8 7/16 x 11

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD

ADVOCACY

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION

• A bill must pass one chamber before being passed onto the next chamber. If a bill is amended (changed) in the second chamber, the changes require the approval of the first chamber.

• Testimony from the public is heard during committee hearings. Speaking in person or submitting written testimony is a great way to have your voice heard.

• After a bill is approved by both chambers, the governor has 60 calendar days to sign or veto the bill. If he does not act within that time, it automatically becomes a law.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

• Bills with similar content are developed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Differences between the two bills are then reconciled by a Conference Committee. The reconciled version of the bill requires the approval of the full House and Senate.

• The president can either sign the bill, actively veto it or decide not to act. If the president does not act in 10 days and Congress is still in session, the bill automatically becomes law. If Congress adjourns before 10 days and the president has not signed the bill, it is a “pocket veto”.

HOW DOES A BILL BECOME A LAW?Legislation is introduced by a senator or representative in his or her chamber and given a reference number.

The bill is then passed on to the relevant committee or committees within that chamber, depending on the topic of the legislation.

The committee holds hearings and assigns the bill to subcommittees if necessary.

The committee discusses the bill and debates potential changes.

The committee votes on the bill; if passed, it moves to the full chamber.

The bill is heard and debated in the chamber and may be put up for a vote.

Once the bill has been passed in both chambers, it moves to the executive office to be signed into law by the governor or president.

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3

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7

6

5

ADVOCACY VS. LOBBYING

ADVOCACY simply means building support for an issue, be it among the general public, members of Congress, the media, school officials or key opinion leaders. You are advocating when you educate someone about a topic, share personal stories about how an issue affects you or work with others to develop a solution to a problem. As a constituent of your publicly elected officials, you can contact them at any time to talk about how policies affect your life. State and federal governments do not regulate how individual members of the public participate in advocacy.

LOBBYING is communicating with elected officials to influence their actions regarding a specific piece of legislation. Many nonprofits can legally lobby, as long as they do not exceed restrictions on how time and resources are expended based on federal tax laws. Expert legal and tax advice should be sought by an organization before engaging in lobbying activities.

ADVOCACYWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “advocacy”? A professional lobbyist in Washington? A political rally with thousands of participants? Or perhaps a community member testifying before a congressional committee? These are all examples of advocacy, as are other actions that many of us take every day.

• Helped a family receive needed services

• Stood up for someone who was being treated unfairly

• Attended a parent/teacher conference at your child’s school

• Participated in a city council meeting

WHY ADVOCATE?To carry out their responsibilities, public officials welcome and need advice and input from concerned, well-informed people like you.

YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE IF YOU HAVE EVER:

The following examples show how someone might try to develop support for more resources for early childhood programs. This is how they would use the EPIC approach to tailor their message to lawmakers, practitioners and the business community.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

LAWMAKERSI am your constituent and the parent of a child in an early learning program in your district that provides services to more than 100 children and their families in our community.

Our community has grown a lot in the past several years. Many other parents I know haven’t been able to find quality programs for their babies, toddlers and preschoolers because the programs in our community have seen their funding cut over the past few years. I’m very concerned because this means that too many children in our community will come to kindergarten in a few years without the basic skills they need to be successful in school. This will have an impact not only on those children, but on all of the children in our school.

The governor’s budget proposal includes a small restoration of the money that’s been cut from the Early Childhood Block Grant. If we could at least restore this amount, our local programs could begin to serve more of the children in our community who need the program the most.

» WILL YOU SUPPORT a budget that includes a partial restoration of early childhood funding? Would you ask your legislative leaders to also support this initiative and tell them this funding is a priority for you?

EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTITIONERSAs an early childhood professional, you are likely concerned about ensuring that children have the opportunity to receive high-quality early childhood experiences.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. And yet, at the same time, our programs have seen budget cuts that have led to programs turning away children because there is not enough funding to serve them. Or you

may have had to make difficult decisions affecting the quality of your program because of cost considerations.

The governor’s budget, which has been proposed to the state legislature, partially restores some of the funding which has been cut over the past few years. This restoration would help put your program back on a path of providing quality services to the children who need it the most.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask them to support a budget that includes restoration of funding for early childhood programs?

BUSINESS COMMUNITYEarly childhood programs are proven to prepare children for school and help them become productive citizens in the future. High-quality early childhood programs are necessary for a strong future workforce.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. But programs are serving fewer children due to state budget cuts. These children will be entering our local school system in a few years and are more likely to arrive without the skills they need for success. They will be 50% more likely to need costly special education services and 25% more likely to drop out of school.

The state legislature is considering a budget that includes a partial restoration of funding for early childhood services. If the restoration is approved, we will have the opportunity to provide more children in our community with a high-quality early childhood experience, which makes them more likely to be successful students, employees and citizens.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask them to support a budget that includes funding for early childhood programs?

33 West Monroe Street Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60603 | theounce.org

8 7/16 x 11 Inside

When you speak up to resolve an issue that is specific to a child or family, that’s an example of case advocacy. With stories and documentation of how policies affect you, representatives from schools and government agencies can use that information to improve the service they provide.

Strategies• Research the rules or eligibility requirements of

a particular program or policy.• Document the problem, its history and whether

others have had similar difficulties.• Meet with local agency staff and/or other affected

families to discuss the problem.• File an appeal if services are denied.

TYPES OF ADVOCACY

EXAMPLE: Ms. Ferguson had to do a lot of paperwork to keep her childcare subsidy, but she was always very good about filling out the forms completely and submitting them on time—so she was surprised when the subsidy lapsed. She had to pull her son, Zachary, out of preschool because she could no longer afford to keep him in it. She took him with her to meet with a caseworker, bringing copies of all the paperwork and forms required. Working with the caseworker, they determined that Ms. Ferguson’s paperwork had been received but the information hadn’t been communicated to Ms. Ferguson or the preschool director. Ms. Ferguson worked with the caseworker and preschool director to establish a more effective communications plan, her subsidy was reinstated and Zachary went back to preschool the next day.

You can help create new policies, revise guidelines and resolve program problems by directly engaging administrative and governmental agencies. Many decisions about rules and regulations are made outside the legislature, so interacting with the managing entity can be an effective way to make a positive change.

Strategies• Develop relationships with agency staff to influence

decision making.• Participate in forums where decisions are made.• Provide reliable information about the impact of

policy decisions in your community, agency or program to build credibility.

EXAMPLE: Sam, the local director of a home visiting program, is frustrated because the state agency that provides his funding has said he must use an approved developmental screening instrument. He and his staff have found that another, comparable instrument (with a more parent-focused process) is more helpful in engaging parents about their child’s development. Sam’s staff has been using both screenings in order to satisfy the agency’s requirement and be effective with families. Sam discussed the issue with his agency liaison and showed her evidence of improved parent outcomes that he believed were linked to their preferred screening tool. Sam later sent a follow-up email to the liaison and her supervisor, asking the agency to reconsider its policy. After more investigation, the agency amended its rule to allow greater flexibility in choosing approved screening tools so that programs could decide which tool best fits their needs.

Advocates can educate elected officials about the impact of policies in their home district and suggest policies that would benefit their community. Legislative advocacy activities can also include lobbying on specific bills or requested funding levels.

Strategies• Communicate with legislators and staff through

letters, emails, phone calls or personal visits.• Invite legislators to visit your program.• Testify before relevant legislative committees.• Work with legislators to persuade agency

administrators to adopt your proposal.• Meet with staffers to draw attention to your issue.

EXAMPLE: Mary was experiencing severe postpartum depression. She had health insurance and access to great prenatal care, but after her child was born, none of her doctors asked her about how she was feeling. Eventually she was admitted to a psychiatric unit in the local hospital for treatment for postpartum depression. After recovering, Mary wanted to help other women living through the same ordeal. She worked with her state senator to draft legislation requiring doctors to screen women for post-partum depression and to provide expectant mothers with information about perinatal mood disorders. Mary testified for a legislative committee, lobbied legislators and worked with other advocates over several months to pass the bill.

The media can help increase public awareness and influence broader public debate about early childhood issues.

