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Advocacy 101 - Austin, TX - January 2013
- 1. Advocating for a Healthy Texas
- 2. More than 10 million views
- 3. Going viral
- 4. Advocacy
- 7. What is One Voice Texas? a collaborative . . . a network working together . . . addressing health and human services needs . . . using public policy initiatives
- 8. Circulatory Integumentary Lymphatic Immune Digestive Skeletal Nervous Urinary Endocrine Respiratory Muscular Reproductive
- 9. Consumers Families Providers Advocates Boards Businesses Law Enforcement Elected Officials Funders
- 10. Priorities strong prevention and early intervention programs . . . to maximize federal funding for health and human services to . . . “Keep Texas Dollars Working in Texas”
- 11. Focus Areas Basic Needs & Community Care Behavioral Health Children and Youth Services Education Healthcare
- 12. Why One Voice Texas Is Effective … Leverages expertise of 100s
- 13. Why One Voice Texas Is Effective … Brings together like-minded coalitions and stakeholders to create consistent priorities and messages
- 14. Why One Voice Texas Is Effective … Recognizes health and human services as a total system with each area dependent on others in order to create lasting change
- 16. Advocacy the act of pleading or arguing by expressing a position on an issue… an umbrella term for activism related to a particular agenda … expected to be non-deceptive and in good faith
- 17. ADVOCACY Research Organizing Training Education Regulatory Efforts Lobbying
- 18. Lobbying always involves advocacy, but advocacy does not necessarily involve lobbying. Advocacy Lobbying
- 19. IRS Regulations on Lobbying by Nonprofits Lobbying by a nonprofit is only the expenditure of money by the organization for the purpose of attempting to influence legislation Nonprofits which receive federal funds must complete detailed forms to show federal funds are not used to lobby
- 20. IRS Options for Nonprofits “insubstantial part test” - default “Section 501(h) expenditure test” – complete IRS form 5768
- 21. IRS Options for Nonprofits “insubstantial part test” ◦ “no substantial part of a charity’s activities…be carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.” ◦ Based on activities, not expenditures ◦ IRS offers no absolute guidance ◦ Most tax practitioners generally advise that charities can safely devote 3-5% of their overall activities toward lobbying.
- 22. IRS Options for Nonprofits “Section 501(h) expenditure test” – counts only cash expenditures ◦ Up to $500,000 – 20% ◦ $500,000-$1million - $100,000 + 15% of excess (See p 6) ◦ Requires record-keeping (Best source: Alliance for Justice and BolderAdvocacy.com)
- 23. IRS Options for Nonprofits
- 24. Direct Lobbying Communication ◦ With government officials ◦Expressing a view about specific legislation and asking for a specific action
- 25. Grassroots Lobbying Communication ◦ With the general public ◦Expressing a view about specific legislation ◦ May include a “Call to Action”
- 26. During Election Seasons Nonprofits CAN: Continuenormal lobbying activities Conduct nonpartisan activities such as: ◦ Candidate Visits and Forums ◦ Candidate Questionnaires ◦ Testimony on Party Platforms Activities must include all legitimate candidates for an office from all political parties
- 27. During Election Seasons Nonprofits CANNOT: Endorse or oppose a candidate for elective office Lend space, equipment, etc. to candidates or a political party Contribute money to a political party campaign or political action committee (PAC) Allow staff to contribute time at the expense of the organization; it must be done on their own time
- 28. Is it lobbying? A mental health association has a position in support of legislation to provide a range of services for homeless persons who are mentally ill. Providesinfo on the legislation and the association’s support in an alert and other communications to its members Includes NO request for members to contact legislators, nor does it give names, addresses or way to contact legislators
- 29. Is it lobbying? A child-placing agency provided information on a bill that would reform child welfare services and its position on it in a letter to members of the state legislature. The letter did not ask the legislators to support the legislation.
- 30. Is it lobbying? A local organization focusing on attendant care for the elderly and disabled was invited in writing by the Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee to testify on legislation being considered by the Committee. The groups’ Board Chairperson testified in support of the legislation, maintaining that the measure would improve the safety and well-being of individuals receiving attendant care.
