Local Health Officer Orientation

1. Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards Local Health Officer Orientation Advocacy Education and Strategies: Public health and the legislative process

2. Effective Advocacy “All lasting business is built on friendship.” - Alfred A. Montapert

3. Effective Advocacy Positive relationships are key to advocacy success • Legislative process is based on relationships • Strong relationships result in access and influence • Relationships impact policy decisions

4. Effective Advocacy Who are your legislators? • Identify your target audience • Make initial contact • Take advantage of an untapped resource

5. Effective Advocacy

6. Building Relationships Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships • Get to know your legislator • Party affiliation • Ideology / political philosophy • Voting record • Personal life

7. Building Relationships Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships • Introduce yourself • Write a letter • Pick up the phone • Schedule a meeting • Take advantage of community events

8. Building Relationships Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships • Build trust and credibility • Be a resource • Build on common ground • Follow through • Be professional

9. Building Relationships Cultivate and maintain legislative relationships • Follow-up • Establish a personal rapport • Share new information • Check-in on your issue • Continue the relationship

10. Continue the Relationship “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right” - Napoleon Hill

11. Continue the Relationship Relationships must be established early And maintained long-term • Remember, “All politics is local” • Initial introduction letter • Extend an invitation • Be an educator on public health • Consistent outreach

12. Nurture the Relationship “To disagree, one doesn’t have to be disagreeable.” - Barry Goldwater

13. Nurture the Relationship Don’t let politics get in the way • If you disagree with your legislator… • Disagree professionally • Educate, don’t scold • Don’t burn bridges • You don’t have to bat a thousand

14. Nurture the Relationship Don’t let politics get in the way • Sometimes you’re going to lose… • Public health funding • Women’s health • Alcohol regulations • “Nanny-state” proposals

15. Invest in the Relationship “Invest in people, and they will invest in you.” - Anonymous

16. Invest in the Relationship Don’t wait until you need something • Your investment will pay dividends down the road… • Legislative proposals - positive and negative • Committee hearings • Priority legislation • State budget process

17. Recognize the Relationship Don’t be afraid to reach out • Legislators want to help their constituents… • You’re from the district • You have influence in the community • You have a vote and you can help re-elect them

18. Effective Advocacy Positive relationships are key to advocacy success • Just to recap… • Relationships must be established early, nurtured and maintained • Strong relationship increase influence and access • There is a correlation between relationships and policy outcomes

19. WALHDAB Agenda Grassroots Advocacy • Enhance the “Power of One” • Promote wellness and prevention • Strengthen the public health workforce • Address health disparities • Enhance public health funding

20. Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards Local Health Officer Orientation Advocacy Education and Strategies: Public health and the legislative process