weren’t easy to achieve. Some took decades. They all took the active involvement—the lobbying—of people who felt something needed to be changed.

20. TEN REASONS 4 LOBBYING HELPS FIND REAL SOLUTIONS.
Services provided directly to people in need, such as soup kitchens, emergency health clinics, and homeless shelters, are essential. But sometimes it’s not enough. People thinking creatively and asking their elected officials for support can generate innovative solutions that overcome the root cause of a problem.
5 POLICYMAKERS NEED YOUR EXPERTISE.
Few institutions are closer to the real problems of people than community-based nonprofits. You see problems first-hand. You know the needs. You see what works and what doesn’t. You can put a “human face” on problems to make them real to policymakers.
THE VIEWS OF LOCAL NONPROFITS ARE IMPORTANT.
Increasingly, local governments decide how to spend federal money, giving local nonprofits even more opportunity to have an immediate, concrete impact on people in need.
A crucial reason so many single mothers find themselves in poverty is that they never receive the child support that the fathers are supposed to provide. A food pantry can help these families get through each month without going hungry. But if a way could be found to make sure that more fathers pay child support, that family may not need a food pantry.
Frustrated by her state’s ineffective child support enforcement system, Geraldine Jensen got together with a few other mothers and began the Association for Children for Enforcement of Support, or ACES, in The organization now has 165 chapters in 45
states. It was instrumental in getting Congress to pass strong enforcement tools in 1996, such as withholding tax refunds from parents who refuse to pay child support.
A 1999 ACES survey showed that 77 percent of the families who contacted ACES for assistance successfully collected child support—an average of $4,500 per year, surpassing the average annual welfare benefit of $3,462 for a family of three. When child support payments were joined with available income, 88 percent of those previously dependent on welfare became self-sufficient. Overall, child support collections doubled between 1992 and The number of families receiving support went up nearly 50 percent.
Without question, all these activities are important for nonprofits to do. For example, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides many services to the victims of crashes caused by drunk driving. “We go to court with them, provide resources, help them get counseling,” explained Wendy Hamilton, former National President.
But as important as these services are to individual families, they don’t attack the cause of these tragedies: drunk driving. That is why MADD also has worked
to change laws: helping raise the legal drinking age, lowering the amount of alcohol drivers can have in their bloodstream, prohibiting young people from driving with any alcohol in their bloodstream, getting bars to close earlier, and much more.
As a result, MADD has helped bring about a dramatic change in attitudes about drinking and driving. This change in attitudes led to changes in laws. MADD’s lobbying has resulted in the passage of thousands of federal and state anti–drunk driving laws. MADD recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with the good news that since its inception in 1980, there has been a 44 percent reduction in alcohol-related traffic deaths and more than 300,000 lives have been saved, due in large part to MADD’s efforts.

21. TEN REASONS LOBBYING IS EASY.
Many of us think lobbying is some mysterious rite that takes years to master. It isn’t. You can learn how to lobby—whom to call, when, what to say—in minutes…
LOBBYING HELPS PEOPLE.
Some people become concerned that lobbying detracts from their mission, but quite the opposite is true. Everything that goes into a lobbying campaign—the research, the strategy planning, the phone calls and visits—will help fulfill your end goal. Lobbying can enhance your direct service. Lobbying can be your best service.
In just a few minutes
, you’ll learn the straightforward rules your organization needs to follow, as well as strategies to make you effective. And how to make your individual efforts matter

22. TEN REASONS LOBBYING ADVANCES YOUR CAUSE AND BUILDS PUBLIC TRUST.
By increasing your visibility and strengthening relationships with government officials, lobbying can help you build public trust and support—essential to achieving your organization’s mission.
LOBBYING IS A DEMOCRATIC TRADITION.
The act of telling our policymakers how to write and change our laws is at the very heart of our democratic system. Lobbying has helped to keep America’s democracy robust for more than two centuries.

23. Advocacy Activities for Federally Funded Non-Profits
Educating the public on personal health behaviors and choices.
Research on policy alternatives and their impact.
Working with other agencies within the executive branch of their state or local governments on policy approaches, and on implementation of policies.
Educating the public on health issues and their public health consequences.
Educating the public on the evidence associated with potential policy solutions to health issues.
Working with their own state or local government's legislative body on policy approaches to health issues, as part of normal executive-legislative relationships.
All other allowable activities noted below under "Non-Government Grantees."

