All Politics Are LocalAll Politics Are LocalOutreach, Engagement & Building Relationships in

Your Community

ILASFAA Conference April 2014

Rebecca Novak DeVry Education GroupMark Szymanoski, DeVry Education Group

Why Does Engagement Matter? The majority of student aid is the product of

and exists within some sort of political environment− National politics

− State politics

− Institutional politics

Understanding the basic concepts and structures can help you anticipate change and possibly influence the process

Cultivate relationships Cultivate relationships beforebefore they’re needed they’re needed2

Mobilizing the Grassroots…Build, Organize, Implement

All politics are local.All politics are local.

Elected officials are focused on their constituents.

What elected officials do or don’t do is often a function of who has their attention.

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Taking Action….

Identify the issue− Why is it important?

− Who is affected?

Identify the influencers− Who can help make changes?

− What is the best way to introduce yourself and develop a relationship?

Why is it important?− What is the end goal?

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Build Grassroots Organizing Means:− Participating and organizing “Hill Days” that

include students, alumni, faculty and campus leadership, etc. Fact sheets, testimonial materials Other pertinent and salient information

− Participating in district office meetings

− Hosting joint financial aid seminars

− Hosting elected officials at your campus

− Engaging elected officials as guest speakers

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Build (continued)…− Assisting elected officials with town hall and community

events

− Finding other unique touch points including quarterly newsletters and recognition events

− Sign up for elected/appointed officials monthly newsletters

− Regularly check elected/appointed officials websites for events and opportunities

− Regularly check local papers for activities involving campus elected officials

− Finding opportunities to network, such as K-20 councils, educational partnership events, Chamber meetings, etc.

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Organize

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Identify the appropriate member(s) to engage.− Your delegation, committee chairs, appropriators,

conference committee members, regulator?

Identify your “leader” or campaign spokesperson

Identify your “constituents”− Students, faculty, alumni, institutional support

staff, etc.

Organize (continued)…

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Most individuals won’t take action unless approached more than once with compelling facts.− Assume that potential participants aren’t fluent on

the issue.

Find an angle that motivates people. Call should be:− Accurate

− Well crafted (written/spoken)

− Persuasive

Organize (continued)…

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Provide a wealth of knowledge in a condensed format. − Explain why engagement is important and needed

− Clearly identify what specific action you want

Communicate− Website (student portal, “Action Center”)

− Social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

− Calls / emails (current students, alumni)

− Campaign signage / collateral

− Via staff/faculty during scheduled classes

Implement Actions/expectations should be specific:− Phone Tree (scripted vs. free form): Includes

calling members explaining position “for” or “against” a particular measure or to thank them.

− Letter Writing Campaign (original vs. form): Includes asking the grassroots participants to write letters to elected or appointed officials explaining a position “for” or “against” a particular measure or to thank them.

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Implement (continued)…− Face-to-Face Meetings (champions): Includes

organizing the grassroots to engage with elected officials and/or their staff in person at the state capital, at a district office location, town hall meeting, community function, etc.

Provide participants with specific tasks and the resources needed to accomplish those tasks.− Mobilize X number of students/faculty/alumni

− Participate in X number of editorial board meetings

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Members Appreciate the BasicsStay Student Focused

− Speak to your students. Talk abut the students at your campus, who they are and what is important to them.

For Campus Tours:− Highlight the best features of your campus by showing lawmakers and their

staff your classrooms, labs and any other campus features that will “wow” them.

− Find opportunities to stay in touch (graduation speaker, special guest for class etc…)

For District Office Visits:− Extend invitation to tour the local campus.

− Find opportunities to stay in touch (graduation speaker, special guest for class etc…)

− Follow up with a personalized thank you.

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Do Your Homework Understand both sides of the issue; know your

facts.− Know where you stand in terms of negotiation and

compromise.

− Be prepared to be counter-lobbied. Research your opposition and elected officials’

position on the issue.

− “Electeds” include the members that represent you, your campus, your students, alumni, etc.; House/Senate leadership; jurisdictional committees; appropriators; regulators; etc.

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You are the Expert ― Share your knowledge!

Pick your topic & voice your opinion Get to know your legislators & be in contact

with them – phone, email, and visits Join committees and organizations Respond to request from association to write

your legislator Invite legislators to your campus Write an article for the association newsletter Get your students, alumni and faculty

involved!14

Other Influences on Financial Aid Policy Illinois Student Assistance Commission− Hearings− Requests for comments

Illinois Board of Higher EducationSpecial interest groupsState Attorney GeneralCollege president or lobbyistStudents and Alumni!!

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Grassroots Lobbying: When do I need to register with the Secretary of State?

Does a person or entity need to register for lobbying with the Secretary of State if participating in the production of a Grass-Roots Communication?− No, the definition of ‘lobbying’ in Section 560.100 of the Code specifically excludes grass-

roots communications. There is, however, a small caveat to this rule for persons who are being paid to perform ‘contractual’ grass-roots services. The contractor must register if there is contact with officials involving more than just ‘routine communication’ about the grass-roots endeavor (see Section 560.210 of the Code).

What is a Grass Roots ‘Communication’?− Grass Roots Communications only include certain types of correspondence. Section

560.100 of the Code, defines ‘grass roots lobbying communication’ to generally include any correspondence sent (i) to a segment of the general public to encourage correspondence with an official or (ii) to an official by any segment of the general public, in support or opposition to governmental action.Example: Postcards asking recipients to write their State Official to support or oppose an issue.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/sos_ig21.pdf

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Engagement Resources Who represents me?

− US House of Representatives: www.house.gov

− US Senate: www.senate.gov

− Illinois State Legislature: www.ilga.gov

Outside resources:− Congress.org: www.congress.org

− NASFAA: http://www.nasfaa.org/Advocacy/Legislation/Your_Legislative_Contacts.aspx

− List of Higher Education Organizations:

− http://www.ihep.org/Resources/organizations.cfm

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Thank you! Questionsor

Comments?