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Advocacy 101:
How to talk to legislators and why we should
National Association of Social Workers
Presentation adapted from Bessie Proffet, MSW, Paige Finley, MSW Kristi Wisdom, MSW, the PAFCO
training by Suzanne Schunk, LCSW
Last update on December 2010 by Catherine Pellegrino, NASW-IN Policy Intern
© 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………..Slides 3-7
Section 1………………………………………………………………………….Slides 8-23
1.1 Who is the constituent?
Slide 8
1.2 Let’s look at the basics
Slide 10
1.3 How can we affect this process?
Slide 16
Section 2…………………………………………………………………….....Slides 24-39
2.1 Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts
Slide 25
Section 3………………………………………………………………………..Slides 40-47
3.1 Resources for Self-Directed Learning
Slide 40
3.2 Fun and Interesting Information
Slide 43
3.3 Information on Lobbying
Slide 44
3.4 How Much Do You Know About Poverty?
Slide 45
3.5 Do You Know Where Your Taxes Go?
Slide 46
Why Legislative Advocacy?
 A good idea is not enough
 Being right is not enough
 Who are power brokers beholden to and responsible
to in the end?
 It is our birthright as citizens
It’s about POWER!!!
 It is our responsibility as citizens
 It is our responsibility AS SOCIAL WORKERS!
Build Coalitions and Partnerships
Act with others rather than alone! There is
power in numbers
Mobilize existing resources and create new
advocates
Create energy around the issue
 Build an email network to spread the word and
call to action
Lobbying vs. Advocacy
Lobbying
Specific form of advocacy
Elected officials are
asked to take a position
on a particular issue and
vote a certain way
Part of an advocacy
campaign
Advocacy
Broad promotion of an
idea or cause
Every day people shape
public policy through
organized intervention
Types of Advocacy
 Organized rallies
 Neighborhood Caucuses
 Informational meetings
 Grass Roots on an issue/topic by those affected
 Letter writing campaigns
 Boycotts
 Education
 Action Alerts
The Advocacy Cycle
Who is the Constituent?
YOU ARE!
The Role of the Constituent
YOU are the constituent
Register to vote and VOTE at elections!
Let legislators know what you care about and
what is important to you
Educate legislators about your issues
 The system was designed to represent YOU…so
don’t let the special interests and the money
interests control the power!
Let’s Look at the Basics:
Structure of the State Government
Executive
Governor and Executive Agencies
Legislative
The Senate and The House of Representatives
Judicial
The Supreme Court
Indiana State Legislature
Senate
50 districts & 50 members
President
Majority Leader (party in
control with the most votes)
Minority Leader
Whips
Committee Chairs
Staff
House
100 districts & 100 members
Speaker of the House
Majority Leader (party in
control with most votes)
Minority Leader
Whips
Committee Chairs
Staff
How an Idea Becomes a Law
 Talk about an idea and gain some support.
 Write it up and find a legislator to sponsor/author
the bill.
 The bill is introduced into either the house or the
senate.
 The bill is assigned to a standing committee.
 Standing committees hold public testimony and
three hearings on each bill in its originating
chamber where they may approve, amend,
delete, or reject the bill.
How an Idea Becomes a Law:
The Committee Process
If the bill is still alive, it then begins the process
again in either the House or the Senate (which
ever one did not originate the bill).
When the bill is transferred to the other
chamber, a senator or representative sponsors
the bill.
If the bill is amended, then there is a Joint
House/Senate Conference Committee.
How an Idea Becomes a Law:
The Final Vote
If the joint conference committee agrees, then
the bill goes back to both chambers for a vote.
 It will then pass to the Governor who may sign
or veto the bill. If the Governor chooses to do
neither, it will become a law without a signature
after 7 days.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
For visual representations of how a bill becomes a law,
click on these links:
 http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/BillintoLaw.pdf
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I
How Can We Affect This Process?
 Write a bill
 Speak during a committee meeting
 Write your legislator a letter asking him/her to
support your stance and vote a certain way
 Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your legislator
 Make a phone call to your legislator
 Educate others about the issue/bill and encourage
them to speak out as well
Advocacy is about telling the story
of MORAL OUTRAGE!
 Do your homework as necessary:
 What is the size, nature, scope, impact,
frequency, of the social or health issue?
 Why does it matter if anything is done or not
done? RESEARCH and FACTS!
 Facts are very important, but are always
subject to interpretation. They are always
filtered through values and ideology.
