1. Advocacy 101 Light
CTE Network
March 16, 2018

2. Before you start Understand the Process
At what level of government is your problem?
The federal, state and local processes are different. Be sure you know how policy is enacted in the venue in which you are working.

3. Before you start Understand the Process
Is your issue with regulations? Legislation or statute? Administration or implementation of a program?
If it is……..
Regulatory: Find the commission or board who has jurisdiction, or find the agency that is governed by those agencies.
Legislative: Call, write or visit the (capitol or district) office of your state or federal representative, your county board of supervisors or your city council.
Ministerial: Find the agency, department or staff making those administrative decisions.

4. Who Will You Be Dealing With? Who surrounds your legislator:
Personal Staff
Chief of Staff
Legislative Director
Legislative Aide/Assistant
Scheduler
District Director
Field Representative
Committee Staff
Staff Director/Chief Consultant
Committee Consultant
Committee Secretary
Staff to Each House
Secretary and Clerks Office
Sergeant at Arms
CHP and Security Staff

5. How to Connect with Them
Connecting
Personal Meeting
Personal Letter
Form Letter
Phone Call
Where to find them
In their capitol office (Monday pm – Thursday noon)
In their district office (Fridays)
At fundraisers (evenings and weekends)
At townhall meetings (when they’re not fundraising)
Other Events: Grand-Openings, parades, carnivals, baby kissing….

6. Find Someone to Champion With You on Your Issue
Another Elected Official
Industry Leaders
Staff Members
Statewide Associations
Trade Associations
Community Groups
Other groups or government agencies

7. Do Your Homework Understand the Issue Have a clear message
Know your audience
Be yourself, show you are invested
You (not show off) your passion and expertise
Don’t bore them, try blowing them away or blow them off
Define the problem and have solutions in hand
Don’t exaggerate and have your facts right
Make your ask clear
Ask for a response (will you support this bill)
Be respectful and say thank you
Follow-up

8. Final Thoughts
Don’t get discouraged – it often takes years (don’t we know it) and a lot of hard work to make policy changes.
Keep working – Persistence pays off.
Find ways to educate the community leaders and their staff (host briefings, add them to your mailing list, invite them to your events or to visit your sites).
Build relationships and be a resource.
Remember – you are playing an important part in the public policy.