Working with Policy Makers Jeannette Noltenius, PhD National Director

1.  Working with Policy Makers Jeannette Noltenius, PhD National Director Working with policy makers is about RELATIONSHIPS….. WHO DO YOU KNOW/// NETWORKING, WHO KNOWS A LEGISLATOR… ANY LEGISLATOR… A COUNCIL MEMBER… A MAYOR… A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF A NON PROFIT THAT KNOWS SOMEONE… SOMETIMES IT IS NOT ABOUT; who you are,,, but who you know/ WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT KNOWS A LEGISLATOR?? A MAYOR, A CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS… They are a click… a cadre… a group of committed individuals working for the betterment of society… and for other causes… Working with policy makers is about RELATIONSHIPS….. WHO DO YOU KNOW/// NETWORKING, WHO KNOWS A LEGISLATOR… ANY LEGISLATOR… A COUNCIL MEMBER… A MAYOR… A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF A NON PROFIT THAT KNOWS SOMEONE… SOMETIMES IT IS NOT ABOUT; who you are,,, but who you know/ WHO DO YOU KNOW THAT KNOWS A LEGISLATOR?? A MAYOR, A CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS… They are a click… a cadre… a group of committed individuals working for the betterment of society… and for other causes…

2. Anna Faith Jones, Former President of the Boston Foundation and Former Chair of the Board of the Council on Foundations, says: “For us, it’s a basic democratic principle. People who are affected by public policies ought to be involved in designing them and making them work.” So… we are only doing what is necessary in a democracy.. What we know needs to be done… what we know it is IMPORTANT TO MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK… So… we are only doing what is necessary in a democracy.. What we know needs to be done… what we know it is IMPORTANT TO MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK…

3. Goals of this session Understand what is Advocacy Examples of Advocacy for DOH staff, Community-based Organizations and others. Know the basic difference between advocacy and lobbying Understand who are the Players in the policy context and how policymaking process works Review how to reach your legislators effectively Provide resources on how to get started, mobilize diverse communities and get media attention WE WILL ALSO…Refresh your understanding of how the US political system works at the local, state and national levels, including how to obtain information about who your legislators are, how a law is passed and how the state budget is decided and approved.WE WILL ALSO…Refresh your understanding of how the US political system works at the local, state and national levels, including how to obtain information about who your legislators are, how a law is passed and how the state budget is decided and approved.

4. Advocacy (general definition) The art of advocating; speaking or writing in support of something.[1] [1] Wesbster American Dictionary Advocacy means pleading a case, presenting information and trying to persuade others to support your cause. [2] [2] An Advocacy Primer, Arts for Colorado. Much of this document has been copied or adapted from this document with permission from the author, check www.artsforcolorado.org

5. Reasons for Advocacy Helping people and causes. Grassroots groups and advocates have made a difference! Making and shaping laws that directly affect you and your mission. Part of our responsibility as a people living in a democracy. Examples: Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Stricter highway safety laws .08. Zero Tolerance underage drinking, more funds for Compliance Checks Foster Care.. Problems with adoptions and protection of children.. Child Welfare League and others lobbied to pass a law that speeds up the process to get more children adopted, 1997- the law helped 8,000 more children find permanent in 1998 a 28% increase Food Stamps for Legal Immigrants, Changes brought by the 1996 Welfare Reform Laws, one of the hardest form most people cut-off food stamps to families who are legal immigrants, many of whom had been legally here in Us, paid taxes, In CA more than ¼ million low income legal immigrants many of them children. A coalition of 100 CBOs serving immigrants convinced the CA legislature to provide food stamps to immigrants, restore aid to very low income elderly and disables legal immigrants… They made it happen. Parkinson Disease… Joan Samuelson, began the Parkinson’s Action Network to bring more attention and research funding to the “invisible disease” and got congress to set aside $ 75 million for Parkinson's research.. Ad huge increase… grassroots lobbying did it. Source: David Arons, Why Participate in Nonprofit Public Policy Advocacy? Center for Non-Profits Protecting Kids, Saving Lives, Saving Money Saving the Tobacco Control program Examples: Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Stricter highway safety laws .08. Zero Tolerance underage drinking, more funds for Compliance Checks Foster Care.. Problems with adoptions and protection of children.. Child Welfare League and others lobbied to pass a law that speeds up the process to get more children adopted, 1997- the law helped 8,000 more children find permanent in 1998 a 28% increase Food Stamps for Legal Immigrants, Changes brought by the 1996 Welfare Reform Laws, one of the hardest form most people cut-off food stamps to families who are legal immigrants, many of whom had been legally here in Us, paid taxes, In CA more than ¼ million low income legal immigrants many of them children. A coalition of 100 CBOs serving immigrants convinced the CA legislature to provide food stamps to immigrants, restore aid to very low income elderly and disables legal immigrants… They made it happen. Parkinson Disease… Joan Samuelson, began the Parkinson’s Action Network to bring more attention and research funding to the “invisible disease” and got congress to set aside $ 75 million for Parkinson's research.. Ad huge increase… grassroots lobbying did it. Source: David Arons, Why Participate in Nonprofit Public Policy Advocacy? Center for Non-Profits Protecting Kids, Saving Lives, Saving Money Saving the Tobacco Control program