- 31. Effective Advocates Need: Knowledge of the legislative process and rules Knowledge of the issues and how to identify issues which require public policy change An understanding of when, why and how to communicate with elected officials and decision makers
- 32. Texas Government
- 34. Texas Constitution Appropriations/budget State Statutes Texas Legislature
- 35. DARS DFPS DADS DSHS
- 38. The Texas Legislature Twolegislative bodies: ◦ Texas State Senate ◦ Texas House of Representatives Biennial sessions ___ calendar days 140 Special Sessions - limited to 30 calendar days
- 39. The Texas Legislature Texas Senate 31 ___ Members, ½ elected every 2 years for 4-year terms Lt. Governor, elected every 4 years; presides over the Senate Senate elects President Pro-Tempore who presides in absence of Lt. Governor
- 40. The Texas Legislature Texas House of Representatives ___ 150 members, elected every 2 years Speaker of the House, elected by House each session; presides over the House Speaker appoints House Speaker Pro-Tempore, who assists Speaker & presides in Speaker’s absence
- 42. Pre-filing started November 12th (First in line = better chance of making it through) 60 days into session is the deadline for filing (without 4/5 vote) Mid-April is final push Deadlines in May for passage of bills in House & Senate May 27th end of session
- 43. The Texas Legislature House & Senate Rules Established at the beginning of each Legislative session Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House make all committee appointments, chairmanships and assignment of bills to committees Speaker of the House may vote on all legislation Lt. Governor may only vote to break a tie
- 44. Legislative Committees Most health & human services legislation is assigned to: House ◦ Human Services Committee ◦ Public Health Committee Senate ◦ Health and Human Services Committee
- 45. Legislative Committees Committee consideration of a bill = where most of the work is done Committee members (and www.legis.state.tx.us/Committees/Membership their staff members) = first point of contact
- 46. Definitions Bill: a proposed law for consideration by the legislature HB: House Bill SB: Senate Bill CSHB: Committee Substitute House Bill CSSB: Committee Substitute Senate Bill http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/billnumber
- 47. How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas
- 48. How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas A committee does not have to take action on every bill referred to it A bill not reported on by a committee is considered dead for the session A committee may refer a bill to a subcommittee
- 49. How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas A committee or subcommittee has five options for a bill: ◦ Pass the bill as is ◦ Pass the bill with amendments ◦ Pass a substitute bill ◦ Table the bill ◦ Vote against passage of the bill
- 50. How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas • Anyone may draft or suggest legislation – legislators, state agencies, advocacy organizations Most bills are drafted by professional staff members of the Texas Legislative Council
- 51. How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas • An example …
- 52. Identify the Issue ◦ Can the issue bring diverse groups together in support of the issue? ◦ Can you clearly identify the decision makers? ◦ Is the objective achievable, even with opposition? ◦ Is the issue easy to understand? ◦ And most importantly, does the issue really address the problem?
- 53. Research the Issue ◦ Who else in the community is working on this issue? ◦ How can we work together? ◦ Is there an organizational or social way to solve the problem other than a change at the policy level? ◦ Who might be opposed to the issue?
- 54. Connect ◦ Who cares about this problem? ◦ Who has the power to change the public policy? ◦ Who is a decision maker? ◦ What steps need to be taken to influence the decision maker to make the change? Educate the public ◦ Become a useful resource (data & stories)
- 57. A 2008 Congressional Management Foundation report revealed: Nearly half of US adults had contacted Congress, more than 80% of them at the urging of a third party organization.
- 60. Suggestions to bridge the Advocacy Gap Abandon list building through messages to Congress. (Activists should be real with their actual rep.) Invest in making higher impact activities easier for advocates. Get deep into districts, shifting away from Washington, DC. Abandon the notion of “Congress.” Embrace Members of Congress.
- 61. Know yourself Know your audience Know your message Know your channels
- 62. Turn right at North Loop Fwy W 0.1 mi Take the ramp on the left onto I-610 W 0.4 mi . Take the exit onto I-610 S 8.6 mi Take exit 4B to merge onto S Post Oak Rd 3.9 mi Turn left at W Orem Dr 2.1 mi Turn right at Buffalo Speedway 0.6 mi Your preference?
- 63. Know yourself Know your audience Know your message Know your channels
- 66. Social/economic/ Spiritual educational Development experience Birth Order What Makes Culture Personality Type and Them Them Temperament Gender Learning Style Phase of Life Generational Concerns
- 67. House = House = 43 95R & 55D freshman Texas Legislature http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/13 Senate = 59322560-Getting-To-Know-A- Local-Lawmaker-Rep.-Phil- 19R & 11D Stephenson.html http://www.texas Senate=6 freshman tribune.org/direct ory/
- 68. Committee
- 70. Know yourself Know your audience Know your message Know your channels
- 71. For every dollar spent on prevention you save $7 in intervention services 72
- 72. 73
- 73. Know yourself Know your audience Know your message Know your channels
- 74. Public Testimony Personal Visits Letters Phone Calls m itte e Emails m Co
- 75. Press White Talking release / Website Facebook Twitter Other paper points Editorial e nt ativ r ese ator Rep r Sen o e m itte m Co Staff e cat A dvo ic Publ
- 76. Email Not the most effective method of communicating with legislators Try not to send a letter as an attachment Use only when time is of the essence Contact your rep or Identify the message’s subject in the “Subject” line, e.g., House Bill 2 Do not “stuff” a legislator’s inbox – messages will be ignored the appropriate member of committee Provide personal info Briefly explain your perspective. Use facts and anecdotes. Use bill number. Don’t copy and paste the same email message “stuffing” the email box
- 77. Cause ◦ Members? Public? Legislators? (the “who” matters) ◦ Focus on purpose, not a person/politics Engage/educate Direct or grassroots lobbying Cautions – ◦ “Likes” and “Follows” ◦ Commitment of time, research, etc. Consistency See Alliance for Justice 78
- 80. Legislative Priorities Housing for special populations Financial Stability Access to community-based mental health services Accountability, permanency for youth in child welfare system Financing for education Medicaid expansion, women’s health, immunizations health
- 81. Program/Policy Challenges Health & Human Services – related needs 1,000 new people per day move to Texas 2nd in nation with under age 18 population 7th in nation in child poverty 1 of every 4 Texans is uninsured - Highest number in nation
- 82. Program/Policy Challenges Low Taxes and Limited Government Texas is increasing sales of services, not products ~25% General Revenue supports HHS, primarily Medicaid Current budget did not recognize population growth or increased costs or utilization $4 B shortfall (GR) in current budget for Medicaid ($12 B all funds) Low reimbursement rates make it difficult to build capacity for critical Medicaid services
- 83. To Create Change: Identify the problems Find/suggest solutions Advocate for changes
- 84. Advocates who attempt to fix everything run the risk of changing nothing in the process.
- 85. 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
- 86. Laurie Glaze, LMSW Executive Director 5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 6000 Houston, Texas 77056 713.333.2232 (phone) lglaze@onevoicetexas.org www.onevoicetexas.org Karen Campbell Communications 832.474.9008 kccomm@hotmail.com www.onevoicetexas.org
Notes de l'éditeur
- One Voice is a collaborative and a network working together to address the health and human services needs of Texas and the Greater Houston Area by through public policy initiatives
- At the time that One Voice was created, the membership determined that two overarching themes were common to all organizations - the need for strong prevention and early intervention programs, and the ability to maximize federal funding for health and human services programs in Texas. The One Voice message is very simple - "Keep Texas dollars working in Texas."
- At the time that One Voice was created, the membership determined that two overarching themes were common to all organizations - the need for strong prevention and early intervention programs, and the ability to maximize federal funding for health and human services programs in Texas. The One Voice message is very simple - "Keep Texas dollars working in Texas."
- There are several ways that Organizations can advocate: Education On the issue related to the organization…generally. Also how the issue is related to public policy. THIS IS A MAJORITY OF MHA’s ADVOCACY EFFORTS. Training Organizing Research Regulatory Efforts Lobbying Remember…Lobbying always involves advocacy, but advocacy does not necessarily involve lobbying.
- Definition: the act of pleading or arguing by expressing a position on an issue. Who can advocate? Within each organization there are various individuals that are experts on specific issues related to a program. And therefore, they are the most appropriate and often times most effect advocate for the agency and the issue. EX.- housing. As the agency ’ s public policy director or fellow, our role is often to be the conduit within the agency to partner the agency experts with key decision – makers to collectively effect public policy. Who is the audience of advocacy efforts? Members of any Legislative body Constituents Clients / Consumers Other key Stakeholders of the issue
- Today ’ s phrase is … ..Lobbying always involves advocacy, but advocacy does not necessarily involve lobbying.
- Divide room into 5 groups. Give each an issue. Ask them to determine if the issue is or is not lobbying or allowed. After small groups discuss. Have reader share the issue and the vote of the group. (15 min)
- Divide room into 5 groups. Give each an issue. Ask them to determine if the issue is or is not lobbying or allowed. After small groups discuss. Have reader share the issue and the vote of the group. (15 min)
- Divide room into 5 groups. Give each an issue. Ask them to determine if the issue is or is not lobbying or allowed. After small groups discuss. Have reader share the issue and the vote of the group. (15 min)
- Divide room into 5 groups. Give each an issue. Ask them to determine if the issue is or is not lobbying or allowed. After small groups discuss. Have reader share the issue and the vote of the group. (15 min)
- The Texas Constitution , and state statutes and appropriations , determine which programs are established and funded The Texas Legislature establishes the policies and budgets affecting most governmental and voluntary health and human services programs in Texas
- The 78 th Legislature (2003) mandated transformation 12 agencies blended into 5 The agencies operate under the oversight of the Health and Human Services Commission Family & Protective Services (DFPS) Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Aging & Disability Services (DADS) State Health Services (DSHS) Health and Human Services Commission Oversees the operations of the health and human services system Provides administrative oversight of HHS programs Provides direct administration of some programs Annual budget of $16B and 9,300 employees Family & Protective Services (DFPS) Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Aging & Disability Services (DADS) State Health Services (DSHS )
- Identify the decision maker(s): The decision maker is always an individual or number of individuals, never a board or elected body as a whole Do not consider the Legislature as the decision maker Identify specific members of the Legislature to work with on the issue Educate the public on the issue: Ask for support of the issue from community organizations Make presentations throughout the community Take advantage of every teachable moment – inform those you meet at community events and functions
- The key to effective advocacy is “be prepared” Develop a 1-2 page “fact sheet” for each priority issue Explicitly ask for action Be specific – refer to bills by name and number Always say thank you!
