Advocacy 101:Agency Capacity-Building Training

Lyndsey LymanAgency Outreach Coordinatorllyman@feedingamerica.org

Randi Lynn QuackenbushCommunity Engagement Coordinatorrquackenbush@feedingamerica.org

a regional agency of Catholic Charities and a member of Feeding America

• Introductions• What is advocacy?• The three legged stool of advocacy

(public policy, grassroots, media)

• Engaging with elected officials• Statistical resources• Brainstorm your own advocacy campaign• Next steps

Training Agenda

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” ― William Faulkner

• Lyndsey: Agency Outreach Coordinator

• Randi: Community Engagement Coordinator

About us – FBST Advocacy Committee

• The Food Bank is a regional agency of Catholic Charities and a member of Feeding America.

• Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity. Their network of more than 200 food banks across the United States provide food to more than 25 million Americans each year.

About the Food Bank

• In operation since 1981, the Food Bank proudly serves the six counties of Broome, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins.

• The Food Bank’s network of over 160 hunger-relief agencies includes soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other non-profit organizations.

About the Food Bank

• Each week, the Food Bank’s hunger-relief network serves more than 11,000 individuals.

• Last year, one out of four residents in the Southern Tier received some kind of assistance from the Food Bank.

• How much food does the Food Bank give out?– In 2013, the Food Bank

distributed nearly 9.7 million pounds of food. That is the equivalent of 8.1 million meals.

About the Food Bank

Here are the top issues that came out of the AM brainstorming session for each element of the pyramid and prompted afternoon discussion:Advocacy:•Advocate with elected officials- educate about changing face of hunger. Get decision makers to pantries, kitchens, etc. to see for themselves•Train agency volunteers to be advocates – help fill out paperwork, connect to other resources, lobby, etc.•Create storytelling campaigns to show experiences of people who are hungry, realities about who is hungry•Help with referrals 1. Need to know about resources available 2. Needs to be updated – which still operating, which still have resources availableAdvocacy: How agencies would like FBST to help (based on afternoon session notes)•Help coordinate in-person meetings and tour with elected officials & other decision makers at agencies•Create tools for training volunteers in advocacy•Storytelling campaigns

What is advocacy?

Brainstorming Session (in groups of 2)

1.) What do you think of when you hear the word “advocacy?”

2.) What does it mean to be a concerned citizen?3.) Why do you think our “decision-makers” listen?

What is advocacy?

advocacy (n.) (The American Heritage Dictionary)

1. The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a

cause, idea, or policy; active support.

advocate (n.) (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

1. One who pleads another’s cause2. One who argues or pleads for a cause or

proposal

What is advocacy?

What is advocacy?

What is currently preventing you from engaging in advocacy?

• Lack of comfort with advocacy process• Lack of knowledge with the issue(s)• Lack of time / staff• Lack of focus• It doesn’t make a difference, so why bother?

Advocacy Roadblocks

• You are the voices of hunger: As a food pantry, you are on the front lines of the issue of hunger and have unique insight into the current situation. YOU are the experts and should be the ones to shape public policy and dialogue around the issues.

• Your voice matters: It is your responsibility: If not you, then who? Having everyone participate in advocacy will ensure our voices are heard.

• Funding is limited and you need to make sure the issues you care about are a priority when budget decisions are being made.

• Your wisdom brings credibility to the issues and are most often seen as working on behalf of others.

• No one else may be advocating for your clients.

Why should your agency care about advocacy?

It works!

2011 Congressional Management Foundation, based on a survey of more than 250 congressional staff (http://pmpu.org/wp-content/uploads/CWC-Perceptions-of-Citizen-Advocacy.pdf

The Three Legged Stool of Advocacy(public policy, grassroots, media)

Public Policy: Advocacy vs. Lobbying

“Non-lobbying” advocacy: educating public officials without asking for anything

Examples:• Providing statistics on meals served by your

program this year compared to last year• Meeting with a legislator’s office to discuss your

program, its mission, and the services you provide in their district

• Hosting a legislator to tour your program

Non-Lobbying Advocacy

“Direct”: Contacting any legislative member, staff, or government employee to influence him/her to propose, support, or oppose specific legislation

Examples:• Emailing a member of Congress to vote NO on the

Farm Bill• If a budget bill is introduced that cuts HPNAP funding,

speaking out against that funding cut measure to a legislative staff member

• Asking a member of Congress to support a bill renewing food donation tax incentives

Public Policy - Direct Lobbying

“Grassroots”: Trying to persuade the public to share your views on a particular legislative proposal and to act.

Examples:• Asking your donors and clients to call their legislators

to support the Governor’s budget proposal for HPNAP• Encouraging clients to sign a petition in favor of

increased funding for TEFAP• Sending an action alert to a listserv to encourage

them to email their member of Congress and telling them to vote NO on the Farm Bill

Grassroots Lobbying / Mobilization

Why the Differences are Important

Non-Lobbying Advocacy

Direct Lobbying

Grassroots Lobbying

• No IRS limitations

• Must amount to “insubstantial” amount of activities

• Up to 20% of first $500K

• Must amount to “insubstantial” amount of activities

• Up to 5% of first $500K

Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying

You schedule a site visit with your county executive to educate her about your programs and show the impact your agency is having on the community.

