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ADVOCACY: Making a Difference

ADVOCACY: Making a Difference. Contacting Elected Officials. Tell your story to YOUR elected officials The squeaky wheel really does get the grease Contact officials at all levels: local, state, federal. Determine What You Need. Talk with your members about their needs and concerns

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ADVOCACY: Making a Difference

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  1. ADVOCACY: Making a Difference

  2. Contacting Elected Officials • Tell your story to YOUR elected officials • The squeaky wheel really does get the grease • Contact officials at all levels: local, state, federal

  3. Determine What You Need • Talk with your members about their needs and concerns • Analyze specific needs/ projects and quantify to the extent possible • Identify regional or statewide impact/benefit • Develop an agenda that members support

  4. Develop Your Case • Establish the benefits of increased funding • Research similar funding in other states or other regions • Test different messages

  5. …Then Contact Elected Officials • Get to know YOUR legislators, local officials and Congressional representatives • Set up a meeting: over a cup of coffee in the district, at the Capitol or City Hall, at your facility

  6. Contact Elected Officials • Formal appointments • Letters/E-mails • Telephone Calls • Testimony at hearings • Hallway discussions • Post card campaigns

  7. Events • Great way to publicize your issue and your group • Invite legislators • Invite Media • Inspire your members

  8. Working With Coalitions • All groups benefit from allies • Retain leadership over your issue • Deal with issues where there is consensus

  9. Media – A Critical Piece • Free advertising! • Provide members with sample letters to editor, guest editorials • Send out press packets, introduce your group as The Expert for reporters to turn to • Organize press conferences to announce major developments

  10. Electoral Activity • Legislators remember folks who volunteer on campaigns • Everyone is a citizen can get involved on their own time • Rebates make it easy to contribute to candidates

  11. Advocacy Vs. Lobbying • Lobbyist: Engaged for pay by another and spends more than $250 or 50 hours per month • Employee or local government official who spends more than 50 hours per month • Spends more than $250 of own money to influence legislation

  12. Advocate • Is a champion for a cause. • Even public sector members can provide information. • Biggest distinction: asking a lawmaker to vote for or against a specific bill or amendment

  13. Get Involved! • To be effective: • Determine your needs and develop your case • Get Noticed! • Talk to lawmakers • Talk to the media • Work with others • Consider electoral politics

  14. We’re Here to Help Minnesota Transportation Alliance 525 Park St., Ste. 105 St. Paul, MN 55103 651-659-0804 margaret@transportationalliance.com www.transportationalliance.com

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