Advocacy 101: An Introduction

1. Advocacy 101: An Introduction David Hoffman DPS Chair, Legislative and Policy Committee, NACDD Clinical Professor, University at Albany School of Public Health March 6, 2018 Disclaimer: This presentation shall, in no way or interpretation, be construed to constitute legal counsel regarding educating, advocating, lobbying or lobbying activities at any level of government. Legal counsel should always be sought to ensure compliance before implementing a policy involving lobbying or lobbying activities.

2. Setting The Stage for Educating Policymakers • Advocacy = educating interested parties (Federal and State) • Partnerships • Communication • Tools • Priorities

3. Policymakers • Federal Elected Officials • Federal Appointed officials • Federal Management • State Elected Officials • State Appointed Officials • State Management

4. Communication - Keep in Touch • Listen - Read - Pass it on • Relationships are a key to success • Sharing information-make it routine • Have vehicles in place before you or partners need them - newsletters, listservs, mailing lists, fax lists

5. Tools -Speak to Your Audience • Use plain language - consider multiple versions for different audiences • Give personal examples - what we do is about real people • Use photos and graphics whenever possible - many people learn visually • Describe the issue/ problem/ burden • Offer solutions that work

6. Know the Process (and People) • How a bill becomes a law (state & federal) • Who makes it happen • How an idea becomes a budget (state & federal) • Who can influence the end product

8. What is Advocacy? Advocacy is a catch all word for the set of strategies used to create a shift in public opinion and mobilize the necessary resources and forces to support an issue, policy or constituency.

9. What is Health Advocacy? “The processes by which the actions of individuals or groups attempt to bring about social and/or organizational change on behalf of a particular health goal, program, interest, or population.” (2000 Joint Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology, 2002, p. 6).

10. Why should I get involved in advocacy? Open system of government is designed to receive input. Policy makers assume information will come to them, they do not always seek it. You have knowledge, expertise, and experience.

11. Preparing yourself for advocacy Define your issue Check your facts Identify and Understand your audience Know the decision making process Protect your vision

12. Educating vs Advocating vs Lobbying Educating is the provision of basic information such as a program description, goals, current budget, people served, accomplishments and impacts, etc. Does not make value judgments or seek legislative action. Advocating conveys a value in a general sense. “Clean air is good, and we should protect the environment.” Makes a value judgment, but does not seek specific legislative action. Lobbying occurs as soon as you make an “ask” for Congress to take action to increase a budget, or support/oppose a bill, amendment, regulation or policy.

13. Playing it safe – doing nothing When the rules and restrictions around advocacy are unclear, public employees often play it safe and err on the side of taking no action that can “cross the line” of allowable activity. The burden is on the individual to proactively find out what the rules are.

14. What is Lobbying? The law defines a lobbying contact as any oral or written communication to a “covered legislative or executive branch official” regarding the following matters: The formulation, modification or adoption of state/federal legislation (proposals, policies, rules, regulations and executive orders). The administration or execution of a federal program or policy. Covered State or National Officials such as Members of Congress, their legislative staff, and senior and political executive branch officials.

15. Advocacy or Lobbying? Call Representative and ask them to vote for the bill (lobbying) Provide reports and Fact Sheets available publically to educate policy makers (advocacy) Tell coalition members and other partners that this bill exists (advocacy) Tell state health director how the bill would provide needed service in small communities (advocacy)

16. What is Policy? A policy is a plan or course of action designed to define issues, influence decision-making and promote broad community actions beyond those made by individuals. Policies can include laws, regulations, and rules (both formal and informal). Policy development, therefore, is the process by which society makes decisions, selects goals and the best means for reaching them, handles conflicting views about what should be done and allocates resources to address needs.

17. Policy Interventions Policy interventions have increased in use and importance during this decade. It is an effective tool for health promotion and disease prevention. Examples may include: • laws and regulations that restrict smoking in public buildings • organizational rules that allow time off during work hours for physical activity.

18. How You Can Be an Effective Advocate? Understand Congress Understand the budget process Understand you have a voice and can influence the funding of bills

19. Understanding the Branches of Government – Revisiting US Gov 101 What are the three branches of government? • Executive – President/White House • Judicial - Courts • Legislative – Senate and House of Representatives

20. Understanding the Budget Process Members care most about local impacts.Tell your story. Modest funding increases are easier to champion than big ones. Understand that there are many competing priorities, and a large demand for increased funding for many good programs. Members will down play expectations. Show understanding, but ask them to do what they can. The more local organizations that advocate for an issue, the better the chance for success.

21. Understanding CongressBudget, Appropriations and Authorizing Asking the right people for the right things... Congress is organized by committees, which have different functions. Know you Member’s committees Ability of Members to help you depends on the committees they sit on, time and interest.

22. Role of Committees in House & Senate Budget Committee sets broad overall annual spending limits. Appropriations Committee approve or modify the President’s Budget request for annual “discretionary” spending on a program-by-program basis. Health: Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Authorizing Committees create programs (establish purpose, eligibility, funding limits). They provide direct spending for “mandatory” or “entitlement” programs such as Medicare, SCHIP. They DO NOT provide discretionary funding. Health House: Energy & Commerce, and Ways & Means Health Senate: Finance, and Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP)

23. Top Line Talking Points“the elevator pitch” Develop the main pitch than can be delivered in 60 seconds: What you want Why you need it Who supports it (partners) Impact on the State/Congressional District

24. Office Visit Basics Goal is to establish a relationship Importance of your work to the district/state. How you or your organization can be a resource to the Congressional office on a wide range of public health issues. Request Congressional action, such as a funding increase – Ask them to include your funding request in their letter to the Appropriations Committee and support this program in the future.

25. Do Your HomeworkInfo You Should Know About the Member Party affiliation: Republican, Democrat, or Independent www.cspan.org Committee assignments, especially chairman/ranking positions. Check their websites to read their bios, press releases, etc. http://thomas.loc.gov/

26. What To Expect During a Meeting Meetings generally last 10 – 15 minutes and can take place anywhere – be prepared to stand in a hall or in the waiting area. Expect interruptions, tardiness, cancellations and rescheduled visits. Expect a neutral reaction – a favorable response is a commitment to “do the best possible.” A more likely response is to “consider” the proposal. Don’t be surprised by a lack of interest or negative response. You know the meeting is over when you hear: “Thank you for coming in”, “we’ll take a look at it”, “I’ll talk to my boss”, or closing the notebook means it is time to wrap it up.

27. Office Visit Basics – Timeline Self introduction. Explain past contacts with the office, ask staff connections to state or district, etc. Offer your business card at the beginning and ask for theirs. 1 minute overview of your local organization. 2 minute overview of local accomplishments. 10 minute presentation of issue paper. Hand them your materials when you begin to present it. 3 minutes for questions.

28. Office Visit Basics – Departure Thank them for the time. Offer to provide additional information, invite them for a tour of the program or do an event. Thank you note within a week (with follow-up information if requested). Proactively send them articles, studies, information relating to their interests.

29. Do’s and Don’ts Do MAKE IT LOCAL – data, impact, need, etc. Do be on time - call if you are running late. Do be polite, professional, and friendly. Do be concise and to the point. Do let them interrupt with questions. Do adhere to time limits they set. Do ask if they have questions. Do make sure you understand exactly what additional info is asked for, and provide it promptly. Do communicate by email in following up.

30. Do’s and Don’ts Don’t try to be completely comprehensive and accurate – hit the high points. Don’t become hostile, even it they do. Don’t overextend your welcome. Don’t use regular mail in following up.

31. Actions Back Home in the State Invite Members of Congress/staff to visit programs and participate in community events. Involve partners to show a broad base of local support. Generate local media coverage of your activities (news/press release, letters to the editor, op-ed, media events/interviews, etc.).

32. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” -- Margaret Mead

33. For additional information contact: David HoffmanChair, Legislative and Policy CommitteeNational Association of Chronic Disease Directorsdhoffman@chronicdisease.orgwww.chronicdisease.org