Advocacy is about telling the story of
MORAL OUTRAGE! Continued…
 Facts are not enough. Building the power to
make change is necessary.
 Using “The Human Story” with emotions
and passion is deemed most effective.
 Use media relations- conflict and stories,
ask yourself what your angle is.
 Be honest, credible, and consistent!
Champions and Allies
Champions
All issues need a group of lawmakers dedicated to being tireless,
committed advocates for your cause. What they can do for you is
make the case to their colleagues, help develop a strong “inside”
strategy, and be visible public spokespeople. What they need from
you is good information and visible support outside the Capitol.
Allies
Another group of legislators will be on your side but can be pushed
to do more – to speak up in party caucuses or on the floor. These
are the legislators you need to target!
Your Targets
The Fence Sitters
Some legislators will be uncommitted on the issues,
potentially able to vote either way.
Mellow Opponents
Another group will be clear votes against you, but who are
not inclined to be active on the issue. What’s key is to keep
them from becoming more active.
Hard Core Opponents
Those who are leading your opposition. The key is to isolate
them and highlight the extremes of their positions, rhetoric,
and alliances. You must give other lawmakers doubts about
joining them.
It’s about RELATIONSHIPS!
Building relationships with your legislators
Cultivating Champions
Being bi-partisan while being true to yourself
Becoming a trusted source of information
Building relationships with key players who have
influence
Who are the key legislative staff and committee
chairs around your issue?
Why will lawmakers and policy
makers listen to you?
 You are a constituent from their district.
 You have good reliable information. They are not
experts in your field--you are.
 You are a trusted source based on professional
background, community status or personal knowledge.
 You are representative of a group they want support
from.
 Your comments are representative of a broad based
cross-section of politically active people
 You are personally affected by the issue.
Remember…
 Legislators are generalists, they can see over
1000 bills a year.
 Be a source of knowledge for them!
 It takes 50 to 60 separate contacts with a
legislator to make an impact.
 If you don’t know something, say so, and then
get back to them with the information!
How Do I Do It?
This is all very nice,
but how am I
supposed to do it??
Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t be angry
Don’t be hostile
Don’t threaten
Don’t have too much
information or take up
too much of their time.
Don’t lose credibility
Don’t be dishonest or
exaggerate
Do be polite and friendly
Do be concise and to the
point
Do play on emotion and
include personal
relevance
Do mention that you are
a voting constituent
Do thank them and
follow up afterwards
501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN Lobby!
1. 501(c)(3)
a. Corporations, funds, or foundations organized and operated exclusively
for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.
b. Limited lobbying activities
2. 501(c)(4)
a. Civil leagues/social welfare organizations
b. Unlimited lobbying activities
3. 501(c)(6)
a. Associations (NASW), Business leagues/chambers of commerce
b. Unlimited lobbying activities
4. 527
a . Political organizations
b. Lobbying efforts permissible but may be taxed.
501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN:
 Conduct candidate forums/meet the candidate nights with
all of the candidates.
 Participate in candidate forums/meet the candidate
nights.
 Send surveys/questionnaires to each candidate with a list
of important questions.
 Send information on issues to all candidates so that they
are informed about what the organization does.
501(c)(3) Nonprofits CAN also:
Encourage voter registration.
Support or oppose ballot initiatives.
Prepare voter scorecards that show how each
legislative member has voted on key issues.
Give staff time off to vote.
Encourage staff to work at the polling places.
501(c)(3) Nonprofits CANNOT:
 Show favoritism for one candidate or political party.
 Target voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote
campaigns, or other efforts at members of a particular
political party.
 Provide support (financial or in-kind) to a political
candidate.
 Coordinate efforts with a candidate or political party.
Tips for Speaking Up and Out
You have a right and a responsibility to voice your
opinion.
 Go with at least two other people
Choose a spokesperson(s).
Be disciplined. They are very busy!
 Organize yourself, your group, your points, and
your handouts ahead of time!
Tips for Speaking Up and Out
Continued…
 Be able to answer why you are there and what
organization you are a part of.
 Have a clear, concise, consistent message.
 Reframe the issues as you see them.
 Find out what your legislator’s position is on specific issues
of concern to you here.
 Prepare a fact sheet to give to them.
 Click here to see samples of talking points and letters to
legislators.
Tips Continued…
Core Values: Let legislators know why you do the work you do
and what it is you believe!
