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BEFORE THE EVENT Introduction to Advocacy An Advocacy Pep Talk with Lynn Breedlove (16 min.)
SlidesLearn about Your Legislator Task:
1. Find your state representatives by entering your street address on the Wisconsin Legislative Districts Viewer.
2. Visit your representatives' webpages to learn their background, committee assignments and interests.
2021 Wisconsin State Senators
2021 Wisconsin State RepresentativesThe Budget & Legislative Process Families as Advocates and Change Agents with Liz Hecht (15 min.)
SlidesLegislative Policy Priorities Special Education and School Mental Health with Joanne Juhnke (12 min.)
Slides
Disability Resource Centers for Children and Families with Liz Hecht (9 min.)
Slides
Read:
Disability Resource Center for Children & Family SummaryDevelop Your Message Developing Your Message and Delivering it to Legislators with Barbara Katz (12 min.)
Slides
Write:
Use the worksheet (below) to draft what you want to say to your legislator:
Worksheet / Worksheet with Examples
Talking PointsPrepare to Meet Your Legislators Read:
Tips for Meeting Virtually with Elected Officials
Legislative Leave BehindBACKGROUND INFORMATION (If you have time!) Understanding the Legislator Read:
A Citizen’s Guide to Participating in the Wisconsin State Legislature
Legislative Advocacy GuideDAY OF EVENT Wednesday, March 23 ZOOM LINK Time Activity Materials 9:00 - 9:30 Introduction Icebreaker Questions 9:30 - 10:30 The Budget and Legislative Process
Policy/Legislative Priorities, Q & ABudget Priorities for Children and Families 10:30 - 10:35 Break 10:35 - 11:20 Developing Your Message to Legislators Your Completed Developing Your Message to Legislators Worksheet 11:20 - 11:30 Legislative Visits Explained
Confirm 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions11:30 - 12:00 Joint Visit Planning 1:00 - 5:00 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions (sign-up in advance). Schedule for 1-on-1 coaching sessions Thursday, March 24 ZOOM LINK Time Activity Materials 9:00 - 11:30 Video or phone calls with your Senator and Assembly Representative--FV Staff will set up appointments for you! Directory of Wisconsin Legislators 11:30 - 12:15 Share About Your Meeting with Legislators
Please complete the online forms:
Event Evaluation
Legislative Visit Report form
Next Steps
12:15 - 12:30 Future Advocacy Opportunities and Wrap Up State-Level Boards, Committees and Councils AFTER THE EVENT Write a Thank You Letter to Your Legislator Restating Your Main Points Contact Other Elected Officials Get Involved in Policy & Systems Change Take Part in Family Leadership Activities Join an Advisory Group or Committee Ways to Engage in Policy and Systems Change -
https://familyvoiceswi.org/advocacy-for-change-2021-everything-you-need-to-get-ready/