24. Prohibited Activities for Federally Funded Non-Profits
Encouraging the public or other entities to support or oppose specific action proposed or pending before the Federal government, including the US Congress, often referred to as grassroots lobbying.
Encouraging the public or other entities to support or oppose specific legislation or executive action proposed or pending before the state or local government, often referred to as grassroots lobbying.
Direct lobbying of the US Congress.
Direct lobbying of a state or local legislature, other than certain communications in the course of normal executive-legislative relationships.
Advocacy to perpetuate or increase their own funding from the Federal government (Byrd Amendment).

25. Federal Law Protects Nonprofit Advocacy
The U.S. Constitution, Congress, and the IRS have protected the rights of nonprofits to engage in advocacy and legislative lobbying.
The federal government, including Congress and the Internal Revenue Service, supports not only broad advocacy but also legislative lobbying by 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits

26. First Amendment, U.S. Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting … the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
In other words: the freedom of association and right to advocate on public policy, including legislative lobbying is protected .

27. How Do Non-Profits Legally Lobby
Two “Rules of Thumb” for reporting 501(c)3 Lobbying Activities
“Insubstantial part” test
501(h) Expenditure Test

28. Direct/Grassroots Lobbying Insubstantial Part Test
Lobbying for 501(c)3s
501(h) Expenditure Test
20% of Annual Budget
Direct/Grassroots Lobbying
Insubstantial Part Test
Undefined
Belief is less than 5% of budget
There is a misconception that non-profit organizations cannot lobby. 501c3s are the most restricted form of non-profits but there are guidelines surrounding lobbying. There are two test/rules of thumb to follow for non-profit lobbying, the 501 (h) expenditure test and the Insubstantial Part Test. The insubstantial part test has yet to be defined by IRS beyond the statement that lobbying cannot be a substantial part of your budget. The belief among most tax practitioners is less than 5% of your annual budget.  Congress introduced the 501(h) expenditure test in 1976 to provide charities with guidance on how much lobbying they can conduct. Under the 501(h) expenditure test, there are clear dollar-based limits on how much money a public charity can spend on lobbying. Depending on the amount of an organization's exempt purpose expenditures, a charity can generally spend up to 20 percent of its annual expenditures on lobbying.
Direct lobbying is defined as any communication, with a legislator, that expresses a view about specific legislation. Grassroots lobbying is defined as any communication, with the general public, that expresses a view about specific legislation, and includes a call to action. A call to action refers to four very specific ways the organization can ask the public to respond to its message. Those calls to action must be either (1) asking the public to contact their legislators or their staff; (2) providing the address, phone number, Web site, or other contact information for the legislators; (3) providing a mechanism to contact legislators such as a tear-off postcard, petition, letter, or link to send a message directly to the legislators; or (4) listing the recipient's legislator, the names of legislators voting on a bill, or those undecided or opposed to an organization's view on the legislation.

29. Insubstantial Part Test
Internal Revenue Code (1934):
Sets a limit, providing that, “no substantial part of the activities” may be for “carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation.” 
all charitable nonprofits may freely engage in legislative lobbying as long as that activity amounts to only an “insubstantial” amount of the nonprofit's activities.
“Insubstantial” has not been defined by IRS or Congress
Most tax practitioners believe that if a public charity's lobbying activity is less than 5 percent of its overall activities, it would be an insubstantial amount of lobbying.

30. 501(h) Expenditure Test Defines two different types of lobbying:
Direct lobbying- any communication with a legislator, employee of a legislative body, or with a government official that expresses a view about specific legislation
Grassroots lobbying- as any communication, with the general public, that expresses a view about specific legislation, and includes a call to action
may not spend more than one-quarter of its overall lobbying limit on grassroots lobbying.

31. Definition of “Call to Action”
Four specific ways the organization can ask the public to respond to its message: (1) asking the public to contact their legislators or their staff (2) providing the address, phone number, Web site, or other contact information for the legislators (3) providing a mechanism to contact legislators such as a tear-off postcard, petition, letter, or link to send a message directly to the legislators; (4) listing the recipient's legislator, the names of legislators voting on a bill, or those undecided or opposed to an organization's view on the legislation.

32. For both direct and grassroots lobbying:
IF ONE PART OF THE DEFINITION IS MISSING IN A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY, THE ACTIVITY WILL NOT COUNT AS LOBBYING.

33. Additional Benefit of 501(h) election: Less Burdensome Reporting Requirements
A public charity operating under the insubstantial part test, or a "nonelecting public charity," reports its lobbying activities on its annual Form 990 requiring:
a detailed written description of the lobbying activities it has engaged in that tax year.
time that any unpaid volunteers have spent on lobbying for the organization.
A public charity operating under the 501(h) expenditure test:
only has to report on the Form 990 its expenditures on lobbying activities.
there is no need to provide a written description or count the time of volunteers lobbying on behalf of the organization
the IRS just wants to know how much the 501(c)(3) is spending per tax year.

34. If the amount of exempt purpose expenditures is:
Lobbying nontaxable amount is:
≤ $500,000
20% of the exempt purpose expenditures
≥ $500,000 but ≤ $1,000,000
$100,000 plus 15% of the excess of exempt purpose expenditures over $500,000
> $1,000,000 but ≤ $1,500,000
$175,000 plus 10% of the excess of exempt purpose expenditures over $1,000,000
> $1,500,000
$225,000 plus 5% of the exempt purpose expenditures over $1,500,000

35. Non-Partisan Political Activities
No 501(c)(3) may support or oppose any political party or candidate for public office.
This prohibits direct endorsements or contributions by the organization
This prohibits the use of 501(c)(3) resources to support or oppose a particular candidate or party.

36. Activity by 2:50

37. Case Studies
Group Activity

38. Government 101

39. 115th Congress Bi-cameral legislature structure Senate
Two elected Senators from each state
One third of all Senators are elected every two years
Six-year term, no term limit
Currently: 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 2 Independents
House of Representatives
The number of Representatives depends on state population
All Representatives are elected every two years
Two-year term, no term limit
Currently: 236 Republicans, 193 Democrats, No Independents

40. Federal Level of Government

41. “I’m Just a Bill” – Part I
Idea or solution to a problem brought to a Congressional office.
Topic referred to Legislative Director or Legislative Assistant to transition from idea into a bill.
Bill introduced in House and/or Senate. Assigned number specific to House or Senate.
Bill referred to relevant House and/or Senate committee for hearings and “mark ups”.
Bill passes out of committee for consideration on Senate and/or House floor.
Senate and/or House debate and amend bill.
Bill passes Senate and/or House.

42. “I’m Just a Bill” – Part II
Bills must pass both the House and Senate in exact same form before it goes to President to sign into law.
One chamber accepts other’s version.
Chambers exchange amendments on each’s version of the bill to reach agreement.
Conference committee hammers out differences and issues conference report which must pass both chambers.

43. “I’m Just a Bill” – Part III
President signs bill into law.
President does not sign into law within 10 days
If Congress is in session, bill becomes law.
If Congress is out, bill does not become law.
President vetoes bill.
Vetoes require two-thirds majority in both chambers to become law.

44. Inside a Typical Congressional Office
Elected Official
Chief of Staff – closest advisor, runs the official’s operations on Capitol Hill
State/District Director – runs the official’s operations in home district
Press Secretary/Communications Director – responsible for public relations
Legislative Director (LD) – senior policy staffer, jurisdiction of the issues relevant to the elected official
Legislative Assistant (LA) – staffer with expertise on a particular issue Legislative Correspondent (LC) – staffer tasked with responding to constituents Staff Assistant – staffer tasked to answer calls, greet guests, etc.
Scheduler – the “gatekeeper” responsible for official’s schedule Caseworker – works with constituents on specific requests/advocacy Intern – unpaid staff who serve in various capacities

45. State Level
Each of the General Assembly's 236 members serve two-year terms and are directly elected by constituents of their district.
Both houses have similar powers, though each has unique duties as well.
the origination of appropriations bills only occurs in the House,
The Senate is tasked with confirmation of the Governor's appointments.

46. Composition of Georgia General Assembly
180 member of the Georgia House of Representatives
It takes a majority or at least 91 votes to pass a bill in the house
56 members of the Georgia State Senate
It takes 29 votes to pass a bill in the senate
Any bill passed by one body also must be passed in the other and signed by the governor to become law

47. Tracking a Bill Through The General Assembly
IDEA Legislator sees need for a new law or changes in existing law and decides to introduce a bill.
DRAFTING Legislator goes to Office of Legislative Counsel. There, attorney advises legislator on legal issues and drafts bill.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING Legislator files bill with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. On legislative day after filing, bill is formally introduced. In chamber, bill’s title is read during period of first readings. Immediately after first reading, presiding officer assigns bill to a standing committee.

48. Tracking a Bill Through The General Assembly
COMMITTEE ACTION Bill considered by committee. Author and other legislators may testify. If controversial, public hearings may be held. Final Committee action reported in a written report. Committee options are:
Recommend Bill or Resolution Do Pass;
Recommend Do NOT Pass;
Recommend Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes);
Hold Bill.