6. Many Types of Advocacy! Self Advocacy Case Advocacy Public or Community Education Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (lobbying, policy advocacy, media advocacy) Self Advocacy… When you go to the Doctor and request to have a colonosposy since you just turned 50 and know that it is in your best interest to get it done. You are advocating for yourself… you are doing Self Advocacy Case Advocacy, When your grandmother, a non-english speaking person has a doctors appointment at the local Senior Citizen’s Clinic and you call ahead of time to assure that someone will be there to interpret for her during her appointment. That is Case advocacy… Public or Community Education Advocacy, when you realize that most of the children who come to the local clinic or hospital with asthma attacks live in the public housing project in the neighborhood and you organize members of the clinic, government officials and other tenant leaders to inspect the apartments which are infested with roaches and people are smoking and this is affecting the kids. You get together with the community call in a meeting and get the Housing Authority to contract with a pest control company, give the data on why smoking is bad for asthma, and provide all tenants with Smoke Free apartment building leases.. This is Public or Community Education Advocacy. Legislative advocacy can be simply educating state legislators about your issue, proving data and information that would support a position and/or giving information about how the funds you receive from the State are helping the district the legislator is from in curbing tobacco use, providing pap smears, immunizing children, etc.YOU ARE ADVOCATING… referring to a specific piece of legislation, etc. GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE… Legislative advocacy is also when you receive an email from the American Cancer Society asking you to send a letter a to the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee asking him/her to support a bill that institutes that all Medicaid beneficiaries should be able to get their NRT covered and counseling covered and/or their pap smears, their mammogram, their prostate cancer exam and their colonospies paid for by the State Medicaid. That is Legislative advocacy. YES YOU CAN DO THIS FROM YOUR HOME ADDRESS… BUT YOU CAN SEND A LETTER… In 2002, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) voted to ban all soft drinks from all schools in the district. Under the ban, schools may only provide water, milk, beverages that contain at least 50 percent juice and no added sweeteners, and sports drinks with less than 42 grams of added sweetener per 20 ounce serving (7). This ban, which is the first of its kind, has been followed by California SB 677. Under SB 677, elementary and middle schools would have to sell milk, water, fruit juice and fruit-based drinks that contain at least 50% fruit juice and have no added sweeteners, rather than soda (6).   Self Advocacy… When you go to the Doctor and request to have a colonosposy since you just turned 50 and know that it is in your best interest to get it done. You are advocating for yourself… you are doing Self Advocacy Case Advocacy, When your grandmother, a non-english speaking person has a doctors appointment at the local Senior Citizen’s Clinic and you call ahead of time to assure that someone will be there to interpret for her during her appointment. That is Case advocacy… Public or Community Education Advocacy, when you realize that most of the children who come to the local clinic or hospital with asthma attacks live in the public housing project in the neighborhood and you organize members of the clinic, government officials and other tenant leaders to inspect the apartments which are infested with roaches and people are smoking and this is affecting the kids. You get together with the community call in a meeting and get the Housing Authority to contract with a pest control company, give the data on why smoking is bad for asthma, and provide all tenants with Smoke Free apartment building leases.. This is Public or Community Education Advocacy. Legislative advocacy can be simply educating state legislators about your issue, proving data and information that would support a position and/or giving information about how the funds you receive from the State are helping the district the legislator is from in curbing tobacco use, providing pap smears, immunizing children, etc.YOU ARE ADVOCATING… referring to a specific piece of legislation, etc. GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE… Legislative advocacy is also when you receive an email from the American Cancer Society asking you to send a letter a to the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee asking him/her to support a bill that institutes that all Medicaid beneficiaries should be able to get their NRT covered and counseling covered and/or their pap smears, their mammogram, their prostate cancer exam and their colonospies paid for by the State Medicaid. That is Legislative advocacy. YES YOU CAN DO THIS FROM YOUR HOME ADDRESS… BUT YOU CAN SEND A LETTER… In 2002, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) voted to ban all soft drinks from all schools in the district. Under the ban, schools may only provide water, milk, beverages that contain at least 50 percent juice and no added sweeteners, and sports drinks with less than 42 grams of added sweetener per 20 ounce serving (7). This ban, which is the first of its kind, has been followed by California SB 677. Under SB 677, elementary and middle schools would have to sell milk, water, fruit juice and fruit-based drinks that contain at least 50% fruit juice and have no added sweeteners, rather than soda (6).  

7. What Advocacy you have done? Self Advocacy Case Advocacy Community Advocacy Legislative Advocacy (federal, state, local) I WILL ASK THE AUDIENCE TO GIVE EXAMPLES OF WHAT THEY HAVE ADVOCATED ON ONE EXAMPLE AT LOCAL LEVEL ; local clean indoor air laws… county laws.. ONE EXAMPLE AT STATE LEVEL: Increases in taxes… budget increases… ASK ERIN TO GIVE EXAMPLES… AS WELL.. I WILL ASK THE AUDIENCE TO GIVE EXAMPLES OF WHAT THEY HAVE ADVOCATED ON ONE EXAMPLE AT LOCAL LEVEL ; local clean indoor air laws… county laws.. ONE EXAMPLE AT STATE LEVEL: Increases in taxes… budget increases… ASK ERIN TO GIVE EXAMPLES… AS WELL..

8. What type of advocacy is needed to get state legislation passed? Lobbying - by non-governmental organizations and private citizens Policy and media advocacy – by both governmental and non-governmental organizations and community members

9. Who is Involved in the Public Policymaking Process? Elected and appointed officials Boards of Health Health Department staff Interest groups: businesses, associations, institutions, universities, hospitals, Lobbyists Concerned citizens, victims The media Political parties Pollsters GREAT. SPECIFIC ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS THAT YOU CAN MENTION AT STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS ARE: THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS ADVOCATING…          Governor ·         State Assemblymen ·         State Senators ·         Legislative Committee Chairs ·         Mayors ·         City Managers ·         County Supervisors ·         City Councilmen School Board Members GREAT. SPECIFIC ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS THAT YOU CAN MENTION AT STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS ARE: THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS ADVOCATING…          Governor ·         State Assemblymen ·         State Senators ·         Legislative Committee Chairs ·         Mayors ·         City Managers ·         County Supervisors ·         City Councilmen School Board Members

10. What is Lobbying? Lobby and Lobbying: “attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington, or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of any state agency under the state administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.”RCW 42.17.020 Important: Legal guidelines for state and local lobbying vary. Check for the guidelines you need to follow BY CHARITY THEY MEAN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Lobbying is an activity involving communications with a legislator or other public officials to obtain their support on a specific legislation, and/or oppose a specific legislation. Lobbying is also communicating with an elected official such as a governor, a mayor, a head of a federal agency to change and/or issue a specific regulation. But non-profits can do this if they DON’T SPEND more than a SUBSTANTIAL amount and 501-H 20% of their funds on this activity or 5% in grassroots activities. ARE CHARITIES AND NON-PROFITS GOVERNED UNDER THE SAME EXACT RULES? OR BY CHARITY DO THEY MEAN NON-PROFIT? ALL OF THIS IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS DON’T PAY TAXES THEY ARE TAX EXEMPT… AND THE MONEY THEY RECEIVE FROM DONOR IS A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION…. SO THEY ARE RULED BY THE IRS REGULATIONS ON HOW THEY SPEND THE MONEY THEY COLLECT THAT IS TAX FREE…. IRS REGULATIONS STATE THAT NON-PROFITS MUST NOT SPEND A “substantial” amount on lobbying… What does that mean???? Because of this what is a SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT… PEOPLE ARE SCARED… TO LOBBY. BY CHARITY THEY MEAN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Lobbying is an activity involving communications with a legislator or other public officials to obtain their support on a specific legislation, and/or oppose a specific legislation. Lobbying is also communicating with an elected official such as a governor, a mayor, a head of a federal agency to change and/or issue a specific regulation. But non-profits can do this if they DON’T SPEND more than a SUBSTANTIAL amount and 501-H 20% of their funds on this activity or 5% in grassroots activities. ARE CHARITIES AND NON-PROFITS GOVERNED UNDER THE SAME EXACT RULES? OR BY CHARITY DO THEY MEAN NON-PROFIT? ALL OF THIS IS RELATED TO THE FACT THAT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS DON’T PAY TAXES THEY ARE TAX EXEMPT… AND THE MONEY THEY RECEIVE FROM DONOR IS A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION…. SO THEY ARE RULED BY THE IRS REGULATIONS ON HOW THEY SPEND THE MONEY THEY COLLECT THAT IS TAX FREE…. IRS REGULATIONS STATE THAT NON-PROFITS MUST NOT SPEND A “substantial” amount on lobbying… What does that mean???? Because of this what is a SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT… PEOPLE ARE SCARED… TO LOBBY.

11. What is Grass Roots Lobbying?: Grassroots Lobbying: “Any person who has made expenditures, exceeding certain specific dollar amounts, a substantial portion of which is intended, designed, or calculated primarily to influence legislation shall be required to register and report as a sponsor of a grass roots lobbying campaign. ”RCW 42.17.200 Examples: lobby days, paid ads

12. Advocacy for changes in Public Policy Policy Advocacy Educating/informing lawmakers or policymakers about a local problem and/or solutions, data, how a community is benefiting from government funding or why funding is needed, etc. Must not ask the lawmaker to take a specific position, action or vote on an issue

13. Advocacy for changes in Public Policy Media Advocacy Using the media to raise awareness/ educate the general public and policymakers about an issue or need (op-eds, feature stories, editorials/ letters to the editor, coverage of a media event) May or may not ask policymakers to vote a particular way on a piece of legislation (if you do, this is a form of grassroots lobbying)

14. What can Government/Public Health Officials Do? Policy advocacy Gather and share data with legislators to make a case Disseminate data to the media Discuss broad issues Testify and/or prepare testimony at the request of legislators Encourage others to speak out for the cause/issue through the media and to lawmakers Media Advocacy Write Testimony that supports legislation. Send talking points and data for the Director of State Health Department Send Memo to State Health Department about problems in the county that need addressing and presenting policy solutions Partner with Coalitions that are working on a issue and supporting their work by providing data and policy solutions. Meeting with legislators (if agency agrees) to EDUCATE them on the problems and the solutions.. Surveys about problem, reports on what people think of solution Inviting elected officials to participate in a community forum to discuss a public health issues. Developing a publication with recommendations including policy recommendations to improve oral health. Conducting surveys, doing studies, releasing reports with new data, including policy recommendations, budget needs, etc. Encouraging the community call your organization and/or health department for more information about a specific issue or ask how to get involved. Joining coalitions that are working on health issues including those who are advocating for policy changes. Writing press releases explaining latest data on a issue. Inviting your Director of Health and/or other elected or appointed officials to visit your programs. “Contacting government officials or legislators to try to change regulations (as opposed to laws) is not lobbying. Communicating with your members about legislation –even taking a position on that legislation –is not considered lobbying as long as your communication does not directly ask you r members or other to lobby. Testifying on legislation at a hearing is not considered lobbying as long as your organization was asked by the legislative body for its technical advice. Source: Charity Lobbying: You can do it! Resource and Discussion Guide. Independent Sector IN ADDITION TO BEING SUBJECT TO THE IRS (AS PPH GRANTEES) AND THE HATCH ACT (FOR FED FUNDED ACTIVITIES), HEALTH DEPARTMENTS MAY HAVE SPECIAL RULES DEPENDING ON THE DEPARTMENT. I THINK WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND TELL THEM TO CHECK WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY HAVE A POLICY. WE WILL HAVE A SAMPLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT POLICY IN THE BINDER THAT YOU CAN REFER TO. I WOULD EITHER DELETE THESE EXAMPLES OR MAKE THE CAVEAT THAT THESE ARE THE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES THAT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS MAY BE ABLE TO PERFORM BUT THEY NEED TO CHECK WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT BEFORE DOING ANYTHING THAT COULD BE SEEN AS ADVOCACY OR LOBBYING. Write Testimony that supports legislation. Send talking points and data for the Director of State Health Department Send Memo to State Health Department about problems in the county that need addressing and presenting policy solutions Partner with Coalitions that are working on a issue and supporting their work by providing data and policy solutions. Meeting with legislators (if agency agrees) to EDUCATE them on the problems and the solutions.. Surveys about problem, reports on what people think of solution Inviting elected officials to participate in a community forum to discuss a public health issues. Developing a publication with recommendations including policy recommendations to improve oral health. Conducting surveys, doing studies, releasing reports with new data, including policy recommendations, budget needs, etc. Encouraging the community call your organization and/or health department for more information about a specific issue or ask how to get involved. Joining coalitions that are working on health issues including those who are advocating for policy changes. Writing press releases explaining latest data on a issue. Inviting your Director of Health and/or other elected or appointed officials to visit your programs. “Contacting government officials or legislators to try to change regulations (as opposed to laws) is not lobbying. Communicating with your members about legislation –even taking a position on that legislation –is not considered lobbying as long as your communication does not directly ask you r members or other to lobby. Testifying on legislation at a hearing is not considered lobbying as long as your organization was asked by the legislative body for its technical advice. Source: Charity Lobbying: You can do it! Resource and Discussion Guide. Independent Sector IN ADDITION TO BEING SUBJECT TO THE IRS (AS PPH GRANTEES) AND THE HATCH ACT (FOR FED FUNDED ACTIVITIES), HEALTH DEPARTMENTS MAY HAVE SPECIAL RULES DEPENDING ON THE DEPARTMENT. I THINK WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND TELL THEM TO CHECK WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY HAVE A POLICY. WE WILL HAVE A SAMPLE HEALTH DEPARTMENT POLICY IN THE BINDER THAT YOU CAN REFER TO. I WOULD EITHER DELETE THESE EXAMPLES OR MAKE THE CAVEAT THAT THESE ARE THE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES THAT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS MAY BE ABLE TO PERFORM BUT THEY NEED TO CHECK WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT BEFORE DOING ANYTHING THAT COULD BE SEEN AS ADVOCACY OR LOBBYING.

15. What can Non-Profit organizations & private citizens do? Direct Lobbying: Asking a lawmaker to take a specific position, action or vote on an active piece of legislation Grassroots Lobbying: Stating a position on a piece of legislation and spending money to ask others to “lobby” legislators to vote in support of that position. Policy advocacy: Educating policymakers about an issue Media Advocacy: Using the media to raise awareness about an issues or policy

16. What is the goal? Assure that at least $ 15 million a year are appropriated for Tobacco Control $ 30 million (state funding level prior to the budget cuts) Ideally CDC’s minimum for Washington State - $ 69 Million per year

17. What Do You Need Before You Start Your Advocacy Work? Data (results, opinion polls) Institutional/Community/ Leadership Buy-In A clear MESSAGE.. Save lives, $ etc. Relationships with Legislators Relationships with the Media (media articles, Op Eds) Know your Champions and Legislators TROOPS, New Groups, Trained Advocates YOU HAVE THE DATA TO MAKE A CASE….AT LEAST THE CDC recommended spenditures??? What is the goal… . What does your BOSS think about TOBACCO CONTROL??? Are they willing to support your efforts?? What strong organization is in your coalition that can support your efforts? AMA, ACS, ALA, medical societies…. Strong VOLUNTEER base? YOUTH advocates… ------------------------------------- Need more Surveys? To validate your bill? Focus Groups? To see what message will work? Polling Data? To get public opinion? Participatory Research Process to see if the community will be with you. Need the Community Invested- Is it? Need the Leadership’s Buy In – Who is with you from the Church, minority, Medical Society? Need the Media on your side- Relationships with Journalists. Need a CHAMPION who is an elected official County Supervisor, City Council member What legislators are needed to be effective? A State legislator? Need Trained Advocates, doing a campaign. SUGGEST CHANGING “LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION” TO “CHAMPION WHO IS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, SUCH AS A COUNTY SUPERVISOR OR CITY COUNCIL PERSON OR STATE LEGISLATOR” SAME WITH NEXT BULLET—THIS WILL HELP BRING IN THE LOCAL PERSPECTIVE YOU HAVE THE DATA TO MAKE A CASE….AT LEAST THE CDC recommended spenditures??? What is the goal… . What does your BOSS think about TOBACCO CONTROL??? Are they willing to support your efforts?? What strong organization is in your coalition that can support your efforts? AMA, ACS, ALA, medical societies…. Strong VOLUNTEER base? YOUTH advocates… ------------------------------------- Need more Surveys? To validate your bill? Focus Groups? To see what message will work? Polling Data? To get public opinion? Participatory Research Process to see if the community will be with you. Need the Community Invested- Is it? Need the Leadership’s Buy In – Who is with you from the Church, minority, Medical Society? Need the Media on your side- Relationships with Journalists. Need a CHAMPION who is an elected official County Supervisor, City Council member What legislators are needed to be effective? A State legislator? Need Trained Advocates, doing a campaign. SUGGEST CHANGING “LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION” TO “CHAMPION WHO IS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, SUCH AS A COUNTY SUPERVISOR OR CITY COUNCIL PERSON OR STATE LEGISLATOR” SAME WITH NEXT BULLET—THIS WILL HELP BRING IN THE LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

18. Who can keep you informed? Sign up for Action Alerts from home email Erin Dziedzic, American Cancer Society Erin.Dziedzic@cancer.org (206)674-4114 Lucy Culp, American Heart Association lucy.culp@heart.org Carrie Nyssen, American Lung Association cnyssen@alaw.org

19. How does it work? 3 legged stool The Capitol Leg This leg refers to where the public policies are made: the City Council, the County Government, the State Legislature, and the US Congress. Here you advocate for policies to become laws and once these laws are enacted, you advocate for regulations and administrative rules to be in accordance with the spirit of the law and favor the community. You must build relationships with legislators, council members, mayors, county officials, the governor, the President’s staff, the Senators and Congressmen/ women, and understand how the laws are introduced, enacted and implemented and you must influence the process directly at that level by: sending letters, making phone calls, carrying out visits, analyzing legislation, testifying etc. The CAPITOL LEG FOR YOU TODAY IS THE Washington StateLEGISLATURE The Community, or Grassroots Leg This leg refers to what goes on at the local community level. It involves meeting with the community and deciding in tandem what their most important priorities are, devising a policy goal that is achievable and strategies that will help you attain that policy goal. To mobilize people, you may need to make a phone tree, an e-mail list, a set of community rallies, a petition, and assist in developing testimony, ask for a hearing from City Council, etc. You may also ask legislators to come to a community meeting so that you can ask them what their positions are (candidate forums) and/or organize a ‘ADVOCACY DAY” to go Olympia and carry out visits, and/or do a massive demonstration, and/or present a petition to the Speaker of the House and/or other grassroots activities. The Media Leg This leg includes all of the communication that is necessary to mobilize the community, to impact policy makers and educate the public. You may use press conferences, visit Editorial Boards of important newspapers, write Op Ed (opinion pieces) for the local newspaper, develop a media campaign with ads in support of position and/or a piece of legislation. My using the media, you create an “echo effect” so that politicians know that how they vote will be known in the community and that the community will hold them accountable. You must build relationships with journalists, radio announcers, TV news teams and public policy think tanks that write reports, develop polls, etc. and make the results known to the public. These three legs work together and reinforce out another…. The Capitol Leg This leg refers to where the public policies are made: the City Council, the County Government, the State Legislature, and the US Congress. Here you advocate for policies to become laws and once these laws are enacted, you advocate for regulations and administrative rules to be in accordance with the spirit of the law and favor the community. You must build relationships with legislators, council members, mayors, county officials, the governor, the President’s staff, the Senators and Congressmen/ women, and understand how the laws are introduced, enacted and implemented and you must influence the process directly at that level by: sending letters, making phone calls, carrying out visits, analyzing legislation, testifying etc. The CAPITOL LEG FOR YOU TODAY IS THE Washington StateLEGISLATURE The Community, or Grassroots Leg This leg refers to what goes on at the local community level. It involves meeting with the community and deciding in tandem what their most important priorities are, devising a policy goal that is achievable and strategies that will help you attain that policy goal. To mobilize people, you may need to make a phone tree, an e-mail list, a set of community rallies, a petition, and assist in developing testimony, ask for a hearing from City Council, etc. You may also ask legislators to come to a community meeting so that you can ask them what their positions are (candidate forums) and/or organize a ‘ADVOCACY DAY” to go Olympia and carry out visits, and/or do a massive demonstration, and/or present a petition to the Speaker of the House and/or other grassroots activities. The Media Leg This leg includes all of the communication that is necessary to mobilize the community, to impact policy makers and educate the public. You may use press conferences, visit Editorial Boards of important newspapers, write Op Ed (opinion pieces) for the local newspaper, develop a media campaign with ads in support of position and/or a piece of legislation. My using the media, you create an “echo effect” so that politicians know that how they vote will be known in the community and that the community will hold them accountable. You must build relationships with journalists, radio announcers, TV news teams and public policy think tanks that write reports, develop polls, etc. and make the results known to the public. These three legs work together and reinforce out another….

20. Washington State Legislature The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body with 49 members in the Senate and 98 members in the House of Representatives.  Each district is served by one Senator and two House members. The citizen Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the ornate Capitol building in Olympia. In odd-numbered years -- the budget year -- the Legislature meets for 105 days, and in even-numbered years for 60 days. If necessary, the Governor can call legislators in for a special session for a 30-day period. Legislators can call themselves into special session with a two-thirds vote of the two bodies. Members of the Senate are elected to four-year terms, and House members are elected to two-year terms. MEMBERS HAVE JOBS…. THEY DON’T DO THIS FULL TIME THEY ARE TEACHERS, BUSINESS PEOPLE, ACCOUNTANTS, THEY ARE IN THE DISTRICTS…. THEY CAN BE REACHED…. IN THE DISTRICTS… most of the time… MEMBERS HAVE JOBS…. THEY DON’T DO THIS FULL TIME THEY ARE TEACHERS, BUSINESS PEOPLE, ACCOUNTANTS, THEY ARE IN THE DISTRICTS…. THEY CAN BE REACHED…. IN THE DISTRICTS… most of the time…

21. There are 49 members of the SENATE and 98 members of the HOUSE…. They need to see the human face of this issue!!! They need to here from you, from other local policy makers and from their constituents… their constituents at the district level… Through this window, you must reach 147 members of the Washington Legislature…. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF A DEMOCRACY… IT IS OUR DEMOCRACY…. There are 49 members of the SENATE and 98 members of the HOUSE…. They need to see the human face of this issue!!! They need to here from you, from other local policy makers and from their constituents… their constituents at the district level… Through this window, you must reach 147 members of the Washington Legislature…. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF A DEMOCRACY… IT IS OUR DEMOCRACY….

22. Learn About Your Legislator Check his/her website and get their curriculum vitae Look for clues on how they think by reading their newsletters and/or other publications Check their voting record on your issues Check their district, do you know the major institutions there? Do you know major players? What data do you have that can validate your position? For examples….. For examples…..

23. DO YOU KNOW YOU YOUR SENATOR AND/OR YOUR REPRESENATIVE IS???? You actually may have 2 targets… ONE is where you live, another is the zip code where you do business. Many of you work in districts that are different from you live DO YOU KNOW YOU YOUR SENATOR AND/OR YOUR REPRESENATIVE IS???? You actually may have 2 targets… ONE is where you live, another is the zip code where you do business. Many of you work in districts that are different from you live

26. Members of the House Committee on Health & Human Services AppropriationsTelephone: (360) 786-7167 Fax: (360) 786-7018Toll-Free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000John L. O'Brien Building Room JLOB 228-AP.O. Box 40600Olympia, WA 98504-0600 Members of the House Committee on Health & Human Services AppropriationsTelephone: (360) 786-7167 Fax: (360) 786-7018Toll-Free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000John L. O'Brien Building Room JLOB 228-AP.O. Box 40600Olympia, WA 98504-0600

27. Champion RepresentativeEileen Cody RN, 34th District EMPLOYMENT:RN rehabilitation and work as a staff nurse at Group Health Cooperative Eighth term. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:Health Care & Wellness(Chair)Health & Human Services AppropriationsWays & Means LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:Assuring quality care & access to health care for all WashingtoniansProtection of workers rights - creation of family wage jobsEnsuring quality public education for all Washington's youth AWARDS:Outstanding State Legislator Award, Health Care and Human Services - 1994-2002Rural Legislator of the Year Award, Washington State Hospital Association - 1999Legislator of the Year Award, Home Care Association of Washington - 1997Legislator of the Year Award, WSNA PAC - 1995 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:Founding member and treasurer of District 1199 NW/SEIU, Hospital & Health Care Employees UnionMultiple Sclerosis Association - Advisory Board MemberMilbank Reforming States Group - Co-chairAssociation of Rehabilitation Nurses - Former Washington State PresidentInternational Organization of MS NursesNational Conference of State Legislatures, NCSL Assembly on Federal Issues (Health Committee) and NCSL Intergovernmental Health Policy Project (Forum for State Health Policy Leadership)National Academy for State Health PoliciesWomen's Political Caucus Husband is an architect…Loves CATS AND DOGS… Thank you note with what you do… Example: Husband is an architect…Loves CATS AND DOGS… Thank you note with what you do… Example:

28. Champion RepresentativeEric Pettigrew, 37th Chair Appropriations PERSONAL:Has lived in Seattle for 23 years. Wife (Jada), son (Justin, 21), daughter (Linda, 9). EDUCATION:Nogales High School, City of Industry, CAOregon State University - Bachelor of Science, Sociology, Counseling PsychologyUniversity of Washington - Master of Social Work, Business Administration Certification OCCUPATION:Safeco Insurance, ManagerOffice of the Mayor of Seattle, Deputy Chief of StaffSeattle Emergency Management, DirectorUniversity of Washington Minority Youth Health Project, Director PUBLIC SERVICE:Child Protective ServicesDeputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety, Office of the Mayor of Seattle COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:Health & Human Services Appropriations - ChairWays & Means COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:President, Rainier Chamber of Commerce Coach, Little League Baseball and BasketballBoard member, ACT TheatreRainier Vista Boys and Girls Club AWARDS:Ike Ikeda Public Service AwardFuture Leaders of America, Ebony MagazineCommunity Service Award, National Board of Black AccountantsCommunity Service Award, Children of Color Organizers and Advocates LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:Children and Family ServicesEconomic DevelopmentAppropriations Chair of the Health and Human Servicse Appropriations Committee of the House… WHO KNOWS HIM????? FOR HIM IT IS ABOUT CHILDREN… HE IS A SOCIAL WORKER….. You need to make a case that this is a children’s issue… what money is going into the schools, advocacy for youth, youth empowerment… He is also a member of Ways and Means… He will ask you why is it that there are still bounts being sold in his district… Safeco Insurance, Manager fire safety…. Might be angle. Office of the Mayor of Seattle, Deputy Chief of StaffSeattle Emergency Management, DirectorUniversity of Washington Minority Youth Health Project, Director ONE OF OUR CHAMPIONS… SEND A THANK YOU LETTER… anybody from this district? Chair of the Health and Human Servicse Appropriations Committee of the House… WHO KNOWS HIM????? FOR HIM IT IS ABOUT CHILDREN… HE IS A SOCIAL WORKER….. You need to make a case that this is a children’s issue… what money is going into the schools, advocacy for youth, youth empowerment… He is also a member of Ways and Means… He will ask you why is it that there are still bounts being sold in his district… Safeco Insurance, Manager fire safety…. Might be angle. Office of the Mayor of Seattle, Deputy Chief of StaffSeattle Emergency Management, DirectorUniversity of Washington Minority Youth Health Project, Director ONE OF OUR CHAMPIONS… SEND A THANK YOU LETTER… anybody from this district?

29. ChampionBrendan Williams, 22nd District Olympia

30. ChampionBrendan Williams, 22nd District Attorney/business consultant in private practice. ED WA Health Care Association Date of Birth: May 16, 1968 Birthplace: Eugene, OR Lives in Olympia with wife, Nicole, and son, Blake, who was born in 2002. Both of Brendan's parents grew up on farms. A Northwest native, Brendan went to Iowa City High School (Little Hawks) before moving back to Tumwater. Throughout his life, Brendan has lived in all three 22nd District cities. EDUCATION: B.A., The Evergreen State College M.A., Criminal Justice, Washington State University Inducted in 1994 into Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society. J.D., University of Washington School of Law HE STATES WHEN HE RECEIVES AN AWARD…. GIVE HIM AN AWARD.. The Tobacco Control Program Award for the District??? Date of Birth: May 16, 1968 Birthplace: Eugene, OR Lives in Olympia with wife, Nicole, and son, Blake, who was born in 2002. Both of Brendan's parents grew up on farms. A Northwest native, Brendan went to Iowa City High School (Little Hawks) before moving back to Tumwater.

31. Other Champions: Rep. Dawn Morrell 25th Rep. Larry Seaquist 26th Rep Tami Green 28th Rep Tina Orwall 23rd Rep Hans Dunshee 44th Rep Scott White 46th Rep Ross Hunter 48th

32. Champion SenatorRodney Tom, 48th District, Vice ChairWays and Means, Chair Op Budget Realtor, March of Dimes, Avid Outdoorsmen, athlete Early Learning, K-12 and Judiciary Comm. You are probably from some of those cities… do you know someone who knows elected officials from those towns? Do they know of the work they are doing? Can they talk to the Senator about the good work you are doing? You can meet with them… You are probably from some of those cities… do you know someone who knows elected officials from those towns? Do they know of the work they are doing? Can they talk to the Senator about the good work you are doing? You can meet with them…

33. Other Senate Champions: Sen Derek Kilmer, 26th Sen Karen Keiser, 33rd Sen Joe McDermott, 34th Sen Jeanie Kohl Wells, 36th Sen Adam Kline, 37th Sen Erin Oemig, 45th Sen Craig Pridemore, 49th

34. Kelli Linville, 42nd, Whatcom Ct Former Communication Disorders Specialist, Bellingham School District - 16 yearsPresently owner and partner in Fast Lane Coffee Company/Pacific Roasting Company YEARS IN HOUSE:Served 1993-94Appointed 12/95Re-elected 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 Performance-based budgetingEducation Mental health/Health care CHAIR WAYS AND MEANS. Husband, Will Roehl.Two sonsTwo granddaughters EDUCATION:Graduate of Bellingham High School.BA, MA from Western Washington University in Speech Pathology and Audiology. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:Ways & Means - ChairAudit Review & Oversight JLARCMental Health Task ForceLegislative Council on River Governance COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Small Business Development Center Advisory BoardSustainable Connections Advisory BoardWhatcom Conservation DistrictHealth Support Center Board - Past President Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of CommerceRome GrangeMt. Baker Theatre BoardBellingham Planning CommissionLeague of Women VotersRainbow Center Advisory BoardNooksack Recovery TeamZonta InternationalAmerican Association of University WomenWhatcom Family YMCA BoardBrigid Collins House (child abuse prevention) BoardWhatcom Conservation District (Assoc. Supv.)Evergreen AIDS Foundation BoardCity Club of BellinghamWashington Women for Commercial FishingARC Board CHAIR WAYS AND MEANS. Husband, Will Roehl.Two sonsTwo granddaughters EDUCATION:Graduate of Bellingham High School.BA, MA from Western Washington University in Speech Pathology and Audiology. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:Ways & Means - ChairAudit Review & Oversight JLARCMental Health Task ForceLegislative Council on River Governance COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Small Business Development Center Advisory BoardSustainable Connections Advisory BoardWhatcom Conservation DistrictHealth Support Center Board - Past President Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of CommerceRome GrangeMt. Baker Theatre BoardBellingham Planning CommissionLeague of Women VotersRainbow Center Advisory BoardNooksack Recovery TeamZonta InternationalAmerican Association of University WomenWhatcom Family YMCA BoardBrigid Collins House (child abuse prevention) BoardWhatcom Conservation District (Assoc. Supv.)Evergreen AIDS Foundation BoardCity Club of BellinghamWashington Women for Commercial FishingARC Board

35. Senator Margarita Prentice, RN Chair, Ways and Means Children's Alliance; Legislator of the Year, Retail Association and Mortgage Brokers Association; Legislator of the Year, Washington Health Care Association; Legislator of the Year, Washington State Labor Council; Legislator of the Year, Washington State Nurses Association; Legislator of the Year, Home Health Care Association; King County Nurse of the Year; Champion of Health Care, Valley Medical Center; Distinguished Service Award, Washington Association of Homes for the Aging; Legislator of the Year, Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association. Civic Organizations and Activities: American Civil Liberties Union; Amnesty International; Democratic National Committee; First Vice President, Washington State Nurses Association, 1968-1972; Labor Officer, Washington State Nurses Association, 1974-1978; Sierra Club; Renton Historical Society; Audubon Society; Humane Society of United States.  State Senate, Majority Caucus Vice-Chair 1993-1994; House of Representatives, 1988-1992. Civic Organizations and Activities: American Civil Liberties Union; Amnesty International; Democratic National Committee; First Vice President, Washington State Nurses Association, 1968-1972; Labor Officer, Washington State Nurses Association, 1974-1978; Sierra Club; Renton Historical Society; Audubon Society; Humane Society of United States.  State Senate, Majority Caucus Vice-Chair 1993-1994; House of Representatives, 1988-1992.