Strategies• Express your point of view through letters to the

editor and call-in opportunities.• Contact local reporters when your organization

has news to share.• Appear on local talk shows or public-affairs

programs to share your expertise.• Meet with the editorial boards of newspapers.• Identify families or other impacted organizations

and ask them to write letters or make calls.• Share pertinent local media coverage with elected

officials from your community.

EXAMPLE: Anne, the director of a home visiting program, read a story in her local newspaper about the number of children under age 1 who enter the child-welfare system because of abuse or neglect. Anne wrote a letter to the editor, detailing community resources available through her program that help coach new parents through the sometimes overwhelming first months of their child’s life. Anne included examples from her program and national statistics of how home visiting reduces the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

CASE ADVOCACY

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

MEDIA ADVOCACY

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVOCACY

SCHEDULING A VISIT• Schedule an appointment with policymakers in advance of your visit.• Have several dates and times available for a face-to-

face meeting. When calling to make an appointment, ask for the scheduler, not the legislator. If the scheduler is not available, leave a message and follow up with another phone call.

• Let the scheduler know what issue you want to discuss with the legislator.

• If the legislator won’t be available during your visit, ask to meet with a staff person knowledgeable about your issue.

• Find out how much time you will have with the legislator or staffer.

• After making an appointment, leave your name and contact information with the scheduler as well as the names of any relevant organizations with which you are affiliated.

MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE• Dress professionally.• Have in mind what you want to say.• Look for common ground and thank the official for

past support if applicable.• Allow the elected official time to ask questions and

share observations or opinions.• Anticipate opposing arguments. Be prepared to

defend your perspective and stay focused on suggestions for constructive solutions.

• Ask elected officials what it would take for them to change their minds. Several communications may be necessary to effectively persuade a policymaker.

• Be friendly, firm and positive in your messaging even if your legislator does not share your perspective. A rational, balanced conversation will keep the official’s door open to future contact.

• Bring informational materials such as fact sheets, articles or research studies to leave with the legislator

and staff. When possible, use local data. For example, cite how many children under age 5 live in the district and how many early childhood slots are available.

• Remember that you are an authority with content knowledge and expertise to share.

• Do not forget a call to action. Let the legislators know what you want them to do: vote for a bill, talk with colleagues, sponsor legislation, etc.

• Offer to provide relevant follow-up contact or materials after the meeting.

• Take notes, particularly if further contact is expected.• Thank your legislators or their staff members for the

time they’ve spent and any supportive actions they will take.

AFTER THE MEETING• Follow up with a letter or email thanking the

legislators or staff persons for their time and reminding them of any action commitments they made.

• Let them know what follow-up action they can expect from you if you offered to provide their office with further information.

• Talk with other advocates about the meeting and strategize next steps.

• Do not send photocopied letters to legislators. It is better to send brief personalized letters than to send letters that have clearly been duplicated.

ADVOCACY IN PERSONLegislators want to be responsive to their constituents and will spend time when possible.

LEGISLATORS’ STAFF MEMBERS ARE AWONDERFUL RESOURCE. DEVELOPINGA GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH LEGISLATIVESTAFF CAN LEAD TO DIRECT CONTACTWITH A LEGISLATOR OVER TIME.

DEVELOPING YOUR MESSAGEMany of our key audiences (legislators, legislative aides, agency staff, reporters, business and civic leaders) often have very little time to discuss complex issues. Given these time constraints, it is imperative to develop a succinct message about early childhood issues that will capture the audience’s interest. Advocates must also be capable of communicating a clear and concise message in a number of different formats: letters, emails, speeches and meetings with public officials. Remember to use your personal email and telephone when contacting policymakers.

ENGAGE THE AUDIENCEIdentify the audience you are trying to influence. Choose information and language that will resonate with the audience and help it understand the issues.

STATE THE PROBLEMChoose the most compelling component of the issue for each audience.

Think about:• What is the problem?• Who is affected by the issue?• Why does the issue need to be addressed

at this time?• Where is the problem greatest?• When is intervention needed before there are negative consequences?• How are children, families and the community being affected?• What local data can you provide to emphasize how the problem is affecting the community?

INFORM OTHERS ABOUT POTENTIAL SOLUTIONSBe prepared to suggest and discuss practical solutions. Consider your specific recommendations, the evidence you have to support them and how these solutions might be funded.

CALL TO ACTION The call to action required will vary according to the audience and the problem at hand, but make sure to clearly define the “ask.” The action requested should be specific and give your audience an immediate way to get involved.

The EPIC format, trademarked by the grassroots advocacy organization RESULTS (www.results.org), is a useful way to create a concise but powerful statement.

FOLLOW THE EPIC APPROACH WHEN CRAFTING YOUR MESSAGE TO POLICYMAKERS:

8 7/16 x 11

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD

ADVOCACY

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION

• A bill must pass one chamber before being passed onto the next chamber. If a bill is amended (changed)in the second chamber, the changes require the approval of the first chamber.

• Testimony from the public is heard during committee hearings. Speaking in person or submittingwritten testimony is a great way to have your voice heard.

• After a bill is approved by both chambers, the governor has60 calendar days to sign or veto the bill. If he does not actwithin that time, it automatically becomes a law.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

• Bills with similar content are developed in both the Houseof Representatives and the Senate. Differences betweenthe two bills are then reconciled by a Conference Committee.The reconciled version of the bill requires the approval ofthe full House and Senate.

• The president can either sign the bill, actively veto it or decidenot to act. If the president does not act in 10 days and Congressis still in session, the bill automatically becomes law. If Congressadjourns before 10 days and the president has not signed thebill, it is a “pocket veto”.

HOW DOES A BILL BECOME A LAW?Legislation is introduced by a senator or representative in his or her chamber and given a reference number.

The bill is then passed on to the relevant committee or committees within that chamber, depending on the topic of the legislation.

The committee holds hearings and assigns the bill to subcommittees if necessary.

The committee discusses the bill and debates potential changes.

The committee votes on the bill; if passed, it moves to the full chamber.

The bill is heard and debated in the chamber and may be put up for a vote.

Once the bill has been passed in both chambers, it moves to the executive office to be signed into law by the governor or president.

1

2

3

4

7

6

5

ADVOCACY VS. LOBBYING

ADVOCACY simply means building support for an issue, be it among the general public, members of Congress, the media, school officials or key opinion leaders. You are advocating when you educate someone about a topic, share personal stories about how an issue affects you or work with others to develop a solution to a problem. As a constituent of your publicly elected officials, you can contact them at any time to talk about how policies affect your life. State and federal governments do not regulate how individual members of the public participate in advocacy.

LOBBYING is communicating with elected officials to influence their actions regarding a specific piece of legislation. Many nonprofits can legally lobby, as long as they do not exceed restrictions on how time and resources are expended based on federal tax laws. Expert legal and tax advice should be sought by an organization before engaging in lobbying activities.

ADVOCACYWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “advocacy”? A professional lobbyist in Washington? A political rally with thousands of participants? Or perhaps a community member testifying before a congressional committee? These are all examples of advocacy, as are other actions that many of us take every day.

• Helped a family receive needed services

• Stood up for someone who was beingtreated unfairly

• Attended a parent/teacher conference atyour child’s school

• Participated in a city council meeting

WHY ADVOCATE?To carry out their responsibilities, public officials welcome and need advice and input from concerned, well-informed people like you.

YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE IF YOU HAVE EVER:

The following examples show how someone might try to develop support for more resources for early childhood programs. This is how they would use the EPIC approach to tailor their message to lawmakers, practitioners and the business community.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

LAWMAKERSI am your constituent and the parent of a child in an early learning program in your district that provides services to more than 100 children and their families in our community.

Our community has grown a lot in the past several years. Many other parents I know haven’t been able to find quality programs for their babies, toddlers and preschoolers because the programs in our community have seen their funding cut over the past few years. I’m very concerned because this means that too many children in our community will come to kindergarten in a few years without the basic skills they need to be successful in school. This will have an impact not only on those children, but on all of the children in our school.

The governor’s budget proposal includes a small restoration of the money that’s been cut from the Early Childhood Block Grant. If we could at least restore this amount, our local programs could begin to serve more of the children in our community who need the program the most.

» WILL YOU SUPPORT a budget that includes a partialrestoration of early childhood funding? Would you askyour legislative leaders to also support this initiativeand tell them this funding is a priority for you?

EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTITIONERSAs an early childhood professional, you are likely concerned about ensuring that children have the opportunity to receive high-quality early childhood experiences.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. And yet, at the same time, our programs have seen budget cuts that have led to programs turning away children because there is not enough funding to serve them. Or you

may have had to make difficult decisions affecting the quality of your program because of cost considerations.

The governor’s budget, which has been proposed to the state legislature, partially restores some of the funding which has been cut over the past few years. This restoration would help put your program back on a path of providing quality services to the children who need it the most.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask themto support a budget that includes restorationof funding for early childhood programs?

BUSINESS COMMUNITYEarly childhood programs are proven to prepare children for school and help them become productive citizens in the future. High-quality early childhood programs are necessary for a strong future workforce.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. But programs are serving fewer children due to state budget cuts. These children will be entering our local school system in a few years and are more likely to arrive without the skills they need for success. They will be 50% more likely to need costly special education services and 25% more likely to drop out of school.

The state legislature is considering a budget that includes a partial restoration of funding for early childhood services. If the restoration is approved, we will have the opportunity to provide more children in our community with a high-quality early childhood experience, which makes them more likely to be successful students, employees and citizens.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask them tosupport a budget that includes funding for earlychildhood programs?

33 West Monroe Street Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60603 | theounce.org

8 7/16 x 11 Inside

When you speak up to resolve an issue that is specific to a child or family, that’s an example of case advocacy. With stories and documentation of how policies affect you, representatives from schools and government agencies can use that information to improve the service they provide.

Strategies• Research the rules or eligibility requirements of

a particular program or policy.• Document the problem, its history and whether

others have had similar difficulties.• Meet with local agency staff and/or other affected

families to discuss the problem.• File an appeal if services are denied.

TYPES OF ADVOCACY

EXAMPLE: Ms. Ferguson had to do a lot of paperwork to keep her childcare subsidy, but she was always very good about filling out the forms completely and submitting them on time—so she was surprised when the subsidy lapsed. She had to pull her son, Zachary, out of preschool because she could no longer afford to keep him in it. She took him with her to meet with a caseworker, bringing copies of all the paperwork and forms required. Working with the caseworker, they determined that Ms. Ferguson’s paperwork had been received but the information hadn’t been communicated to Ms. Ferguson or the preschool director. Ms. Ferguson worked with the caseworker and preschool director to establish a more effective communications plan, her subsidy was reinstated and Zachary went back to preschool the next day.

You can help create new policies, revise guidelines and resolve program problems by directly engaging administrative and governmental agencies. Many decisions about rules and regulations are made outside the legislature, so interacting with the managing entity can be an effective way to make a positive change.

Strategies• Develop relationships with agency staff to influence

decision making.• Participate in forums where decisions are made.• Provide reliable information about the impact of

policy decisions in your community, agency or program to build credibility.

EXAMPLE: Sam, the local director of a home visiting program, is frustrated because the state agency that provides his funding has said he must use an approved developmental screening instrument. He and his staff have found that another, comparable instrument (with a more parent-focused process) is more helpful in engaging parents about their child’s development. Sam’s staff has been using both screenings in order to satisfy the agency’s requirement and be effective with families. Sam discussed the issue with his agency liaison and showed her evidence of improved parent outcomes that he believed were linked to their preferred screening tool. Sam later sent a follow-up email to the liaison and her supervisor, asking the agency to reconsider its policy. After more investigation, the agency amended its rule to allow greater flexibility in choosing approved screening tools so that programs could decide which tool best fits their needs.

Advocates can educate elected officials about the impact of policies in their home district and suggest policies that would benefit their community. Legislative advocacy activities can also include lobbying on specific bills or requested funding levels.

Strategies• Communicate with legislators and staff through

letters, emails, phone calls or personal visits.• Invite legislators to visit your program.• Testify before relevant legislative committees.• Work with legislators to persuade agency

administrators to adopt your proposal.• Meet with staffers to draw attention to your issue.

