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What to Know Before You Go!

What to Know Before You Go!. YWCA USA. TOPICS. About the webinar. Muting Questions Toolbar Follow-up materials and recording. Who’s Speaking? Stephanie Vance. Former DC Staff Director for Rep. Blumenauer Former Lobbyist National Public Radio Author 5 books on Advocacy

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What to Know Before You Go!

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  1. What to Know Before You Go! YWCA USA

  2. TOPICS

  3. About the webinar • Muting • Questions • Toolbar • Follow-up materials and recording

  4. Who’s Speaking?Stephanie Vance • Former DC Staff Director for Rep. Blumenauer • Former Lobbyist National Public Radio • Author 5 books on Advocacy • My latest book, The Influence Game is out!

  5. Welcome from the YWCA of the USA

  6. Where are We Starting From? Let’s go to the poll…

  7. Logistics of the Conference

  8. Conference Agenda

  9. Scheduling Process

  10. Meeting Details • Meeting with Member • Meeting with staff • Length • Location • Lunch – Capitol Hill Cafeterias (inc. hours)

  11. A Key Logistic – What to Wear!

  12. Getting Around Capitol Hill

  13. “Stress Free Lobby Days” App • Access to Lobby Day Schedule with automated updates • Personalized login • Maps to congressional buildings • Notes section • Dining and entertainment options

  14. 10 Things NOT to Say • “But you’re not important” • “How much campaign money did you get?” • “I assume you know all about H.R. 1234” • “Here’s our 300 page annual report” • “I don’t have an appointment – I just want to take ½ hour of your time”

  15. 10 Things NOT to Say • “I don’t really have anything specific to talk about” • “We have 25 people in our group” • “What do you mean we have to stand in the hall? • “What you’re telling me can’t be right. I heard Jon Stewart say…”

  16. Number 1 Thing NOT to Say “No, I’m not from your state. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.”

  17. Five Keys to Being Heard

  18. Number One: Look at the Larger Context On the Agenda for 2013 • Budget • Sequestration • Debt Ceiling • Immigration • Education and Secondary Act Reauthorization • Workforce Investment Act • Afghanistan • Korea • Gun Control • Election Reform • Farm Bill • Iraq • Tax Reform • Unemployment • Cyber-Security • Renewable Energy • Perkins Act Reauthorization … and that’s just the beginning

  19. The Larger Context:Messages That Resonate

  20. Number Two:Know What You Want

  21. Homework Assignment • Review the issue papers • YWCA USA Advocacy Department is here to help!

  22. Number Three:Know Who You’re Talking To

  23. Who You’re Talking To:Some Notes on Staff (and Why It’s Often BETTER to Meet With Them!) • Talk to the Right Person • Remember, Your Issue Is One of Many • Staff Contact Has Advantages Over Member Contact • Institutional Memory in an Elected Official’s Office Can Be Short • Expect (and Appreciate) Youth

  24. Homework Assignment Find out who represents you and learn about them: • Identify YOUR legislators (http://capwiz.com/ywca/home/) • Visit their individual websites and read press releases • Check out what bills they’ve introduced (www.congress.gov) • Sign up for their e-newsletters • Check out their current YWCA scorecard • Check their views on www.votesmart.org • Check their campaign contributions on www.opensecrets.org • Connect via social media Pick one or two -- no need to be overwhelmed!

  25. Number Four: Know How to Talk to Them Use the S.P.I.T. Technique Specific, Personal, Informative and Timely

  26. Homework ResourceThe Message Formula • Hello, my name is [] and I’m from [] (establishes relevancy) • I am here to talk to you about [key asks] • Knowing of your interest in [info about your audience] I think you’ll be interested as well • This is important to the people I represent because [personal story] • That’s why I really hope you’ll [ask] • I’d like to follow-up by [follow-up ideas] • Contact information?

  27. Number Five: Know How to Follow-Up At Home: Use ALL Your Influence Strategies

  28. Homework Assignment • Prepare your follow-up plan before you walk in the door! • YWCA’s National Day of Service • How / when will you write thank you notes? • Ask about their upcoming town hall meetings • What can you show them at home? • When could you meet with their staff?

  29. Perhaps Most Important?Have Fun! iStockPhoto.com Fun Is Good Dr. Seuss

  30. Your Checklist • What are you asking for? • Why might your audience want that? • What compelling story can you share? • How can you best connect with staff? • What can you do to follow-up? • Schedule your site visit • Schedule a local meeting • Attend a townhall • Connect on social media

  31. Go Forth and Advocate!

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