NAEHCY

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NAEHCYs 19th Annual ConferencePortland, Oregon

• Advocacy 101
• Sunday, November 11, 2007

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What is advocacy?

• Dictionary definition The act of pleading or
  arguing in favor of something, such as a cause,
  idea, or policy active support.
• Client and program advocacy - you do it every
  day!
• Legislative and policy advocacy - attempt to
  create changes in systems and policies that
  impact many people

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Why get involved in policy advocacy?

• Good policies are informed policies
• No one else knows what you know - no one else is
  likely to take up these issues
• Children and youth experiencing homelessness are
  invisible to the public and to policymakers
• As a constituent, you have the most power to
  effect change

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Advocacy v. Lobbying

• Lobbying activities that ask legislators to take
  a specific position on a specific piece of
  legislation, or urge others to do the same (IRS
  definition for non-profits)
• Advocacy any activity that a person or
  organization undertakes to influence policy -
  includes educating, providing information,
  arguing a cause

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What if I cant lobby?

• Check to be sure that you cant be mindful of
  the narrow, specific definition of lobbying
• Find others to make the pitch for you, but stay
  engaged in general advocacy activities
• Act as a private individual - you dont lose your
  rights as a citizen just because you work for
  government

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Where do I begin?

• Its all about relationships!
• Know who represents your community or communities
  and school district www.house.gov and
  www.senate.gov
• Make it part of your work plan to develop an
  ongoing relationship with at minimum of one or
  two Congressional offices

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Establishing Relationships Meetings

• Face-to-Face meetings are ideal for beginning a
  relationship
• Variety of possible locations
• Local offices
• National office
• Program sites school, shelter, non-profit office
• Events

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Meetings Who?

• Legislator if you develop a positive
  relationship with the legislator himself or
  herself, the legislator will direct staff to make
  the issue a priority (important because of staff
  turnover)
• U.S. Representatives often easier to reach than
  Senators, except in small states
• Legislators can be hard to reach they dont do
  details, nor do they have much time
• Staff are critical they have tremendous
  influence. Good relations with staff are
  essential.

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Meetings How?

• Call in advance
• Ask to speak with scheduler (to meet with
  legislator) or person responsible for elementary
  and secondary education (staff, usually
  legislative assistant)
• Tell them your topic, group size, and
  participants (Id like to share information
  about what our district/community is doing to
  help homeless children succeed in school, and
  where we need your help)
• Follow up with a letter

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Meetings When?

• Now! Before a crisis, bill, or vote background
  education is essential for relationship-building
• At the beginning of a new Congressional season -
  new staff, new priorities
• As specific legislation develops, it is important
  weigh in to help shape it
• In response to impending votes or actions

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Meetings Content and Flow

• Ask if they are familiar with the topic and the
  McKinney-Vento Act
• Usually, they will say no, or a little - then
  provide a nutshell summary
• If they say yes, respond with Thats great
  and find ways to include some of the basics as
  you speak
• Think of the meeting as a conversation, not a
  presentation watch for body language cues, pick
  up on their interests, encourage questions, ask
  questions

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Meetings, Continued

• Dont be intimidated - you are the expert! They
  work for you.
• If you dont know an answer, tell them youll get
  back to them dont be thrown by jargon
• Present broad statements, supported by specifics
  (accomplishments and challenges)
• Research the Members priorities - frame the
  issue accordingly
• Provide real case studies and stories arrange
  visits with kids and families

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Meetings Tips for Framing M-V

• Brief background on child/youth homelessness how
  many, who, impact on health and development -
  sizable portion of children living in poverty,
  not a small static group
• Explain the educational barriers created by
  homelessness (enrollment, mobility, poverty)
• M-V as door opener - no child can succeed in
  school if they are not enrolled and attending
  regularly
• M-V provides links to basic supports and supplies
  needed to succeed in school (unique service
  delivery system)

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Meeting Wrapping Up

• Provide only a few concise written materials
  (bullets and white space!)
• Conclude with your ask prioritize your
  requests and state the specific commitments you
  are seeking (it doesnt have to be a bill number
  i.e. Wed like to ask for your support M-V in
  NCLB reauthorization increase funding make
  preschool more accessible to homeless kids)
• Refer them to NAEHCY for policy specifics (Have
  your people in Washington contact my people in
  Washington.)

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After the Meeting

• Follow up with a thank you letter that summarizes
  the meeting and the commitment you are seeking
• Offer yourself as a resource to them
• Keep in touch - find ways to maintain the
  relationship separate from the ask (i.e.
  newsletter, news stories, invitations,
  accomplishments)

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Its Who You Know Getting Connected

• Other people can help pave the way to a
  relationship
• State legislators
• Mayors
• City Council Members
• Community partners and civic groups
• Business leaders
• Spouses
• Ask for their help with getting a meeting, urging
  the member to take a specific position, or making
  the issue a priority

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Letters

• Important advocacy method as legislation develops
• Always personalize and localize letters
• Fax is better than snail mail
• Emails are least effective but if you send one,
  be sure to add your mailing address
• Be specific, and request the favor of a response
• Numbers matter! Circulate widely and gently
  remind others to follow through
• Get letters from diverse community groups
  (businesses, others beyond the usual suspects)

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Phone Calls

• Before key votes or decisions
• State that you are a constituent
• State specific request Vote yes on the Biggert
  amendment to increase homeless education
  funding!
• Urge others to make calls

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Dont forget to say thank you

• If a member takes an action to support the issue
  - whether a vote, a letter, or a bill sponsorship
  - dont forget to say thank you
• Let them know the specific benefits of their
  actions
• Give awards and recognition where appropriate

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Theres Strength in Numbers

• Ask other groups to take up the issue - get it on
  their agenda
• Local and state homeless coalitions
• Childrens advocacy groups
• Education advocacy groups
• PTA
• Junior League
• Faith-based groups
• Businesses
• Gather email addresses of friends, colleagues to
  distribute materials

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Shine a Spotlight Media Attention

• Local press articles get legislators attention
• Invite reporters to visit program (check with
  press offices, releases, etc.)
• Forward good articles to your legislators
• Invite legislators to participate in press events
• Write op-eds that praise or ask for leadership
• Write letters to the editor - look for pegs

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How do I stay in the loop?

• NAEHCY legislative list - give me your card, or
  write your email address on a piece of paper, or
  email me at bduffield_at_naehcy.org
• NAEHCY web site www.naehcy.org
• NPACH - www.npach.org

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Key Web Sites for Information

• thomas.loc.gov
• www.opensecrets.org
• www.house.gov
• www.senate.gov
• Congress.org

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Contact Information

• Barbara Duffield, Policy Director
• NAEHCY
• 202.364.7392
• bduffield_at_naehcy.org
• Joel Ryan, Executive Director
• Washington State Association of Head Start and
  ECEAP
• Phone [phone]
• Email joel_at_wsaheadstarteceap.com