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Public Policy Engagement

Public Policy Engagement. October 12, 2010. “My advice to nonprofits is: Stop being so timid! Take strong positions. Inform and educate people about the real problems of the people you are serving. Speak up!”

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Public Policy Engagement

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  1. Public Policy Engagement October 12, 2010

  2. “My advice to nonprofits is: Stop being so timid! Take strong positions. Inform and educate people about the real problems of the people you are serving. Speak up!” John Kemp President and CEO, VSA Arts

  3. Defining Public Policy Examples of Advocacy

  4. Ask yourself… • How could improved public policies contribute to your mission? • …make your community activities more effective? • By engaging in public policy, can you enhance other aspects of your work? • What is the right balance among providing services, fundraising, public policy and other activities for your organization?

  5. “We have a personal story to tell about our experiences that can educate legislators. We have the experience. We have the passion. We just need to do it.” Wendy Hamilton Immediate Past President Mothers Against Drunk Driving

  6. You can make a difference • Grassroots networks -- all politics is local • Policy focused data is a commodity • Issues people care about and vote on

  7. Right and Responsibility • Policymakers need your expertise. • They need to hear from your community. • Supportive public policies help fulfill your mission. • 1st Amendment right

  8. “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do, at all, or cannot so well do for themselves – in their separate and individual capacities.” Abraham Lincoln July 1, 1854

  9. Community Engagement & Vision Because government is a critical decision- maker and the major provider and funder of health and human services, we must actively engage in public policy and develop partnerships that include local, state and federal governments.

  10. Public Policy & Community Impact • If your organization is committed to creating sustained change at the community level, government must be viewed as a critical partner because of the long-term implications of policies, regulations and funding. • The depth and reach of government’s investment in social services requires that any serious player in this field be at the table to affect decision-making as an advocate for community needs.

  11. The Basics • Have a Board level committee that has oversight and responsibility for public policy and authorizes the policy issues advocated by your non-profit. • Have a Public Policy agenda that reflects your community’s priority issues. • Communicate what that agenda is to key constituencies and advocate for it.

  12. What do you want to do? • Decide your issue. • Enlist colleagues and constituents who care about the same issue. • What do you want to get done?

  13. What makes a good issue? • Immediate • Actionable • Clear and Specific • Unifying • Winnable • Has a clear target

  14. Influencing Policy • Long Term Goals • Months, Years • Timelines • Assigned responsibilities • Short Term Goals • Days, Weeks, Months • Timelines • Assigned responsibilities

  15. Resources/Strengths/Challenges • What resources/strengths are brought to the effort? • How will achieving the targeted goals further strengthen the group • What internal challenges or obstacles will need to be addressed if goals are to be achieved?

  16. Stakeholders, Allies, Opponents • Who cares about or supports these issues? • Who will oppose these efforts? • How strong are they? • Who is the targeted audience?

  17. Develop a Work Plan • Establish working relationships with partners • Maintain capacity for gathering and using timely intelligence • Have an internal communication plan • Have an external communication plan • Identify advocacy tactics • Produce technical output • Recruit champions

  18. Achieving Your Goals • Personalize and humanize the issues and needs • Offer facts and data • Build a diverse and broadly based constituency • Set specific achievable goals • Reinforce policymakers for their involvement and action • Provide awareness and education as a continuous process

  19. Achieving Your Goals • Influencing policymakers • Influencing the public • Using the tools of public awareness and media • Building alliances

  20. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

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