VERMONT FAMILY NETWORKMAY 29, 2012

PRESENTED BYREP. JASON LORBER & CLAUDIA PRINGLES

How to Move Your Ideas into Legislative Action

Legislative Advocacy: How do you move your ideas into legislative

action?

This webinar provides an introduction to legislative advocacy from the perspective of a parent advocate and a Vermont State legislator. Learn how to work in a coalition with others and get tips on how to move your ideas into legislative action!

Presenters: Jason Lorber, Vermont State Representative for Chittenden District 3-3 and Claudia Pringles, Parent Advocate, Developmental Disabilities Specialist, Vermont Family Network

A Parent Advocate’s PerspectiveAbout the presenter

 Claudia Inés Pringles is a Developmental Disabilities Specialist at VFN and assists families with questions regarding developmental disabilities and navigating state systems. Claudia is a parent of two children, including a daughter on the autism spectrum. Claudia is also an attorney in private practice with a focus area of special needs planning. She enjoys systems advocacy in her spare time.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is action that aims to change laws, policies, practices and attitudes.

Advocacy actions are usually directed at decision makers who hold the power to implement the change required.

What Advocacy isn’t

A spectator sport…

What Gets in our Way-Attitude

“Everyone in the world is against us. No one cares.”

“ ‘They’ are aware of the issue”.“Surely it is someone else’s job to create

change, right?”“Can’t you do it? I’ll just tell you what needs

to be fixed.” “I don’t know what to do”“I don’t have the time. I am the parent of a

son/daughter with special needs.”

National Association for Down Syndrome

Started by parents in 1960

Autism Society of America

Started by parents in 1965

United Cerebral Palsy Association

Started by parents in 1949

Special Education

History of Special Education – The Grassroots AdvocacyThe history of special education in the U.S. began after World War II, when a number of parent-organized advocacy groups surfaced. One of the first organizations was the American Association on Mental Deficiency, which held its first convention in 1947. By the early 1950s, fueled by the Civil Rights Movement, a number of other parent organizations were formed, including the United Cerebral Palsy Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and John F. Kennedy’s Panel on Mental Retardation. During the 1960’s, an increasing level of school access was established for children with disabilities at the state and local levels.

Are you game?

What Motivates You?

Do you have a fixable issue?

“I need more home support options for my adult son with Down syndrome. Some examples are A,B,C & D”.vs.“Parenting a child with special needs is tough”

What are you advocating for?

Too broad will not get you anywhereFocus-Focus-Focus!Consider what system change can be

attainable (with effort)Consistent Message

Partners in Crime

Call VFN for help with ideas on how to connect with other parents

Never go it alone!Others have a stake in the issue

Important to seek input from others Others will bring talents and connections that you don’t

have

Statewide issue: need statewide representationRecognize that you probably don’t have all the

answers

Partners in Crime (continued)

Take inventory of interests, talents and connections of team members. Networkers, writers, public speakers, good with

technical issues, good organizer, etc. Most valued player=good attitude, team player

and willing to do the work not just offer opinionsEstablish communication with advocates

List serve, email, etc. 3 levels: inner core, core and broader group

Partners in crime (continued)

Work with your inner core group to develop strategies. Individuals most committed to the process and good team

players. The harder you work, the more your opinions count.

Outer core group to implement strategies. People with ‘some involvement’ Give straightforward tasks with specific instructions

Keep broader group updated on progress, but don’t bombard with requests. Educate people on what you are trying to accomplish

and why important

Who are key decision makers that can address the issue?

Legislative Issue?Agency of Human Services (AHS) issue?Department of Education (DOE) issue?Local or school issue?

Know possible allies

Good and bad Good:

Extra help, more energy, possible organization with financial backing

Bad: Message can get diluted Can take on a different life than what intended Different agendas, leadership

Sometimes Better: Room for a clear landing from other interested parties.

Support for what you do or neutral without direct involvement.

The fewer dogs in the fight, the better

Know arguments against

Know who will be working against you Not always obvious

Anticipate what resistance to change exists and what the resistance is based on Competing interest Incomplete/inaccurate information Budgetary Philosophical Tradition

Is Administration opposed?

Collaborative Approach

Especially important if there will be on-going relationship- don’t burn bridges

Don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t agree with you

Don’t get annoyed with others because they don’t understand the world we live in.

Be polite, but persistent about your message

Tips for Legislative Advocacy

Pick a strong Lead SponsorFace to face meetings Establish calendar for State House visitsGrassroots List

Sorted by County/legislator Establish communication with other advocates Involve other stakeholders to help as needed

Find other ways or other people to help get message across

More Tips

Earn the decision makers’ respect by being knowledgeable about the issue.

Understand that change takes time. Know that there may be compromises. Be open-minded as there may be different

ways to achieve your goal. Believe that others who are not part of

your world can still care and will fight for you

Most Importantly….

Don’t quit

Gov. Douglas signing of Act 135 Autism Plan- May 2007

5 years later…

You can do it!

Gov. Shumlin Signing of Expanded Act 127 for Autism Treatment: May 2012

Contact Information

Claudia Inés PringlesFamily Consultant -Developmental Disabilities

Specialist

Vermont Family Network600 Blair Park Road, Suite #240

Williston, VT  05495-7549(802) 764-5290 (Williston office)

(802) 917-2475 (cell)Claudia.Pringles@vtfn.org

http://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org

A Legislator’s PerspectiveAbout the presenter

Jason P. Lorber is a consultant, stand up-comedian and politician from Burlington Vermont. He is a member of the Vermont House of Representatives, representing the Chittenden-3-3 district in Burlington.

http://www.friendsofjason.blogspot.com/

FAQ #1

Can you give me a basic understanding of how the legislative system works in Vermont?

FAQ #2

I have an idea about how to fix an issue I am concerned about. How and when do I approach my legislator? Should I wait until the beginning of the session in January?

FAQ #3

How important is bill sponsorship and how does it work? Does it make a difference who the lead sponsor is?

FAQ #4

My idea has now become a bill that has been introduced at the State House! Should I check back with the lead sponsor in May to see how it went?

FAQ #5

We have a great bill that has been introduced year after year, yet nothing ever happens. This issue is really important to my family! Don’t the legislators get it?

FAQ #6

We don’t have a paid lobbyist and can’t get to the State House that often. Does our bill have any chance in getting passed?

FAQ #7

Any suggestions on what not to do when trying to advocate for passage of a particular bill?

FAQ #8

I have limited time and energy but I am concerned about budget cuts for programs my child depends on. Where will my voice have the greatest impact?

FAQ #9

What's the most effective way to talk with legislators and agencies?

FAQ #10

We are grateful for your strong support in getting legislation passed that helps people with disabilities. What other legislative efforts are you most proud of or have touched you the most?

Thank you

Contact Information

Jason Lorber (802) 863-9429jlorber@leg.state.vt.us

Claudia Pringles (802) 917-2475Claudia.Pringles@vtfn.org