Making a Difference

1. Making a Difference Ruth Hoffman Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 1701 Arroyo Chamiso Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8005 info@lutheranadvocacynm.org www.lutheranadvocacynm.org

2. What is Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM? • A state public policy office of the Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA and ELCA World Hunger • Advocates for and with those with little or no economic or political power • Advocates for just, sound and compassionate public policies based upon the social justice policy positions of the ELCA Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

3. Advocacy basics • Enthusiasm and passion • Provide information and point of view • Work in and with coalitions • Legislation = public policy Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

4. How does legislation happen? • Someone wants the legislature to do something about a situation that they care about (change public policy) – • A change in an existing law • Funding for a program or project • A new law Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

5. How does legislation happen? • Why & how do you think public policy should be changed? • Discuss it with others concerned about the issue • Do some research • Research what you want done • Research possible solutions Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

6. How does legislation happen? • After you know what you want done • Find out if other people or organizations want the same thing and ask them to join with you or you can join with them • Coalitions can be much more effective • Keep your coalition informed & urge them to respond to your “alerts” Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

7. How does legislation happen? • Talk to your legislators about it • Explain it • Tell stories to illustrate it • If possible, show them the “situation” • Listen to ideas that they might have • Ask them to help you get it done Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

8. When should we start working on making legislation happen? Now! • Working on changes in public policy happens all year long • Don’t wait until a legislative session starts • Interim legislative committees meet during each summer and fall • Legislators have more time to talk with you when they are at home and not “in session.” Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

9. When are legislative sessions? • Convene on the 3rd Tuesday of January at noon • Odd-numbered years – 60 days • Even-numbered years – 30 days • Special sessions – usually called by the governor Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

10. What about the executive branch of government? • Try to meet with the governor or the governor’s staff about your issue. • Explain what you are trying to do and ask for support. • Tell stories to make your case. • The governor can ask legislators to carry bills Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

11. What about the executive branch of government? • Try to talk with the executive agency or department that will be implementing your legislation. • They can be helpful. • It is important that they understand how the legislation or funding should be implemented when it becomes law. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

12. What are interim legislative committees? • Interim committees include legislators from both houses and parties • They generally meet monthly from June through November and into December • They are organized by policy areas • They recommend legislation Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

13. Can I speak before an interim committee? • YES! • You should contact the chairman of the committee or the staff of the committee and ask to be on the agenda for one of their meetings • This is an opportunity to explain what you want the legislature to do • If you can, use local stories. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

14. How does a bill get written? • What you want the legislature to do must be written in the form of a bill. • You don’t have to write it! • The legislator who is working with you will ask the Legislative Council Service staff to write a bill about your issue. • All funding is ultimately included in the state budget bill (HB2). Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

15. When should we start contacting legislators to support our issue? • Now! • It is very effective to contact and talk with legislators before a legislative session starts. • They have more time to meet with you when they are at home • Ask others to contact their legislators too! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

16. Does contacting legislators make a difference? • YES! • What you think about an issue counts and legislators care about what you think! • Be sure to contact all members of the legislative committees that will be considering your bill BEFORE each committee hearing. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

17. Communication Basics • Be courteous, respectful, friendly and positive • Don’t be arrogant, condescending or threatening • Be brief and accurate • Be sure to mention if you are a constituent -- You are important! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

18. Communication Basics • Listen carefully • Be appreciative; acknowledge past support • Be specific; if possible, refer to specific legislation or issue • Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” in answer to a question: • Find the answer and get back to them later Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

19. How do I communicate with policymakers? Letter Writing, including email messages • Letters can be the most powerful means of communicating with public officials • Write about only one issue per letter • Neatly handwrite, type or email your letter • Try to include supporting facts and give reasons for your position • Refer to a specific bill, if possible Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

20. How do I communicate with policymakers? • Put your return address on the letter and the envelope • Use the proper form of address • “The Honorable” on the address on both the envelope and the heading • “Dear Representative” or “Dear Senator” is the salutation • Brevity is even more important for email messages! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

21. How do I communicate with policymakers? “Letters to the Editor” of a newspaper • Very effective way of influencing both public policy and public opinion • Keep your letter short – about 250 words • Get to the point and write in simple language • Sign your letter with your contact info • Newspapers accept letters electronically Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

22. How do I communicate with policymakers? Telephone calls • During legislative sessions, office staff answer most calls to lawmakers. • When you call a legislator at home, you may reach them or, more likely, an answering system. • Be brief and specific • Talk about only one issue per call Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

23. How do I communicate with policymakers? Personal Visits • Follow “Communication Basics” • It is most effective to try to make an appointment while lawmakers are at home in their districts. • During sessions: • Expect brief visits • You may have to simply leave a note saying you came by and briefly stating your position or issue Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

24. How do I communicate with policymakers? Attend Committee Hearings (interim & session) Meetings of standing committees during legislative sessions: • Anyone may attend and testify • Chairman will ask if anyone would like to speak either in favor of or opposed to the bill being discussed • Stand, identify yourself, and briefly state your position • Don’t speak for an organization unless you know its official position • Committee meeting schedules and agendas can be long and unpredictable Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

25. Remember -- As long as you are sincere and polite, there is no wrong way to communicate with a policymaker! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

26. What should I do after my bill passes the legislature? • Follow up with the governor’s staff or try to talk with the governor personally and with executive agencies to make sure that they understand the need for your bill. • Have others contact the governor’s office in support of your bill or funding. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

27. Know the opposition • Find out who might oppose your issue • Know the arguments they will use • Plan how to respond to their arguments Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

28. What happens to a bill? Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

29. You can make a difference! • Advocacy is -- • Exciting • Challenging • Crucial • Effective • Long term Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM