Building Political Will / Advocacy Best Practices

Building Political Will / Advocacy Best Practices National Conference on Ending Family Homelessness February 7, 2008 Phyllis Gilberti Director of Field Mobilization 202-942-8258 pgilberti@naeh.org

Is building political will within the domain of possibility? A pattern of what works exists “Two steps forward, 3 steps back.” We’ve changed the minds of elected officials. How can we make federal policy change?

Lobbyist / National Expert Partner with local and state organizations to move policy forward – constituents v DC based lobbyists Develop policy priorities based on input from local partners Role of coordinator and convenor Role of National Organizations

Your Success + Jane in Illinois’s Success + Pete in Arizona’s Success = Real Change Taking Advocacy to Scale in 2008

Lobby and / or Advocate and / or Educate and / or Provide information What Can You Do

Getting this on the agenda of individual Members of Congress Accountability “The only things that we will do (Congress) are the things that you make it impossible for us not to do.” - Congressional staff to RESULTS (A nonprofit, grassroots citizens' lobby that identifies sustainable solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty as a human rights issue) How Does Policy Change Happen?

Activities to raise attention and get homelessness on the agenda Writing Letters and Making Phone Calls to Elected Officials Relationship Building with elected officials and their staff In person meetings in Washington or in the district Media Public Education – Town Hall Meetings etc How Does Policy Change Happen?

Just because you say it doesn’t mean that anyone is going to listen. Just because an elected official says it doesn’t mean that it will happen. Persistence and follow through are the golden keys. How Does Policy Change Happen?

“ The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” – Benjamin Franklin

Began with no relationship with conservative House Member He said ‘no’ to co-sponsoring homelessness legislation at least three times He ended up being a co-sponsor Anne’s Story

Creating Champions in Congress A “Go To” Person A Long Term Process Winning One Battle v The Long Term Fight Opportunities with this Congress

Next Year’s Agenda and Goals • An Election Year • Short Term Asks • Long Term Strategy • Creating “Go To” People

Think of an advocacy accomplishment. What was accomplished and How? Are there any barriers that have prevented you from participating in advocacy efforts? Talk about a failed advocacy effort. What happened? Why did it fail? Discussion Questions

Building Political Will / Advocacy Best Practices