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From Individual Advocacy to Systematic Change
The Many Faces of Respite 14th Annual National
Lifespan Respite Conference Wednesday, November
2, 2011
Joe Rubio, Lead Organizer Valley Interfaith
Project (VIP) Siobhan McCurdy, Education
Advocacy Coordinator National MS Society AZ
Chapter
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Objectives

• During this workshop, we will
• Discuss the role of direct service work in
  achieving successful policy change
• Explore a process of organizing around an issue
• Identify ways in which you can contribute to
  local organizing efforts

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Traditional Advocacy Tactics

• Email Alerts
• Letter writing campaigns
• Phone banking
• A Day at the Capitol
• Petition drives
• Etc..

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Definitions

• Advocacy What citizens leaders do around
  issues of importance to them. Exercising
  Leadership.
• OrganizingBuilding the capacity to develop
  citizen leaders. Developing leadership.

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Advocacy Organizing vs. Direct Service

• There are MANY FACES involved and it begins
  with you!
• Caregivers
• Social Workers
• Care-partners
• Non-profit professionals volunteers
• Citizens
• Community Leaders State Officials
• Families friends

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Advocacy Organizing vs. Direct Service

• Misconceptions
• Im not a protester, I dont advocate.
• How much will I really help? In this state,
  organizing is pointless.
• Advocacy will offend donors.
• Arent there laws against me organizing?

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Advocacy Organizing vs. Direct Service

• Truths
• In this economy political reality, the people
  we serve and our professions cant afford for us
  not to integrate advocacy direct service.
• Direct service work caregiving puts you at the
  front line hearing personal stories seeing
  barriers to achieving quality of life for those
  most vulnerable and at-risk. You are a natural
  organizer.

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What goals guide our efforts?

• To empower citizens to share their stories.
• To provide guidance and direction for policy
  makers.
• To provide solutions and at least start
  discussions.
• To provide explanation to those impacted most by
  policies as to why they were developed.

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• Institutions
• Citizens
• Power
• Iron rule

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What steps do we take to address issues?
The Cycle of Organizing
One to One Relational Conversations
Evaluation
House Meetings
Public Action
Research Actions Power Analysis
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Successful Organizing for a Specific Issue
One to One Relational Conversations Bonnie
Danowski VIP
Evaluation
House Meetings Unqualified in-home caregivers
Issue Long Term Care
Public Action- Formalized training for
non-medical workers- SB1302 (Vetoed) Increase
wages for caregivers
Research Actions Power Analysis - Phoenix
College- Arizona Bridge to Independent Living-
Foundation for Senior Living
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Ready to Organize? Dont forget to

• Know the chain of command in government
  bureaucracy. Who is your target?
• Put yourself in community leaders neighborhood.
  Relationships determine results.
• Join in coalition with others. This is key.
• Practice sharing your story. Again again for
  different audiences people.
• Engage the media. Letters to the editor, Op-ed,
  news features, press conferences
• Follow up and hold lawmakers accountable. VOTE!

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Questions?

• THANK YOU SO MUCH for your time participation!
• Joe Rubio jrubio.vip_at_gmail.com
• Siobhan McCurdy siobhan.mccurdy_at_nmss.org