49. Tracking a Bill Through the General Assembly
THIRD READING AND PASSAGE Clerk or Secretary prepares a General Calendar of bills favorably reported from committee.
Legislation which was second read the day before is placed on a calendar in numeric order for floor action prior to the Rules Committee meeting to choose bills for consideration.
After a certain point, set by rule, the Rules Committee meets and prepares a Rules Calendar for the next day’s floor consideration from bills on General Calendar.
The presiding officer calls up bills from the Rules Calendar for floor action in order as they appear on this calendar.
Once presiding officer calls bill up from Rules Calendar, Clerk or Secretary reads bill’s title (third reading). Bill is now ready for floor debate, amendments, and voting. After debate, main question is called and members vote. if bill is approved by majority of total membership of that house , it is sent to the other house.

50. Tracking a Bill Through The General Assembly
TRANSMITTAL TO OTHER CHAMBER
Bill is passed if:
If second chamber passes bill, it is returned to chamber where bill was introduced.
If first chamber rejects changes and second chamber insists, a conference committee may be appointed. Committee report is accepted by both chambers.
Bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor (if requested). Otherwise, all enrolled bills sent to Governor following adjournment sine die.
GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE/VETO
Governor may sign bill or do nothing, and bill becomes law. Governor may veto bill, which requires two-thirds of members of each house to override.
ACT
Act and other laws enacted at the session are printed in the Georgia Laws series. Also, act is incorporated into the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Act becomes effective the following July 1, unless a different effective date is provided in act.

51. Building Relationships and Effective Communications With Legislators

52. How Legislators Make Decisions
Heart
When making decisions that affect other’s lives and well-being are guided by their own beliefs and value systems
Generally Senators with 6 year terms are expected to be more deliberative and thoughtful
Check on the House with two year terms more likely to be swayed by short term passions of the public
Fitch pages 22-23

53. How Legislators Make Decisions
Head
Legislators are looking for sources of unbiased, independent research
Evidence and data often provide political cover, especially when views or stands change over time
Fitch pages 23-24

54. How Legislators Make Decisions
Health (Political)
Factoring politics into the decision often means listening to constituents (often becomes a numbers game)
Why it is so important for individual advocates to voice their opinions to their elected representatives
When considering an issue—
determine who is for it and who is against it
how much it aligns with their personal legislative priorities
The political cost of supporting or opposing
Volume of communications and opinion of majority who communicate
Fitch page24-26

55. People Who Can (and Can’t) Influence Legislators
Friends and family have tremendous influence
Knowledgeable acquaintances:
“…when I get calls from individual supporters that I know and respect” They’ll call me and say ‘I’ve known you for years and I know this issue’. I listen to that”
Respected Colleagues- Junior members may consult senior members
Legislative Leaders- arm twisting of members to get the outcome leadership desires
Give example of individuals in your\community who have influence

56. People Who Can (and Can’t) Influence Legislators
Those with less influence:
Lobbyists- Most overrate the influence of lobbyists
Most in Washington do not work for big firms
Professional advocates who believe in their cause and understand the details of an issue
Power is in their
Knowledge
Effective communication
Know how a policy decision will affect a lawmakers district
** Former legislators turned lobbyist often have the advantage of access therefore source of some controversy
Fitch pages 30-31

57. People Who Can (and Can’t) Influence Legislators
Campaign contributors- less influential than most think
Polling—variable influence
Paid advertising—more influential in elections than in policy decisions
Often used to generate constituent calls
Fitch page 31-33

58. Communication with Legislators
The most effective advocates:
build long-term relationships with their elected officials
Are consistently interested and demonstrate an expertise about an issue
are not ones that suddenly become interested in an issue

59. Building Long-Term Relationships
Learn about your lawmaker—most have bios on their legislative web sites
Start with a letter of introduction
Attend town hall events
Schedule a face-to-face meeting
Follow-up communications:
Thanks for a vote on an issue you care about
Card on their birthday
Experts say at least six(6) communications a year is ideal

60. The POWER of Being a CONSTITUENT
Constituents drive nearly all decision-making in congressional offices and most decision making in state offices
Constituents with an opinion
Woman at town hall- “I think all American troops should come home from the middle east
Constituent with an interest
Woman at a town hall “My son has been deployed to the middle east three times and I think we should just bring all the troops home
The second woman has a much stronger chance that a legislator will consider her stance in his/her decision making
Most federal congressional offices will not accept electronic communications that are not from a constituent

62. Communication with Legislators
Face to face meetings with legislators or staff
Know who you are talking to you
Be prepared and know your issue
Prepare for a 15 minute meeting
No more than 5 minutes of preliminaries ( establish common ground, personal intro )
“Senator, I am mainly here today because of my deep concern about……..”
Always have a specific “ask”
At federal level, never feel disgruntled about talking to staff—they are often experts on the issue and can influence a lawmakers opinion and