36. What can you do?

37. Who are you? What are you allowed to do? Assess whether you are a public/ governmental agency or a private, community-based organization or citizen Identify if your organization/agency has a position on the issue and if they are willing to advocate and/or lobby to policymakers If they are willing to advocate/lobby learn what they can do by law and are willing to do As a program staff, find out what role you can and should play

38. Establish Relationships with Legislators and their staffs: Legislative visit in the District, giving out materials – when the legislature is not in session Sending a thank you letter, inviting them to visit your organization, or programs Sending letters, emails, invitations to your events Writing an article about your visit to your legislature in your newsletter and sending a copy to them. Putting them on your mailing list for events, open houses, etc. Get to know your legislator before asking them for something. Meet their Health Legislative Aide and the Legislative Aide in charge of the Appropriations and/or Budget issues. Learn about their interest, their politics and their positions. Educate the Legislative Aides and the Legislator about your CBO, who do you serve and how your organization contributes to the welfare of the whole community. (How many voters you can influence.) Send them a letter with a brochure about your organization. Be sure to state how many people your organization employs. Who is on your Board of Directors, and the important services you provide. Educate them about their district and/or ward, who are they, what their concerns are, and what their contributions to the economic and social development of their district. Major employers, major service providers, major churches. Send them information about your organization every time you are in the news. This allows them the opportunity to see that you are players in your own communities. If a legislator supports health issues give him/her an award, send them a thank you letter, a plaque that they can put on their wall, write an article in the local newspapers about their leadership. GIVE BACK TO THEM. Show them how your issue will help in the legislator’s district. Use concrete data as much as possible. Present a one-page fact sheet on your issue and your position. Be NON-PARTISAN in your efforts. Be “issue driven” when it comes to impacting legislation. Get to know your legislator before asking them for something. Meet their Health Legislative Aide and the Legislative Aide in charge of the Appropriations and/or Budget issues. Learn about their interest, their politics and their positions. Educate the Legislative Aides and the Legislator about your CBO, who do you serve and how your organization contributes to the welfare of the whole community. (How many voters you can influence.) Send them a letter with a brochure about your organization. Be sure to state how many people your organization employs. Who is on your Board of Directors, and the important services you provide. Educate them about their district and/or ward, who are they, what their concerns are, and what their contributions to the economic and social development of their district. Major employers, major service providers, major churches. Send them information about your organization every time you are in the news. This allows them the opportunity to see that you are players in your own communities. If a legislator supports health issues give him/her an award, send them a thank you letter, a plaque that they can put on their wall, write an article in the local newspapers about their leadership. GIVE BACK TO THEM. Show them how your issue will help in the legislator’s district. Use concrete data as much as possible. Present a one-page fact sheet on your issue and your position. Be NON-PARTISAN in your efforts. Be “issue driven” when it comes to impacting legislation.

39. Establishing Relationships…cont. Getting your Board, volunteers and/or clients to send them letters, emails, call them and visit them in their Districts. Having your groups send Thank You letters Inviting District staff and Leg staff to visit and including them in your activities. Getting their picture on the local newspaper MAKING THEM LOOK GOOD. NOTE: WE WON’T BE GOING OVER HOW TO WRITE TALKING POINTS IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT WILL GO OVER THIS ON A SUBSEQUENT TELECONFERENCE IF THEY PARTICIPATE IN POLICY DAY TIPS ON HOW TO USE TIME DURING LEG VISIT WILL NOT BE IN BINDER, BUT WILL BE HANDED OUT AFTER TRAINING IF THEY DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN POLICYDAY PLEASE TOUCH ON TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE LETTER, WHICH METHOD IS MOST EFFECTIVE (WRITING, CALLING, VISITING) AND THE PROS/CONS OF EACH SAMPLES LETER IN SUPORT OF A PROPOSAL SAMPLE LETTERS OPPOSING A PROPOSAL SAMPLE WRITTEN TESTIMONY TIPS FOR EMAILING POLICIMAKERS TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A LETTER TIPS ON HOW TO USE YOUR SHORT TIME DURING YOUR LEGISLATIVE VISIT YOU WILL BE LEARNING HOW TO WRITE TALKING POINTS THIS AFTERNOON Tips on writing letters to government officials Introduce yourself and provide a personal example of how the health problems in your community are affecting you personally and/or the health of those around you. Explain and identify what coalition and/or organization you belong to. In referring to a bill or policy, identify it by its name or number. State your position clearly, and express the action you want your legislator to take. Explain what the bill does, and be specific. Explain what other groups support the legislation. Express how the legislation will affect you and others who might share your views. Remember to repeat what you want done again at the end of the letter, in slightly different words. Include your name, address and telephone number with an invitation to contact you for additional information. Be confident in yourself and your experiences. Tips on Making your call Introduce yourself by name and hometown. Identify the bill you wish to talk about by name and number. Briefly state your position, your reasoning and how you wish your legislator to vote. Ask for your legislator’s stance on the bill or issue and ask for a commitment to vote for your position. Don’t argue if you legislator has an opposing view or hasn’t yet decided. If your legislator needs additional information, supply it as quickly as possible. Always be polite. Get a name, title, e-mail and direct line of the person you spoke with so that you can call this person again. Let your coalition members know that you have spoken with a particular office and what you found out. Call the legislators that HAVE not yet taken a favorable view of your issue and try to persuade them. It is important to let them know that you want them to change their position and that you think that HEALTH is a very important issue for you and many people around you. NOTE: WE WON’T BE GOING OVER HOW TO WRITE TALKING POINTS IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT WILL GO OVER THIS ON A SUBSEQUENT TELECONFERENCE IF THEY PARTICIPATE IN POLICY DAY TIPS ON HOW TO USE TIME DURING LEG VISIT WILL NOT BE IN BINDER, BUT WILL BE HANDED OUT AFTER TRAINING IF THEY DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN POLICYDAY PLEASE TOUCH ON TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE LETTER, WHICH METHOD IS MOST EFFECTIVE (WRITING, CALLING, VISITING) AND THE PROS/CONS OF EACH SAMPLES LETER IN SUPORT OF A PROPOSAL SAMPLE LETTERS OPPOSING A PROPOSAL SAMPLE WRITTEN TESTIMONY TIPS FOR EMAILING POLICIMAKERS TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A LETTER TIPS ON HOW TO USE YOUR SHORT TIME DURING YOUR LEGISLATIVE VISIT YOU WILL BE LEARNING HOW TO WRITE TALKING POINTS THIS AFTERNOON Tips on writing letters to government officials Introduce yourself and provide a personal example of how the health problems in your community are affecting you personally and/or the health of those around you. Explain and identify what coalition and/or organization you belong to. In referring to a bill or policy, identify it by its name or number. State your position clearly, and express the action you want your legislator to take. Explain what the bill does, and be specific. Explain what other groups support the legislation. Express how the legislation will affect you and others who might share your views. Remember to repeat what you want done again at the end of the letter, in slightly different words. Include your name, address and telephone number with an invitation to contact you for additional information. Be confident in yourself and your experiences. Tips on Making your call Introduce yourself by name and hometown. Identify the bill you wish to talk about by name and number. Briefly state your position, your reasoning and how you wish your legislator to vote. Ask for your legislator’s stance on the bill or issue and ask for a commitment to vote for your position. Don’t argue if you legislator has an opposing view or hasn’t yet decided. If your legislator needs additional information, supply it as quickly as possible. Always be polite. Get a name, title, e-mail and direct line of the person you spoke with so that you can call this person again. Let your coalition members know that you have spoken with a particular office and what you found out. Call the legislators that HAVE not yet taken a favorable view of your issue and try to persuade them. It is important to let them know that you want them to change their position and that you think that HEALTH is a very important issue for you and many people around you.

