NONPROFIT ADVOCACY AND VOTER ENGAGMENT - Citizenship

1. PAFCO is a non-profit coalition of health and human service agencies from all over Arizona formed in 2001. The Coalition was formed to stop drastic budget cuts to health and human services and to promote health and human services funding. www.pafcoalition.org Thanks to St. Luke’s Health Initiatives and McMiles Fd and other contributors for funding PAFCO Education Fund Citizen Advocacy training.

2. NONPROFIT ADVOCACY AND VOTER ENGAGMENT - Citizenship • Build Capacity for Advocacy and Citizen Activism • Election Participation by increasing Voter Engagement: Promote higher voter turnout among those traditionally underrepresented in the democratic process.

3. ` POWER FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

4. AGENDA ……………………………..…. • What’s legal and possible! • What are key citizen advocacy knowledge and skills • Nonprofits and voter engagment • What are some key elements of effective messaging in current political environment

5. NATIONAL Republican take House of Representatives “Tea Party” Candidates Deficit as dominant issue JOBS and unemployment Federal Budget and Tax Cuts The Wars Energy and Environmental Policy Immigration and border policy Health Care Reform Medicare and Medicaid Lots of others to consider!!! STATE REPUBLICANS TAKE HOUSE AND SENATE WITH VETO MAJORITIES GOVERNOR BREWER AND REPUBLICANS HAVE ALL MAJOR OFFICES Immigration and Border Policy 3 years of budget cuts for education, health and human services AHCCCS Health and Human Services Budget for poor and vulnerable families Tax policy Public Education and University Education THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

6. NATIONAL ECONOMIC CRISIS NV CA MI FL AZ Arizona has the 5th Most Stressed Economy in the Nation • 2nd Highest Rate of Foreclosures • 16th Highest Rate of Unemployment • 7th Highest Rate of Bankruptcies

7. 70% of Budget Cuts Have Been to Health, Human Services and Education$2.3 billion out of $3.3 billion Since February 2009

9. THREE YEARS OF CUTS • 47% CUTS IN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS • BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH • 33% CUTS IN DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY SAFETY NET PROGRAMS • TANF • CHILD CARE • CPS AND APS • DV, HOMELESS, VR, ALL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES • AHCCCS CUTS – KIDS CARE AND 204 POPULATION • SINGLE BIGGEST CUT IN 2001 – 510 MILLION – 135,000 people. • Education the other big cuts, k-12, universities, community colleges. • No transperency or accountability!

10. Activities 501(c)(3) Organizations Can Do On a Nonpartisan Basis “Charities are allowed to conduct nonpartisan activities that educate the public and help them participate in the electoral process (such as) voter education, voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives and candidate forums.” —IRS office of Exempt Organizations

11. NONPARTISAN GUIDELINESfor 501(c)(3) Nonprofits May not: Endorse a candidate Make a contribution of money or resources Maydo: Voter registration Voter education Get out the vote Candidate forums ….and staff can do more

12. What Nonprofits can’t Do! • A 501(c)(3) organization may not conduct partisan activities to support or oppose any candidate for public office, including - • Endorse a candidate • Make a campaign contribution to or an expenditure for a candidate • Rate candidates on who is most favorable to their issue • Let candidates use any of its facilities or resources, unless those resources are made equally available to all candidates at their fair market value

13. NONPARTISAN GUIDELINESfor 501(c)(3) Nonprofits The IRS nonpartisan guideline “501c3 nonprofits may not support or oppose a political party or candidate for public office” www.nonprofitvote.org/nve-cover.html

14. Branches of Government FEDERAL • Executive Branch – President and Cabinet • Congress • Senate • House • Supreme Court • Federal Courts • Other groups – Federal Reserve STATE • Executive Branch • Governor • Corporation Commission • Secretary of State • State Treasurer • Superintendent of Schools • Executive Agencies (DES, AHCCCS, DHS, Housing) • Legislature • House and Senate • Legislative Council • JLBC • Supreme Court (County and City)

15. ELECTIONS MATTER MORE THAN EVER • Senate – 30 members • 21 rep - 9 dem • President of the Senate (Russell Pearce) • Majority Leader (Scott Bundgarrd) • Majority Whip (Steve Pierce) • Minority Leader (David Shapira) • Asst Minority Leader (Leah Landrum Taylor) • Minority Whip (Paula Aboud) • Committees +/- • Membership and Chairs appointed by President • House – 60 members • 40 rep - 20 dem • Speaker of the House (Kirk Adams) • Majority Leader (Andy Tobin) • Majority Whip (Debbie Lesko) • Minority Leader (Chad Campbell) • Asst Minority Leader(Steve Farley) • Minority Whip (Matt Heinz) • committees +/- • Membership and Chairs appointed by Speaker

16. Social Worker – 4 • Real Estate/Property Management – 9 • Small Business – 29 • Health Care – 2 • Retired – 8 • Large Business - 3 • Agriculture – 1 • Education - 13 • Attorney - 6 • Politician - 8 • Other - 7 The Arizona State Legislature - Who Are They? Arizona has a “Citizen Legislature” – Based on the idea that lawmakers who work under the laws they create will be more careful about passing them. Arizona Legislators make $24k annually. Average Age – 50 (oldest 75, youngest 29) Level of Education High School Degree/GED – 23, Bachelor’s Degree – 33, Master’s Degree - 34

17. Concerns and Challenges of Legislators • RE-ELECTION – Reelection – Reelection! • Needs of their districts – constituents and businesses. • If seeking a higher office in the future, ideas that transfer beyond the state. • Short-term opportunities and deliverables – two year terms & term limits. • Recognition, awards, rankings. • Trustworthy experts and confidants. • Positive media coverage. • Financial and volunteer support. • PARTY DISCIPLINE AND CAUCUS AGENDA • Competition - 3,000+ lobbyists, 100,000+ businesses, six million people • Long term goals that require investment, i.e. health care prevention. • Regional versus statewide policy. • Addressing specific or technical issues that do not resonate with their experience and knowledge • Expectations of the general public. • Competing credible research. • Patience and diplomacy. • Term limits/turnover.

18. ARIZONA LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEM http://www.azleg.gov/

19. Branches of Government FEDERAL • Executive Branch – President and Cabinet • Congress • Senate • House • Supreme Court • Federal Courts • Other groups – Federal Reserve STATE • Executive Branch • Governor • Corporation Commission • Secretary of State • State Treasurer • Superintendent of Schools • Executive Agencies (DES, AHCCCS, DHS, Housing) • Legislature • House and Senate • Legislative Council • JLBC • Supreme Court (County and City)

20. How Does a bill become law?http://azleg.gov/alisPDFs/hbillaw.pdf • Ideaturns into talk for change --- and more talk • Research – current laws, past attempts, talk with experts • Identify champions and opposition • Draft with help of a champion House or Senate (Open a folder) Who can make the change that you want? Who has to power to make the change? • Draft ideas to a Legislator to Legislative Council to Bill Draft • Bill number Draft with a– with primary and co-sponsor signatures • First Reading (Second Reading) • Assigned to Committee • Committee Hearing • Build support and anticipate opposition – count your votes.

21. How Does a bill become law? http://azleg.gov/alisPDFs/hbillaw.pdf • Committee Hearing in Chamber of Origin • Getting Committee Votes • Going to another committee or Floor • Party Caucus on Bill • Committee of Whole (COW) • Getting Floor Votes (Third Reading) • Repeat in Other Chamber (House or Senate) • If differences, “Conference Committee” • Final Vote • Governor (Signed or Veto) • Becomes Law

22. Some Characteristics of Successful Bills • Inclusive – The parties who will be affected are involved & • supportive. • Easy to explain – not overly complex. • Quantifiable deliverables – how much, when, how? • Benefits public and THE legislators. • Room for negotiation. • Transparent intent. • Bi-partisan. • Credible expertise for testimony. • Does not begin the legislative session as a work in progress. • 10. Diverse support from multiple groups or persons.

23. It is much easier to defeat a bill than get one passed

24. It’s about POWER! • A good idea is not enough. • Being right is not enough. • Organized money and/or organized people • As citizens we have power if we are organized and act. • Organized citizen movements

25. EDUCATIONAL Getting to know them, family, church, education, ambitions, values, interests. Providing them with information and stories about your interests, causes and values as a constituent. Listening is a key skill in advocacy. Begin in between sessions or during election season. ADVOCACY Urging them to act in a particular way on a particular bill. Cultivating Champions Being nonpartisan while being true to yourself Becoming a trusted source of information. Building relationships with key players who have influence It’s about RELATIONSHIPS

26. Education Organize your agency or group Join groups organized around an issue Write emails or letters Make Calls Make Visits Letters to Editor or Op-Ed Public Speaking Facility and Agency Tours Forums and Meetings Boycotts Action Alerts Candidate forums Elections, voter registration, voter education, voter turnout. Organized Rallies Neighborhood Caucuses Types of Advocacy

27. Do Not Do Not Be Angry Do Not Be Hostile Do Not Be Threatening Do Not Have too much information Do Not Take up too much of their time. Do Not Lose Credibility Do Not Be Dishonest or Exaggerate Do Be polite and friendly Be concise Play on emotion Include personal relevance Mention that you are a voting constituent Thank them Follow up afterwards Advocacy Do’s and Don’ts

28. ChampionsCommitted advocates for your cause. Spokespeople. What they need is good information, and visible support outside the Capitol. Allies Another group of legislators will be on your side but can be pushed to do more -- to speak up in party caucuses or on the floor. Mellow OpponentsWill be clear votes against you, but are not inclined to be active on the issue. Keep them from becoming more active, lobby them enough to give them pause but not to make them angry. Hard Core Opponents Those lawmakers who are leading the opposition. What is important here is to isolate them, to highlight the extremes of their positions, rhetoric and alliances and to give other lawmakers pause about joining with them. Champions and AlliesAnd the Opposition

29. Key Targets (Primary and Secondary Targets) • Fence Sitters - Uncommitted on the issues • Potentially able to vote either way • Advocates must persuade them • Key targets – perusable and open to new facts, ideas and pressure. • COUNTING THE VOTES! • Be realistic about persuasion!

30. Tips for a Successful Letter/E-mail to a Policymaker • Be brief and to the point. • Identify yourself as a constituent • Be clear about the specific issue and about what you want them to do, e.g. vote in certain way on a bill or budget item. • Give some basic facts including why in one sentence you are interested in this issue. • Tell a human story that supports the facts. • Respectfully ask for the accountability questions. • HOW ARE YOU GOING TO VOTE ON THIS ISSUE? (Closing the deal --- don’t give away your power)

31. Tips for a Successful Phone Call • Be prepared! Do an outline of what you want to say ahead of time. • Most likely will talk to the secretary. Always be nice to the secretary. • Identify yourself as a constituent or who you represent • Urge action, but also ask accountability question: How will the legislator vote on this issue? (Closing the deal --- don’t give away your power) • Be prepared to call back to do follow-up.

32. Tips for a successful visit • Be prepared. Never go alone for a visit. Go with at least one other person. Do your homework about the issue and the policymaker. • Prepare all parts of your visit ahead of time including: • Introductions. Always identify yourself as constituents • Be specific and clear about the topic and what you want • Have a fact sheet and decide who will share it-just the highlights. • Prepare stories, be brief and compelling. Practice. • Prepare who will ask the accountability question. • HOW ARE YOU GOING TO VOTE ON THIS ISSUE? (Closing the deal --- don’t give away your power) • Listen carefully to their response or questions. Be prepared to follow up with more information or calls to find out how your legislator will respond. • Always THANK Them.

33. Dealing with the typical “dodges” • The “more information” dodge • The “process” dodge • The “pandering” dodge • The “bait and switch” dodge • Answers • What happens when they say NO! • What happens when they say YES! • What happens when they don’t answer?

34. Find your legislator at: http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm www.pafcoalition.org http://www.azchildren.org/caa/welcome.asp Call your legislator and set up an appointment. Here is a sample script, usually with a secretary or aide. I am a constituent from your district - #XX I would like to make an appointment with the Representative (or Senator) to talk about (mental health funding, child care, whatever your area of interest) We will bring information about this topic. I am with XXX and PAFCO. We will be there as part of PAFCO presence at the Legislature on Date and times. (Be prepared for short visit.) Thank you very much, we will see you then. How do find your legislators and make a call to sent up an appointment.

35. People are not blank slates • Facts are not enough. They are filtered through values and ideology. • Facts are always subject to interpretation. • Do your homework – get your facts right! • Why should anyone care? • Building the power to make change is necessary. • The Human Story: using emotion and passion • Be honest, credible and consistent and persistent. • http://www.frameworksinstitute.org/

36. Portrait to Landscape • portrait http://www.frameworksinstitute.org/

37. Use social math to covert numbers to various metaphors, analogies and comparisons that have impact and relatable and understandable in ordinary terms and lives. Use metaphors to make more impact 1.2 Million in AZ uninsured This is the entire population of Phoenix http://www.frameworksinstitute.org/ Social Math

38. WHY VOTING? …………………..……………………………..…. • Elections really matter!!!! • A critical piece of advocacy and public policy – elected officials pay attention to who votes • Leads to healthier people/communities • Clout and access for your organization – voter engagement makes you a player • Sitting on the sidelines during elections leaves you with less access after Election Daywww.nonprofitvote.org/benefits-of-voting.html

39. NONPROFIT IMPACT …………………..……………………………..…. • Nonprofits as Trusted Messengers • Daily contact with new and underrepresented voters - often missed by traditional methods • Ability to integrate nonpartisan voter engagement into our ongoing activities www.nonprofitvote.org/why-nonprofits.html

40. VOTING - WHAT WORKS …………………..……………………………..…. • Personal Contact -From someone they know or similar background • Urgency – A Reason to Vote • An issue you’re for or against … You say it’s important … The race seems close • Taking a Position on Issues - We can endorse/oppose ballot initiatives, and communicate this to our clients, communities, and constituents

41. VOTER REGISTRATION …………………..……………………………..…. • Understand voter registration in your state (Secretary of State office’s http://www.azsos.gov/ ) • Know the deadlines in your state • Integrate into your agency culture and regular activities • Register voters at your agency, meetings or busy locations • Use the deadline – keep copies - Do a voter registration drive the month before the deadline or during your busiest season • Change of address as important as a new registration – 9 out of 10 newly registered voters turn out in a Presidential election • Permanent Early Voting List voterswww.nonprofitvote.org/voting-in-your-state.html

42. VOTER REGISTRATION …………………..……………………………..…. Common Voter Registration Activities • At a special event like a high school graduation or citizenship ceremony • At your annual meeting or major event • When hiring new staff • As a youth activity registering voters at a busy site • At your nonprofit during the 1-3 months before the registration deadline • Integrate into your agency culture and regular activities

43. STAGES OF VOTER ENGAGEMENT AND BEST PRACTICES • Making a Plan • Voter Registration • Voter (and Candidate) Education • Getting Out The Vote www.nonprofitvote.org/make-a-plan.html

44. MAKING A PLAN …………………..……………………………..…. Getting started • Buy-In - Executive Director and staff • Point Person – Who’s in the lead? Who’s accountable and reporting back? • Plan ahead around deadlines www.nonprofitvote.org/make-a-plan.html

45. MAKING A PLAN (CONT) …………………..……………………………..…. Who is your audience? • Constituents, clients, staff • Local neighborhood What are your engagement opportunities? • Points of service, classes, events • Ongoing programs and outreach How can you integrate? • Into intake • Into events and gatherings www.nonprofitvote.org/make-a-plan.html

46. VOTER REGISTRATION …………………..……………………………..…. • Understand voter registration in your state • Register voters at your agency, meetings or busy locations (It’s not a doorknocking activity!) • Use the deadline – keep copies • Do a voter registration drive the month before the deadline or during your busiest season • Change of address as important as a new registration – 9 out of 10 newly registered voters turn out in a Presidential election www.nonprofitvote.org/voting-in-your-state.html

47. VOTER EDUCATION …………………..……………………………..…. Common Voter Education Activities • Distribution of nonpartisan ballot guides • Translation parties and translated materials • Ballot education sessions • Face to face reminders • Ballot initiative advocacy/endorsements/oppositions

48. VOTING - WHAT WORKS …………………..……………………………..…. • Personal Contact -From someone they know or similar background • Urgency – A Reason to Vote • An issue you’re for or against … You say it’s important … The race seems close • Taking a Position on Issues - We can endorse/oppose ballot initiatives, and communicate this to our clients, communities, and constituents

49. GETTING OUT THE VOTE Make it personal – Vote reminders in-person, at meetings, on the phone or through social media Turn up the volume – Use activities that create high visibility and urgency Focus on the deadlines – Most effective voter outreach occurs within 3 weeks of election day (Irving Foundation, 2010) www.nonprofitvote.org/get-out-thevote.html …………………..……………………………..….

50. VOTERENGAGEMENTRESOURCES …………………..… www.nonprofitvote.org