Advocacy: It’s Easier than You Think!

Advocacy:It’s Easier than You Think! Nichole Westin Director of State Legislative Affairs SNA

State Policy Assistance Monthly Summaries on State Legislation Assistance in: Drafting testimony and talking points Lobbying tips Template letters to members of State Legislative Bodies Special projects/research A State Policy Section on the website Will house information on trends, key legislation A section on best practices – please send in yours! Resources and toolkits – grassroots, lobbying, media guides, etc.

SNA began using a new tracking system for legislation in the 50 States in July. • Every month, State Leadership, the Board, PPL, and other interested parties are sent a legislative summary. • StateTrac allows SNA to provide states more in-depth, policy-focused, and user friendly information on legislation. • Specific reports for issues, regions, and states. • Information is clickable, shareable, and easier to understand. New State Policy Tracking System

Example of Report: Breakfast

Research and Reports • Current policies across the states • Competitive Foods • Meal Mandates • Reimbursement Rates • Summaries and Trends • Updated yearly and located on SNA Website

The Policy Window

What is the Problem? • More access to programs? • More funding? • Streamlined regulations?

What are the Policies? • Developing policies to fit the problems can be hard. • Finding the path between what you want and what is feasible. • What is workable? • Looking at those what has gone before – good and bad. • What is the cost? • Keep it simple.

What are the Politics? • Important to understand current political environment. • Some years will be easier than others to implement legislation. • Consider if it’s an election year, budget considerations, previous speechessuch as State of the States. • Triggering events. • Media Story

Preparing for the Policy Window

Engagement • Identify the key players of your state government – State Agency, Gov’s Office, Committees of Leg Chamber. • Focus on building the relationship with you as the resource on school nutrition programs. • Facts emphasized with personal stories. • Keep lines of communication open – occasional emails, etc. • Use Cafeteria site visits, “breakfast in the office”, etc to showcase benefits of program. • Establish a relationship before a crisis.

Creating a Coalition • What is your common ground and goals? • Who are your natural allies? • Anti Hunger Groups (Share our Strength, food pantries) • Education groups (PTA, School Boards) • Anti-poverty groups • Who are unique groups to work with? • Local athletes/teams • Farmers/food producers • Grassroots Efforts

Who is Against? • In case there is opposition, good to know the other side’s arguments. • When preparing talking points, reference their points and refute with facts. • Communicate! Reach out to see if there is room for discussion. • Work towards a cordial, respectful relationship

Smoothing Policy Road Bumps • Having established relationship with policy makers will help. • Letters or talking points that address specifics on: • how the legislation will negatively impact your program, • Impact on your budget or the states, • and if possible, options for amending the legislation. • Offer to provide testimony or a written statement during a committee hearing. • Ask to table legislation or vote no when it comes up for a vote. • Grassroots efforts.

Marathon…Not A Sprint(except when it is) • Positive policy development can take years or it can take weeks. • Never doubt that you are the experts for your programsand the best advocates. • Engagement, communication, and education help open policy window. • Email: Nwestin@schoolnutrition.org

Advocacy: It’s Easier than You Think!