 Don’t shy away from emotion
 Embrace controversy
 Don’t Be Defensive
 Be gracious and polite
 Don’t be nervous if you don’t know the answer to a
question
 Respectfully ask for accountability and listen carefully to
their response
 Ask for support
 And ALWAYS thank them for their time!
After The Meeting
Follow-up Thank You Letter
 You have an opportunity for the following:
Make a brief recap of your position/issue and
request.
Make additional points you had no time for or forgot
to say at meeting.
Answers to questions that came up at the meeting.
Include additional fact sheets, stats, etc.
Tips for Writing to Your Legislator
 Be brief and to the point. Identify yourself and how you (or
people you know) will be affected by what's being proposed,
that is, a new law, a cut in the budget or a change in the rules
that govern a program.
 Be clear about what you want. Name the law that's being
discussed or the program rules that are about to be changed,
and specifically what you want the policymaker to do.
 Let your legislator know how you can be reached for further
information, clarification, or help.
Tips for Writing Letters Continued…
 Concentrate on your own representative.
 Respectfully ask for a response to your request, and
indicate that you will follow up and monitor their
action.
 Write original letters when possible; they are more
effective than form letters and blast or repetitive
emails.
 Be constructive. If you believe a bill takes the wrong
approach, offer an alternative. If you have expert
knowledge, share it.
 Encourage genuine letters from children, if
appropriate, which have a strong emotional impact.
Tips for a Successful Phone Call
1. Make an outline of what you want to say ahead of time.
2. You will most likely talk to a secretary, always be nice to
the secretary!
3. Urge action.
4. Call back for a follow-up.
Letters to the Editor Remember, with a few minor changes,
the letter you send to a policymaker can
also be a letter to the editor in the
newspaper!
Before Legislative Education and
Advocacy Day…
 Call your legislator and set up an appointment. You’ll probably
be speaking with an aide or assistant.
To find your legislator go to: http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup/
 “I would like to make an appointment with Representative (or
Senator) ______, to talk about ______” (NASW priority issues or
other pertinent issues).
 “I am a constituent, and a student at _______ University. I will be
there as part of the annual Legislative Day for Social Workers.”
 Be prepared for a five to ten minute visit.
 Thank you very much, we will see you then.
Resources for Bill Information:
 View legislation online at:
http://www.in.gov/legislative
 Track Bills online at:
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=other_info
Useful Resources For Self-Directed Learning:
 Visit the NASW Indiana Chapter website at:
www.naswin.org
 Go to the Advocacy/Public Policy Tab and click on
Advocacy Links
 Use the links for further information about:
Legislative Education & Advocacy Development (LEAD)
PACE Endorsements
Public Policy Agenda
General Assembly Committee Schedule
Voting Requirements
Useful Resources:
 Glossary of Congressional and Legislative Terms
The Capital. net will help you understand Washington and Congress
http://www.thecapitol.net/glossary/
 Additional Indiana Local Government Resources
A guide of useful links to learn more about Indiana State and local government,
its people and the economy
http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/crd/localgov/links.htm
 Indiana’s State Budget
The Sunshine Review is a great resource that highlights the state’s budget
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Indiana_state_budget
 Indiana State and Local Government Directory
A directory of official state, county, and city government websites
http://www.statelocalgov.net/state-in.cfm
Useful Resources Continued…
 Indiana State Legislature
Indiana General Assembly website
http://www.in.gov/legislative
 National Association of Social Workers National Advocacy Website
Learn how to take action on the federal issues important to social workers
http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/default.asp
 National Council of Nonprofit Associations
Tool Kit with election activities for 501 (c)(3) charities
http://www.npaction.org/resources/Election_tool_kit2.pdf
Caucus- A group of legislators who have certain interests in common and who may
vote together on matters affecting that interest.
 View Democrat Caucus Leadership at:
http://indianahousedemocrats.org/caucus_leaders.html
 View Republican Caucus Leadership at:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/leaders.html
Fun & Interesting Information on the
State of Indiana…
Click on this link:
http://www.in.gov/idoa/files/WebPageFactsBookletKids.PDF
Take a virtual tour of Indiana’s Statehouse here
Interesting Information on Lobbying
Check Out:
http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/index.php
How Much Do You Really Know
About Poverty?
Take this quiz to find out:
http://halfinten.org/issues/articles/how-much-do-you-really-know-aboutpoverty/
by
Do you know where your taxes go?
Click here to find out!
Thank You for Taking the Time to
Learn About Advocacy!
National Association of Social Workers
© 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved