5/12/2015
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Thank you!
Sexual Violence Prevention Network
February 13, 2014
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Welcome and Introductions
Purpose and Overview
Legislative Process
Your Story
Role Plays and Practice
Some Final Tips
Questions and Discussion
Wrap-up
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5/12/2015
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Name
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Role
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What two words come to mind when you
think about telling your story to policy
makers?
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Purpose of today’s session is to get a quick
review of how the Minnesota State
Legislature works and how you can be a part
of public policy by telling your own story.
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We’ll briefly review legislative process, get
some tips on telling your story to policy
makers, and then we’ll practice.
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The Minnesota State Legislature
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How a bill becomes a law
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How we can advocate for what we believe in
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One great way to advocate is by
TELLING YOUR STORY
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5/12/2015
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Why telling your story matters
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Data vs. personal stories
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How to tell your story so policy makers will
listen
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Who are you?
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What is your ask?
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What is the data?
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What is your story?
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Who are you?
 What is your role?
 Where do you live?
 Why do you care?
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5/12/2015
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What do you want?
 Reference specific bill numbers if applicable and
clearly state whether you support or oppose the
legislation.
 State your expectation clearly and succinctly.
 Use your story to support the need for change.
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What is the data?
 What do the data show for Minnesota?
 Are there data specific to your legislator’s district,
your community, your school?
 Make the data real with your story.
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What is your story?
 Tell your personal story based on your own
experience.
 Be clear, succinct, true.
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5/12/2015
Write it down:
1. Name.
2. Role, residence, why you care.
3. Your ask in one sentence.
4. One or two data points.
5. Your story in two to three sentences.
6. Re-state your ask.
7. Thank the policy maker(s).
8. Follow up.
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Two volunteers for role plays
Practice
 Write your own 8 steps.
 Take a quick break.
 Practice with a partner.
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Visit the Minnesota State Legislature’s web
site: http://www.leg.state.mn.us
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Watch some committee hearings.
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Hang out at the State Capitol.
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Stay connected via email and social media.
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5/12/2015
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How did it feel to practice?
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What was most challenging?
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What worked best?
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What questions do you have?
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What next steps will you take after today?
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Amy Brugh Consulting
 [email protected]
 612-741-6733
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