1. Advocacy Education and Strategies: Public health and the legislative process Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards

2. “All lasting business is built on friendship.” - Alfred A. Montapert

3. Positive relationships are key to advocacy success ◦ Legislative process is based on relationships ◦ Strong relationships result in access and influence ◦ Relationships impact policy decisions

4. Who are your legislators? ◦ Identify your target audience ◦ Make initial contact ◦ Take advantage of an untapped resource

6. Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships ◦ Get to know your legislator  Party affiliation  Ideology / political philosophy  Voting record  Personal life

7. Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships ◦ Introduce yourself  Write a letter  Pick up the phone  Schedule a meeting  Take advantage of community events

8. Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships ◦ Build trust and credibility  Be a resource  Build on common ground  Follow through  Be professional

9. Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships ◦ Follow-up  Establish a personal rapport  Share new information  Check-in on your issue  Continue the relationship

10. “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right” - Napoleon Hill

11. Relationships must be established early And maintained long-term ◦ Remember, “All politics is local”  Initial introduction letter  Extend an invitation  Be an educator on public health  Consistent outreach

12. “To disagree, one doesn’t have to be disagreeable.” - Barry Goldwater

13. Don’t let politics get in the way ◦ If you disagree with your legislator…  Disagree professionally  Educate, don’t scold  Don’t burn bridges  You don’t have to bat a thousand

14. Don’t let politics get in the way ◦ Sometimes you’re going to lose…  Public health funding  Women’s health  Alcohol regulations  “Nanny-state” proposals

15. “Invest in people, and they will invest in you.” - Anonymous

16. Don’t wait until you need something ◦ Your investment will pay dividends down the road…  Legislative proposals - positive and negative  Committee hearings  Priority legislation  State budget process

17. Don’t be afraid to reach out ◦ Legislators want to help their constituents…  You’re from the district  You have influence in the community  You have a vote and you can help re-elect them

18. Positive relationships are key to advocacy success ◦ Just to recap…  Relationships must be established early, nurtured and maintained  Strong relationship increase influence and access  There is a correlation between relationships and policy outcomes

19. Grassroots Advocacy ◦ Enhance the “Power of One”  Promote wellness and prevention  Strengthen the public health workforce  Address health disparities  Enhance public health funding

20. Advocacy Education and Strategies: Public health and the legislative process Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards