NAEHCY’s 18th Annual Conference Little Rock, AR

1. NAEHCY’s 18th Annual ConferenceLittle Rock, AR Advocacy 101 Tuesday, November 14, 2006

2. 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

3. 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 policymakers • As a constituent, you have the most power to effect change

4. 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

5. What if I can’t lobby? • Check to be sure that you can’t; 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 don’t lose your rights as a citizen just because you work for government

6. Where do I begin? • It’s 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

7. 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

8. 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 don’t “do” details, nor do they have much time • Staff are critical; they have tremendous influence

9. 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 (“I’d 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

10. Meetings: When? • Now! Before a crisis, bill, or vote; background education is essential for relationship-building • New Congressional season - new staff, new priorities • As specific legislation develops, it is important weigh in to help shape it

11. 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 “That’s 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

12. Meetings, Continued • Don’t be intimidated - you are the expert! They work for you. • If you don’t know an answer, tell them you’ll get back to them; don’t be thrown by jargon • Present broad statements, supported by specifics (“accomplishments and challenges”) • Research the Member’s priorities - frame the issue accordingly • Provide real case studies and stories; arrange visits with kids and families

13. 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)

14. Meeting: Wrapping Up • Provide only a few concise written materials (bullets and white space!) • Conclude with an “ask:” state the specific commitment you are seeking (it doesn’t have to be a bill number; i.e. “We’d like to ask for your support M-V in NCLB reauthorization; increase funding; make Head Start more accessible to homeless kids…) • Refer them to NAEHCY for policy specifics (“Have your people in Washington contact my people in Washington.”)

15. 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)

16. It’s “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

17. 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)

18. 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

19. Don’t forget to say “thank you” • If a member takes an action to support the issue - whether a vote, a letter, or a bill sponsorship - don’t forget to say thank you • Let them know the specific benefits of their actions • Give awards and recognition where appropriate

20. There’s Strength in Numbers • Ask other groups to take up the issue - get it on their agenda: • Local and state homeless coalitions • Children’s advocacy groups • Education advocacy groups • PTA • Junior League • Faith-based groups • Businesses

21. 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

22. 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@naehcy.org • NAEHCY web site: www.naehcy.org • NPACH - www.npach.org

23. Contact Information Barbara Duffield, Policy Director NAEHCY 202.364.7392 bduffield@naehcy.org Jeremy Rosen, Director for Homelessness and Mental Health Volunteers of America 703.341.5096 jrosen@voa.org