- The key to effective advocacy is “be prepared” Develop a 1-2 page “fact sheet” for each priority issue Explicitly ask for action Be specific – refer to bills by name and number Always say thank you!
- 1) Abandon list building through messages to Congress. When activists contact their member of Congress, it should be for real, with a legislative ask, a possible path for the Member of Congress to act, and clarity about what the potential outcomes might be. And constituents should only be mobilized to contact their own representatives, through all channels. This will reduce the noise streaming into Congressional offices and make every constituent contact more effective. Note that we are not suggesting that organizations stop building big lists. Big lists can still be important for all sorts of reasons, not least of which a pool of people to cultivate into advocates. We are merely suggesting that list building activities be distinguished from advocacy, preserving the relationship between citizens and their representatives and activists and the organizations that mobilize them. 2) Invest in making higher impact activities easier for advocates. Activists do what’s easiest for them to do, even when they know they’re not doing the most effective thing they could be doing. Data from a few of our partner organizations demonstrates that activists are malleable in this way – they can be mobilized in more effective ways, if the organization makes those actions accessible and easier. Advocacy technology has evolved to amazing places, making “a click and a few keystrokes” a realistic and low bar for a contact to Congress. It’s time for the next evolution in software and software-as-service, and providers working with advocacy organizations to bake in processes that drive more effective advocacy. 3) Get deep into districts, shifting away from Washington, DC. Activists don’t have to come all the way to DC to meet with their representatives to make a big difference on issues they care about. Impact is as close as the district office, an event in their hometown, and even a personalized email telling their story to their representative. Refocusing some advocacy energy back to the district level, even while issues are increasingly national in nature, would go a long way toward bridging the Advocacy Gap. 4) Abandon the notion of “Congress.” Embrace Members of Congress. There is no Congress. There are only Members of Congress. “Congress” has a single-digit approval rating, but Members with approval ratings significantly below 50% are few and far between. Advocacy programs that embrace this reality will be a big step closer to building capacity and mobilizing that capacity in ways that engage activists effectively.
- The key to effective advocacy is “be prepared” Develop a 1-2 page “fact sheet” for each priority issue Explicitly ask for action Be specific – refer to bills by name and number Always say thank you!
- Public hearings are an opportunity for individuals and organizations to express their opinions to legislators Notices of hearings are published on the appropriate website Sign up for email notification of hearings by specific committees Notice for a public hearing may be less than 48 hours Provide testimony when you are knowledgeable about an issue and are prepared to answer questions Prepare two versions: One to deliver verbally (under 5 minutes) A longer written version to give to the legislators (take 15-20 copies) If not testifying, fill out a testimony card Tips for developing testimony: Be succinct Do not make claims you cannot defend Familiarize yourself with the issue and how its affects your organization, etc. Gather data , including pertinent statistics, but keep them brief
- Public hearings are an opportunity for individuals and organizations to express their opinions to legislators Notices of hearings are published on the appropriate website Sign up for email notification of hearings by specific committees Notice for a public hearing may be less than 48 hours Provide testimony when you are knowledgeable about an issue and are prepared to answer questions Prepare two versions: One to deliver verbally (under 5 minutes) A longer written version to give to the legislators (take 15-20 copies) If not testifying, fill out a testimony card Tips for developing testimony: Be succinct Do not make claims you cannot defend Familiarize yourself with the issue and how its affects your organization, etc. Gather data , including pertinent statistics, but keep them brief
- Sending “action alerts” to advocates Sharing issue information with other agencies or groups Sending notices for public hearings or issue meetings to advocates
- The key to effective advocacy is “be prepared” Develop a 1-2 page “fact sheet” for each priority issue Explicitly ask for action Be specific – refer to bills by name and number Always say thank you!
- One Voice is a collaborative and a network working together to address the health and human services needs of Texas and the Greater Houston Area by through public policy initiatives
- To produce changes in public policy it is necessary to: Identify the problems Find/suggest solutions Advocate for the change