What is advocacy?
Advocacy is a process whereby a certain individual or group acts as an advocate and engages in activities designed to a) bring to the forefront certain needs, issues and desires for the individual or group in need, and b) work to produce a desired change for another individual or group in need. Ultimately, the advocate (s) work is to influence decision makers to the extent that they become more responsive to the needs of the individuals or groups they are working for and with.
Parents serve in the role as their child’s advocate on a daily basis. Parents have the responsibility to advocate for, protect and advance the legal, human, health and service rights of their children to improve their quality of life.
There are many ways that parents may advocate for their children. Some parents may feel comfortable being active members of community support groups. Other parents may wish to focus on media campaigns to increase the publics’ awareness of certain issues. Still other parents may focus their attention on influencing legislative structures to make new laws or change old laws.
Top Ten Tips for Advocacy
- Get to know your legislators their districts and constituencies, voting records, personal schedules for when they are in the capitol and when they are home in the district, opinions, expertise, and interests. Be sure to have a good understanding of the legislators and his/her concerns, priorities, and perspectives.
- If you do not know whom your legislators are please click on the following site and follow the guidelines for the information that you need. www.njleg.state.nj.us. The side bar on the opening page lists many interesting avenues for you to explore. Finding your legislature is listed down the left side of the page under Members. The District section is also helpful for your search.
- Establish a relationship by contacting your policy makers before you have an issue to be addressed.
- Start this relationship by simply writing your legislature a letter and introduce yourself. Many legislatures have e-mail addresses.
- Acquaint yourself with the staff members of the legislators, committees, and resource officials with whom you will be working. These people are essential sources of information and opinion for the policy-maker and can have significant influence in the development of policy.
- Learn the legislative process and understand it. Keep on top of the issues. Certain web-based sites may assist you in learning and understanding this process.
- If you need to enhance your education concerning this click on www.njleg.state.nj.us. Your will find that there is useful information to assist your in your self-education. Read the side bar on the left side of the opening page. The section marked Our Legislature and Legislative Process is very helpful. The Kids Page is also very interesting.
- On the right side of the page there is a section called bill search. Use this section to identify bills presently being discussed that you may have some interest in.
- Identify fellow advocates and partners in the community with whom you can join forces.
- Be open to negotiation and identify the groups and other legislators with whom you may need to negotiate for change in legislation. Foster and strengthen relationships with allies and work with legislators who are flexible.
- Be polite, remember names and thank those who help you both in the legislature and in the community.
- Be honest, straightforward, and realistic when working with legislators and their staff. Do your homework before meetings and have all you information ready at your fingertips. There are several ways in which you may make contact with your legislatures. Refer to the following for specific tips:
- Timing is everything for being successful in the legislative process. The earlier in the process that you involve yourself the better chance your have at influencing the outcome f the legislation.
- Be sure to follow up with legislators and their staff. Send a thank you letter, which is also a useful tool to remind policy makers and their staff of your visit and the issues. If you offer your assistance or promise to provide additional information do so in a timely and professional manner.
The above ten tips for advocacy has been adapted from the American Public Health Association www.apha.org
Tips for Visits to Your Legislators
Before the appointment:
Call and identify yourself as a constituent of the legislator. Set up a brief appointment (15-20 minutes) to discuss issues affecting your child.
During the appointment:
Introduce yourself and the issues, which concern you.
Identify yourself as a constituent.
Briefly tell the legislator about the services your receive or are waiting for and what they mean to your family. Explain why you are concerned.
Talk about what you know and your family member.
Thank the legislator for taking the time to meet with you.
After the appointment:
Send a thank you note.
General Tips:
Be sensitive to the legislator’s busy schedule.
Meet with the staff if necessary. They will pass on your concerns.
Keep your message simple and factual.
Tips for Phone Calls to Your Legislators
Make sure the points you wish to cover are written down so that you cover all that you wish to.
Identify yourself and where you live. Let the staff member know you are a resident of the legislator’s district.
If you are calling on behalf of a group identify that group.
Briefly tell your story. Describe what services you are currently getting or waiting for.
Be clear and to the point.
Let you legislature know what you are asking for.
Make you request and ask the legislator’s position on the issue as well as his/her support.
Thank the legislature.
Follow up with a thank you note and repeat the central points.
Tips for Writing Letters to Your Legislator
Identify yourself as a constituent by giving your home address.
Provide relevant personal information about yourself and your activities in the community (I.E., indicate how long you have lived in the community, school attendance, little league, civic associations, volunteer fire department, ETC.) Identify family members who reside in the community.
Briefly identify services you receive or are waiting for including the specific program.
Express your concerns.
Make your specific requests regarding the concerns.
Make your statement personal and individual.
If you are aware of your legislatures past voting history you may wish to speak to this within the letter.
Express the desire to meet wit the legislator personally and indicate that you will shortly call to arrange an appointment
Keep a copy of the letter for future reference.
