Making a Difference Ruth Hoffman Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 1701 Arroyo Chamiso Santa Fe, NM...

Making a Difference

Ruth HoffmanLutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

1701 Arroyo ChamisoSanta Fe, NM 87505

(505) 984-8005 [email protected]

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 2

What is Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM?

A state public policy office of the Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA and ELCA World Hunger

Advocates for and with those with little or no economic or political power

Advocates for just, sound and compassionate public policies based upon the social justice policy positions of the ELCA


Advocacy basics

Enthusiasm and passion

Provide information and point of view

Work in and with coalitions

Legislation = public policy

How does legislation happen?

Someone wants the legislature to do something about a situation that they care about (change public policy) –

• A change in an existing law• Funding for a program or project• A new law



Why & how do you think public policy should be changed?

• Discuss it with others concerned about the issue

• Do some research•Research what you want done•Research possible solutions



After you know what you want done • Find out if other people or

organizations want the same thing and ask them to join with you or you can join with them•Coalitions can be much more effective

•Keep your coalition informed & urge them to respond to your “alerts”Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM 6


• Talk to your legislators about it•Explain it•Tell stories to illustrate it•If possible, show them the “situation”

•Listen to ideas that they might have

•Ask them to help you get it done


When should we start working on making

legislation happen? Now!

Working on changes in public policy happens all year long• Don’t wait until a legislative

session starts• Interim legislative committees

meet during each summer and fall

• Legislators have more time to talk with you when they are at home and not “in session.”


When are legislative sessions?

Convene on the 3rd Tuesday of January at noon• Odd-numbered years – 60 days• Even-numbered years – 30 days• Special sessions – usually called

by the governor


What about the executive branch of government?

Try to meet with the governor or the governor’s staff about your issue.• Explain what you are trying to do

and ask for support.• Tell stories to make your case.• The governor can ask legislators

to carry bills


What about the executive branch of government?

Try to talk with the executive agency or department that will be implementing your legislation.• They can be helpful.• It is important that they

understand how the legislation or funding should be implemented when it becomes law.


What are interim legislative committees?

Interim committees include legislators from both houses and parties

They generally meet monthly from June through November and into December

They are organized by policy areas They recommend legislation


Can I speak before an interim committee?

YES! You should contact the chairman of

the committee or the staff of the committee and ask to be on the agenda for one of their meetings• This is an opportunity to explain

what you want the legislature to do •If you can, use local stories.


How does a bill get written?

What you want the legislature to do must be written in the form of a bill.• You don’t have to write it!• The legislator who is working

with you will ask the Legislative Council Service staff to write a bill about your issue.

• All funding is ultimately included in the state budget bill (HB2).


When should we start contacting legislators to

support our issue?

Now! It is very effective to contact and talk

with legislators before a legislative session starts.• They have more time to meet

with you when they are at home• Ask others to contact their

legislators too!


Does contacting legislators make a difference?

YES!

What you think about an issue counts and legislators care about what you think!

Be sure to contact all members of the legislative committees that will be considering your bill BEFORE each committee hearing.



Communication Basics

Be courteous, respectful, friendly and positive

Don’t be arrogant, condescending or threatening

Be brief and accurate

Be sure to mention if you are a constituent -- You are important!


Communication Basics Listen carefully

Be appreciative; acknowledge past support

Be specific; if possible, refer to specific legislation or issue

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” in answer to a question:• Find the answer and get back to

them later


How do I communicate with policymakers?

Letter Writing, including email messages

• Letters can be the most powerful means of communicating with public officials

• Write about only one issue per letter

• Neatly handwrite, type or email your letter

• Try to include supporting facts and give reasons for your position

• Refer to a specific bill, if possible


Put your return address on the letter and the envelope

Use the proper form of address “The Honorable” on the address on both the

envelope and the heading “Dear Representative” or “Dear Senator” is

the salutation

Brevity is even more important for email messages!




“Letters to the Editor” of a newspaper

• Very effective way of influencing both public policy and public opinion

• Keep your letter short – about 250 words

• Get to the point and write in simple language

• Sign your letter with your contact info

• Newspapers accept letters electronically



Telephone calls

• During legislative sessions, office staff answer most calls to lawmakers.

• When you call a legislator at home, you may reach them or, more likely, an answering system.

• Be brief and specific• Talk about only one issue per call



Personal Visits Follow “Communication Basics”

It is most effective to try to make an appointment while lawmakers are at home in their districts.

During sessions:• Expect brief visits• You may have to simply leave a note

saying you came by and briefly stating your position or issue



Attend Committee Hearings (interim & session)Meetings of standing committees during legislative sessions:• Anyone may attend and testify• Chairman will ask if anyone would like

to speak either in favor of or opposed to the bill being discussed

• Stand, identify yourself, and briefly state your position

• Don’t speak for an organization unless you know its official position

• Committee meeting schedules and agendas can be long and unpredictable


Remember --

As long as you are sincere and polite, there is no wrong way to communicate with a policymaker!

What should I do after my bill passes the legislature?

Follow up with the governor’s staff or try to talk with the governor personally and with executive agencies to make sure that they understand the need for your bill.

Have others contact the governor’s office in support of your bill or funding.


Know the opposition

Find out who might oppose your issue

Know the arguments they will use

Plan how to respond to their arguments


What happens to a bill?


Introduced

Assigned to committees

Heard in committees

Heard on the floor

Passes!

Goes over to the other house

Same process begins

Passes!

Sent to the governor

Signed or vetoed

Implemented


You can make a difference!

Advocacy is --

•Exciting•Challenging•Crucial•Effective•Long term

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