40. Build relationships…. Start with the staff… at the District level…Call and VISIT in the District! Say.. I have some good news to report.. New Report on prevalence, etc. Invite the member to an event & Invite the press to the event Give the member an award, recognition. Send news clippings and other information as your relationship starts Send a thank you every time you meet with them Follow up with a meeting in Olympia – if appropriate Long term… long term… it is a relatiobnship Long term… long term… it is a relatiobnship

41. When you meet with a Legislator – Educate - Policy Advocacy: Who you are Where you live What you do Who are your funders, to show multiple funding if possible Examples of your success Recent Smoking Rate state/county data, use new data to highlight local programs Simply state the work that you do and highlight what they may be interested in … check their website… Simply state the work that you do and highlight what they may be interested in … check their website…

42. When community groups or citizens meet with a Legislator – Lobbying: When asking them to take a position on a piece of legislation, answer the questions: Why is this legislation needed (or not?) Why is this legislation needed now?

43. What is Your Advocacy Experience (in your job or as a private citizen)? When should you give your opinion? When a bill is introduced? During committee discussions? When it is in Conference? Do emails work? Who to contact? Are letters effective? Are petitions effective? Are rallies effective? Interactive…. I WILL ASK HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE MADE PHONE CALLS???? RAISE YOUR HANDS HOW MANY OF YOU PARTICIPATED IN RALLIES? HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE SIGNED ON TO PETIONS?? HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE ACTUALLY MET WITH LEGISLATORS??? COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, CITY COUNCILMEN??? RAISE YOUR HANDS. These are experiences at the local level… but start small…. Interactive…. I WILL ASK HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE MADE PHONE CALLS???? RAISE YOUR HANDS HOW MANY OF YOU PARTICIPATED IN RALLIES? HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE SIGNED ON TO PETIONS?? HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE ACTUALLY MET WITH LEGISLATORS??? COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, CITY COUNCILMEN??? RAISE YOUR HANDS. These are experiences at the local level… but start small….

44. This is the grass roots… part of the stool… Chruches… the Hoosier Health and Faith Coalition… .they advocate, they signed petitions for budget.. They do a LOBBY DAY.. From the church perspective… FIREMEN…. They are suffering with budget cuts… have you included them… they have to fight more fires because of tobacco… Prevention AND FOREST FIRESL.. UNIONS…. HOSPTIAL EMPLOYEES are members of unions… they have POWER, they are employers and employees.. Important to the districts…. Health centers.. Have people they can sign petitions and they can send letters… Racia and Ethnic communities… they have a ujnique role to play because THEY ARE AFFECTED MORE THAN OTHER COMMUNITES AND THE GAINS OF TOBACCO CONTROL HAVE NOT REACHED THEM… RELATED TO OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES… THEY WILL CONTINUET O GROW AND COST THE STATE IF TOBACCO IS NOT ADDRESSES… MORE HEART ATTACKS… MORE ASHTMA COSTS MONEY IN EMERGENCY ROOMS… MORE DIABTES BECAUSE OF THE OBESITY EPIDEMID… ETC. This is the grass roots… part of the stool… Chruches… the Hoosier Health and Faith Coalition… .they advocate, they signed petitions for budget.. They do a LOBBY DAY.. From the church perspective… FIREMEN…. They are suffering with budget cuts… have you included them… they have to fight more fires because of tobacco… Prevention AND FOREST FIRESL.. UNIONS…. HOSPTIAL EMPLOYEES are members of unions… they have POWER, they are employers and employees.. Important to the districts…. Health centers.. Have people they can sign petitions and they can send letters… Racia and Ethnic communities… they have a ujnique role to play because THEY ARE AFFECTED MORE THAN OTHER COMMUNITES AND THE GAINS OF TOBACCO CONTROL HAVE NOT REACHED THEM… RELATED TO OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES… THEY WILL CONTINUET O GROW AND COST THE STATE IF TOBACCO IS NOT ADDRESSES… MORE HEART ATTACKS… MORE ASHTMA COSTS MONEY IN EMERGENCY ROOMS… MORE DIABTES BECAUSE OF THE OBESITY EPIDEMID… ETC.

45. Build relationships with local journalists Visit Editorial Boards WITH YOUR TROOPS, to highlight what you do Get on the radio and call in shows sharing what you do Write stories for Newsletters, Church Bulletins, School Newspapers, create a buzz… Remember to invite the MEDIA TO YOUR EVENTS, write News Release, media alerts For examples…Legacy wrote a newsrelease about their FDA testimony they got several newspaper articles about this, and were quoted, because of their News release, we wrote a Newsrelease on Puerto … For examples…Legacy wrote a newsrelease about their FDA testimony they got several newspaper articles about this, and were quoted, because of their News release, we wrote a Newsrelease on Puerto …

46. Think Like a Legislator! Ask yourself why is this legislation needed and why now? Why would legislators oppose funding tobacco? On what grounds? Is it on “principles”, religious or moral beliefs, or economic costs, other priorities etc. What is their perspective? Too much government? Private sector can do it? How can we counter that perspective? Are my arguments strong? Do I have the data to back them up? Is it all about the funding? Cuts

47. Your Message– Tobacco Prevention Funding Is Good Investment – It works! Protects Kids Saves Lives Saves Money Good for Local districts Saves money on MEIDCAID EXPENDITES…. Healthly communites Saves money on MEIDCAID EXPENDITES…. Healthly communites

48. Where to Find Your Elected Officials Online WA State legislature: www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx www.governor.wa.gov Counties: www.naco.org State legislators: www.ncsl.org Federal government: www.govspot.org www.thomasloc.gov (national legislation)

49. You are all leaders

50. You can all be Advocates! Work together on local, state and national policies Don’t ignore the Community Leg or the Media Leg - you need them Think strategically – You cannot meet with all Legislators Develop good long lasting relationships Don’t be afraid, you are doing your duty. YOU ARE BEING AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS… REMMEBER THAT VOTING IS ONLY ONE ELEMENT, YOU MUST PARTICIPATE TO MAKE IT REAL. YOU ARE BEING AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS… REMMEBER THAT VOTING IS ONLY ONE ELEMENT, YOU MUST PARTICIPATE TO MAKE IT REAL.

52. Thank You Jeannette Noltenius, PhD jnoltenius@yahoo.com Swartz & Associates (202) 328-1313

53. Go for it!!!