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ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY. JIM TOBIN 9 E LONG ST. COLUMBUS, OH 43215 614-224-7147 jtobin@ohiocathconf.org www.ohiocathconf.org. Legislative Advocacy. What Can I do?. ADVOCACY PLANS. ADVOCACY PLANS. Families/Individuals. Community & Faith Institutions. Private Sector. Government.

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ADVOCACY

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  1. ADVOCACY • JIM TOBIN • 9 E LONG ST. • COLUMBUS, OH 43215 • 614-224-7147 • jtobin@ohiocathconf.org • www.ohiocathconf.org

  2. Legislative Advocacy What Can I do?

  3. ADVOCACY PLANS

  4. ADVOCACY PLANS Families/Individuals Community & Faith Institutions Private Sector Government

  5. The Big Picture • Why advocacy from the perspective of faith-based social service providers is important • “Real world” experience of clients and agencies • Moral voice on behalf of the poor and vulnerable; • Respected amongst policymakers

  6. Why Advocacy Is Important • Advocacy is your right • The first amendment guarantees your right to connect with lawmakers • Advocacy is our responsibility • Part of our faith/agency Mission • Now, more than ever • Budget threats and policy changes • Contentious political environment

  7. Why Advocacy Is Important • Local connections with constituents make an impact on policymakers • You have the power to impact the political process and improve policies that effect the poor and vulnerable

  8. Making a Commitment to Advocacy • Varying levels of advocacy • What kind of time and resources do I need to devote to advocacy? • Activities range from making one phone call to implementing a long-range plan • Think about how what you are already doing is advocacy • Even a small effort can make a big difference

  9. Knowledge is Power • Stay informed • Keep abreast of current legislative action on issues important to you • Know the players • Know who your lawmakers are and where they stand on your issues

  10. U.S. Senator • Washington D.C. Office 524 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 phone: (202) 224-3353 • Cincinnati Office 36 East 7th Street Room 2615 Cincinnati, OH 45202 phone: (513) 684-3265 George Voinovich (R)

  11. U.S. Senator • Cleveland Office 600 East Superior Ave
Room 2450
 Cleveland OH 44114
 Phone: 216-522-7272
 Fax: 216-522-2239 • Washington, D.C. 455 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
 Washington, DC 20510
 Phone: (202) 224-2315
 Fax: (202) 228-6321 Sherrod Brown (D)

  12. U.S.House

  13. Ohio Senate Statehouse Room #201, Second Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 Telephone: 614/466-8086 Bill Harris ( R) 19th District SENATE PRESIDENT

  14. Ohio House • Address: • Riffe Center • 77 S. High St • 14th Floor • Columbus, Ohio 43215-6111 • Telephone: 614/644-6008 Jon Husted (R) 37th District SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

  15. LEGISLATIVE INFO LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/search.cfm#bill_keyword

  16. Legislative Decisions PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY VOTER PERCEPTIONS POLITICAL PARTY LEADERSHIP COMPROMISE INFLUENTIAL PERSONS

  17. Relationships are Key KNOW WHO YOU NEED TO KNOW Elected Officials Other Faith/Social Work Leaders Power Brokers POWERS OF THE BROKEN

  18. Relationships are Key WORK ON RELATIONSHIPS Strive for Name Recognition Agree to Disagree and Move On Invite to Events/Dialogues

  19. Relationships are Key USE YOUR INFLUENCE Voting Constituent Expertise on Issue Member of Agency, Church, Civic Group, Advocacy Organization

  20. Types of Advocacy Activities • Letters, phone calls, emails, faxes • 5-10 Letters /Communiqués Can Be a lot • Visits to your Legislators • Site Visits • Invite policymakers to visit your programs • Spread the good news: show off how your program helps the community • Make the connection between your program and policy decisions made in Washington

  21. When Interacting with Policymakers Be strategic Be informed Use simple, effective messages All written communication should be clear and concise Emphasize local impacts and successes Honor any commitment you make to them Never miss an opportunity to thank them Build and sustain relationships over time

  22. Types of Advocacy Activities • Form or participate in coalitions – there is strength in numbers • Work with local media to highlight your programs/issues • Other activities • Invite policymakers to receptions, groundbreakings, program milestones • Attend and speak at public forums held by policymakers • This applies to federal, state and local advocacy

  23. Hang in there Be persistent and consistent. Your efforts matter and you can make a difference. You have the power to make change.

  24. ADVOCACY • JIM TOBIN • 9 E LONG ST. • COLUMBUS, OH 43215 • 614-224-7147 • jtobin@ohiocathconf.org • www.ohiocathconf.org

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