63. Communication with Legislators
Face to face meetings with legislators or staff
Stay on stated message and never bring in other issues
One (or two max) page issue brief to leave behind
If lawmaker disagrees with you don’t be disagreeable—courtesy and civility must be maintained
Provide feedback to professional lobbyists
Follow up within 2 weeks
Communication with Legislators
At federal level, never feel disgruntled about talking to staff—they are often experts on the issue and can influence a lawmakers opinion and

64. Communication with Legislators
Written Communications
Establish your standing or basis for expertise
Communicate a personal story—facts are fine, but personal stories about real life people sway votes
Include data from constituents district
( or as close as possible)
Let your passion show—but respectfully
Thank them for their service
Communication with Legislators
At federal level, never feel disgruntled about talking to staff—they are often experts on the issue and can influence a lawmakers opinion and

65. Phone Calls to Legislators
Nearly every legislator tallies calls for or against when hot issues arise.
For U.S. Congress, best to call the Washington Office
Keep the call short 1-3 minutes
Ok to let your “passion” show, but civilly and controlled
If provided talking points, choose ones you can speak to from experience
For state level issues, call your state Senator and or State Representatives office number ( House of Representatives or Sate Senate tabs on the top of the page)

66. Phone calls to Legislators
Identify yourself as a constituent at the outset DO
Reference a specific bill or decision (vague calls will be ignored)
Give an address and ask for a reply
Be polite. Civility to staff goes a long way
Pretend to a degree of relationship with the legislator if you really don’t have it
DON’T
Threaten with your vote, campaign contribution etc. if you don’t get the action you want
Don’t
Phone calls to Legislators
Giving and address or providing a street address verifies that you are a constituent and ensures a degree of accountability

67. How to Write Letters to the Editor that Get Published
If you mention the name of a member of Congress in a letter to the Editor, it will be read by the person you most want to influence
Editors will more likely run your letter if it refers to a story within the past week. Reference it in your first sentence
Keep it short words, 2-4 paragraphs
More impactful if you can highlight an interest or connection to an issue, not just expressing an opinion

68. How to Write Letters to the Editor that Get Published
A reference to the legislator is a must
If the lawmaker has ignored you or your issue, a letter to the editor is a great way to get his attention
If the lawmaker has supported your issue definitely write a letter and send a copy to his office (generally addressed to he member for state, to his chief aid
Tell potential allies how to get involved—include organization names
Even if it is not published you will be sending a message that you have the potential to influence others

69. Lets Do This Now! Activity Identify one of your elected officials
Write and send a letter of introduction
Lets Do This Now!

70. Sample Letter Dear Representative __________________, I am a pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) dedicated to improving children's health and a constituent in your district. If you have not yet met a pediatric-focused APRN, we are healthcare leaders who have advanced graduate education in pediatric nursing and child health care. We care for newborns, infants, children, adolescents and young adults, including providing health and developmental screenings, managing acute and chronic conditions, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, immunizing, coordinating care across the healthcare continuum and making referrals to other professionals as appropriate. We have been providing quality health care to children for more than 40 years in pediatric offices, specialty clinics, in-patient hospitals, school-based health centers and home health care, reaching millions of patients each year. As an expert in health care, please let me know how I can be of any assistance to you and your office as you consider issues surrounding children's health and access to affordable, high quality care. Thank you. Name, Professional Credentials Contact Information

71. Just Do It Soon! Know Pick Commit
To using at least one of the effective communication strategies you have learned with at least one legislator
Pick
One or two prevention topics or policy issues that are important to you
Know
Who represents you at the state and federal level
Just Do It Soon!

72. Legislative Process Resources
U.S. House- How Laws Are Made +Made+-+Learn+About+the+Legislative+Process
Georgia General Assembly US/default.aspx

73. References
Zero-Sum Thinking Rozycka-Tran, J.; Boski, P.; Wojciszke, B. ( ). "Belief in a Zero-Sum Game as a Social Axiom: A 37-Nation Study". Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. 46 (4): 525–548. doi: / Fitch, B (2010). Citizen’s handbook to influencing elected officials: Citizen advocacy in state legislatures and congress. Alexandria, VA: TheCapitol.NET Scarcity vs Abundance Mentality Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, pp copyright 2004 Everyday Advocacy, National Council of Nonprofits American Bar Association Internal Revenue Service profits/direct-and-grass-roots-lobbying-defined Council of Non-Profits ake_a_Difference_RG%5B1%5D.pdf AAUW Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ecologicalmodel.html