NOT LOBBYING!

Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying

You send a letter to your U.S. Senator asking him to support S. 5577 when it comes to a vote next week.

DIRECT LOBBYING!

Pop Quiz: Direct, Grassroots, or Not Lobbying

You send out an action alert to the public urging them to call their representatives and voice support for a proposed increase in funding for housing programs.

GRASSROOTS LOBBYING!

“Traditional” media• News releases• Media “tip sheets”• Op-Ed pieces & Letters to the editor• Radio interviews• TV coverage of “visual” events

“Social Media” Opportunities

• Build your own communities• Keep them informed – send out action alerts• Grow presence among new demographics• Mobilize action• Create dialogue

Media Advocacy

Need help? Contact Jonathan Fuller, Community and Public Relations Manager at the Food Bank, 607.796.6061. x4023jefuller@feedingamerica.org

Engaging with elected officials

•We are a representative democracy.•Representative democracy is founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people.•To be represented, you must be heard. To be heard, you must speak. To speak well, you need to know your group’s message.

Civics Review

Local government: town, city, county–62 counties in NY

New York State Government (Albany)–NYS Assembly (150 assemblymen/women)–NYS Senate (63 state senators)

Federal Government (Washington DC)–435 Representatives (1-53 per state)–100 Senators (2 per state)

Local, State, and Federal Policy

QUIZ:Who are our US senators?

Senator Charles Schumer

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

US Senators

QUIZ: What is your Congressional District? Who is your Congressman?

US Congressional Districts

Congressman Tom Reed (23rd district: Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga)

QUIZ: What is your Congressional District? Who is your Congressman?

US Congressional Districts

Congressman Tom Reed (23rd district: Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga)

Congressman Richard Hanna (22nd district: Broome, parts of Tioga)

New York State Senators- Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler

State Senator Tom O’Mara (58th district)

New York State Senators-Tompkins

State Senator James Seward(51st district)

State Senator Michael Nozzolio(54th district)

New York State Senators-Tioga and Broome

State Senator Thomas Libous (52nd district)

NY State Assembly

Chris Friend: 124th (Chemung, Tioga)

NY State Assembly Members-Chemung

Phil Palmesano: 132nd (northern Chemung)

Chris Friend: 124th (Horseheads, Elmira)

NY State Assembly

Phil Palmesano: 132nd (Corning area)

Bill Nojay: 133rd (Hornell)

Joseph Giglio: 148th (Jasper)

NY State Assembly-Schuyler

Phil Palmesano: 132nd (Schuyler)

NY State Assembly-Tompkins

Barbara Lifton: 125th (Tompkins)

NY State Assembly- Broome

Chris Friend: 124th (Town of Maine)

Donna Lupardo: 123rd (Binghamton area)

Clifford Crouch: 122nd (rest of Broome)

NY State Districts

• Appetizers-Emails, mail and phone calls to legislators-Social media action alerts

• Lunch Specials-Visit legislators and staff, either in district or at capitol-Build relationships with policy makers and their staff-Have legislators visit your agency

• Entrees-Gather stories for advocacy-Involve clients in advocacy-Organize staff and clients at hearings, rallies, action days

The Advocacy “Menu”

• Build personal relationships (local, state & federal)

• Stay in regular communication

• Get to know their legislative staff

• Attend local county board and municipal meetings

• Keep them informed on the issues

Engaging with Elected Officials

Invite them to tour your agency!

Tips for a Successful Tour:

• Line up tour date with staff

• Invite local officials

• Send written invites

• Keep tour short

• Be accommodating

• Invite the media and let officials know!

• Prepare and provide an agenda and any supporting materials

• Be knowledgeable about state, local issues

How to engage elected officials

Do your homework online by reviewing their website• http://www.house.gov http://www.senate.gov

Political LifeWho is this person as a representative? Geographic and demographic area they

represent? Term in office? Platform? Major issues and concerns? Voting record? Committee assignments? Staff members?

Personal LifeWho is this person? Spouse? Children? Relate this information to the issue to make a more personal

presentation.

Do your homework in person by meeting your representative to introduce yourself and build relationships

The most effective approach to advocate is through building relationships“The key to successful advocacy with each audience is to develop a relationship based on honesty, trust, and a command of the issues.”

Getting to know your elected officials

• Study websites, educational magazines, and journals– What has been tried before?– What are both sides of the issue?

• Talk to others– Who is affected by the issue or the solution?– Where do your colleagues stand?

• Develop your “elevator pitch”– Connect it to the representative’s life– Connect it to your life (Make your presentation personal)

Study the issue

• Visit with your representative at the Capitol or in his/her home office• Schedule an appointment and inform the office about the reason for

requesting the meeting– Most meetings last 15 to 20 minutes

• Prepare for the meeting– Study the issues– Prepare one-page “leave-behind” about your organization

• During the meeting– Introduce yourself and exchange business cards– State the issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)– State the action that you want the representative to take. Ask for them to

commit to support the bill.– Thank the representative or aide

• After the meeting – Follow up with a phone call, email, or letter thanking the

representative for meeting with you– Offer another personal visit for more information

In-person Meeting

Members and staff are happy to accept a “leave-behind packet” from your agency. This packet should include:•A “One-Pager” on your organization. Your one-pager should

include a brief history of your organization, mission statement, some notable impacts of your work, a look ahead at future objectives, and (optionally) a short list of what the Member can do to help you reach those objectives.•Food Bank area fact sheets•Any materials you’ve developed about your organization, including brochures, mission statement, etc.•Recent articles on your organization•Business cards and contact information

Leave-behind Packet

DO:• Schedule your appointment well in advance• Be punctual for your meeting• Dress appropriately for the occasion• Prepare adequate materials, handouts and a brief “leave-behind

• Stay focused on your issue

• Provide relevant, specific examples from the legislator’s home district

• Follow up after your meeting to answer any questions or unresolved issuesDON’T:• Show up 15 minutes late• Talk about your recent doctor’s appointment• Wear your work boots• Bring everyone you know to the meeting

• Get upset if you only get to meet with staff

• Wear out your welcome

• Mix personal and professional agenda

Tips for meeting with elected officials

DO:• Schedule your appointment well in advance• Be punctual for your meeting• Dress appropriately for the occasion• Prepare adequate materials, handouts and a brief “leave-behind

• Stay focused on your issue

• Provide relevant, specific examples from the legislator’s home district

• Follow up after your meeting to answer any questions or unresolved issuesDON’T:• Show up 15 minutes late• Talk about your recent doctor’s appointment• Wear your work boots• Bring everyone you know to the meeting

• Get upset if you only get to meet with staff

• Wear out your welcome

• Mix personal and professional agenda

Tips for meeting with elected officials

• Send original communications instead of mass-produced ones

• Communicate in a variety of ways – Phone the representative to learn the preferred method of communication

• Include these parts in your one-page letter– Your name, address, and telephone number– The issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)

• Refer to the bill number

– The action that you want the representative to take

• Other ideas to remember– Keep it short, focused, positive, polite, business-like– Avoid educational jargon– Proof your letter and write well– Don’t go overboard with your passion and zeal

Tips for writing letters

• Phone calls are an effective and fast way to communicate, especially when a critical vote is coming up

• Your previous nurtured relationship with your representative will pay dividends

• Include these parts in your phone conversation– Ask to speak to the representative

• Probably will speak to receptionist or aide, who is tallying constituents’ votes for and against an issue

– Your name, address, and telephone number– The issue that concerns you (Why and how it affects you?)

• Refer to the bill number

– The action that you want the representative to take

– Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8d9An-0GPc

Tips for Phone Calls

• Voter Registration DriveAn estimated 70-80% of low-income voters will

not vote in this fall’s midterm election• Paper plate campaign• Sharing Stories

Client Engagement Advocacy

Statistical Resources

• Food Bank fact sheets http://www.foodbankst.org/index.asp?pageId=127• NYSCAA poverty profiles

http://nyscommunityaction.org/poverty-in-new-york/povertydata/• Map the Meal Gap (Feeding America)

http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx

• Cornell County Profiles http://pad.human.cornell.edu/profiles/ (US Census info)

• American Community Survey (US Census) http://www.census.gov/acs/www/

• New York Times Mapping Poverty in America http://www.nytimes.com/newsgraphics/2014/01/05/poverty-map/

• Slate’s Food Stamp Usage tracker http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/map_of_the_week/2013/04/food_stamp_recipients_by_county_an_interactive_tool_showing_local_snap_data.html

Need stats?

Brainstorm Your Own Advocacy Campaign

What is a current issue your agency is faced with?

Which of your elected officials would be most helpful in solving this problem?

How can you begin to address this issue with their help?

Brainstorm Activity

Next Steps

How You Can Be an Advocate

Know your role

Know what you can & can’t do

Know your legislators

Know your facts

Know the process

Communication

• What are you taking home with you after this training?

• What’s one thing you can do in the next month to advocate for your agency?

• How can the Food Bank help you?

Takeaways

Questions?

Food Bank of the Southern Tier388 Upper Oakwood Avenue

Elmira, New York 14903

www.foodbankst.org607.796.6061 ext. 4039

fax: 607.796.6028

Lyndsey LymanAgency Outreach Coordinatorllyman@feedingamerica.org

Randi Lynn QuackenbushCommunity Engagement Coordinatorrquackenbush@feedingamerica.org

A regional agency of Catholic Charities and a Member of Feeding America