EXAMPLE: Mary was experiencing severe postpartum depression. She had health insurance and access to great prenatal care, but after her child was born, none of her doctors asked her about how she was feeling. Eventually she was admitted to a psychiatric unit in the local hospital for treatment for postpartum depression. After recovering, Mary wanted to help other women living through the same ordeal. She worked with her state senator to draft legislation requiring doctors to screen women for post-partum depression and to provide expectant mothers with information about perinatal mood disorders. Mary testified for a legislative committee, lobbied legislators and worked with other advocates over several months to pass the bill.

The media can help increase public awareness and influence broader public debate about early childhood issues.

Strategies• Express your point of view through letters to the

editor and call-in opportunities.• Contact local reporters when your organization

has news to share.• Appear on local talk shows or public-affairs

programs to share your expertise.• Meet with the editorial boards of newspapers.• Identify families or other impacted organizations

and ask them to write letters or make calls.• Share pertinent local media coverage with elected

officials from your community.

EXAMPLE: Anne, the director of a home visiting program, read a story in her local newspaper about the number of children under age 1 who enter the child-welfare system because of abuse or neglect. Anne wrote a letter to the editor, detailing community resources available through her program that help coach new parents through the sometimes overwhelming first months of their child’s life. Anne included examples from her program and national statistics of how home visiting reduces the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

CASE ADVOCACY

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

MEDIA ADVOCACY

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVOCACY

SCHEDULING A VISIT• Schedule an appointment with policymakers in advance of your visit.• Have several dates and times available for a face-to-

face meeting. When calling to make an appointment, ask for the scheduler, not the legislator. If the scheduler is not available, leave a message and follow up with another phone call.

• Let the scheduler know what issue you want to discuss with the legislator.

• If the legislator won’t be available during your visit, ask to meet with a staff person knowledgeable about your issue.

• Find out how much time you will have with the legislator or staffer.

• After making an appointment, leave your name and contact information with the scheduler as well as the names of any relevant organizations with which you are affiliated.

MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE• Dress professionally.• Have in mind what you want to say.• Look for common ground and thank the official for

past support if applicable.• Allow the elected official time to ask questions and

share observations or opinions.• Anticipate opposing arguments. Be prepared to

defend your perspective and stay focused on suggestions for constructive solutions.

• Ask elected officials what it would take for them to change their minds. Several communications may be necessary to effectively persuade a policymaker.

• Be friendly, firm and positive in your messaging even if your legislator does not share your perspective. A rational, balanced conversation will keep the official’s door open to future contact.

• Bring informational materials such as fact sheets, articles or research studies to leave with the legislator

and staff. When possible, use local data. For example, cite how many children under age 5 live in the district and how many early childhood slots are available.

• Remember that you are an authority with content knowledge and expertise to share.

• Do not forget a call to action. Let the legislators know what you want them to do: vote for a bill, talk with colleagues, sponsor legislation, etc.

• Offer to provide relevant follow-up contact or materials after the meeting.

• Take notes, particularly if further contact is expected.• Thank your legislators or their staff members for the

time they’ve spent and any supportive actions they will take.

AFTER THE MEETING• Follow up with a letter or email thanking the

legislators or staff persons for their time and reminding them of any action commitments they made.

• Let them know what follow-up action they can expect from you if you offered to provide their office with further information.

• Talk with other advocates about the meeting and strategize next steps.

• Do not send photocopied letters to legislators. It is better to send brief personalized letters than to send letters that have clearly been duplicated.

ADVOCACY IN PERSONLegislators want to be responsive to their constituents and will spend time when possible.

LEGISLATORS’ STAFF MEMBERS ARE AWONDERFUL RESOURCE. DEVELOPINGA GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH LEGISLATIVESTAFF CAN LEAD TO DIRECT CONTACTWITH A LEGISLATOR OVER TIME.

DEVELOPING YOUR MESSAGEMany of our key audiences (legislators, legislative aides, agency staff, reporters, business and civic leaders) often have very little time to discuss complex issues. Given these time constraints, it is imperative to develop a succinct message about early childhood issues that will capture the audience’s interest. Advocates must also be capable of communicating a clear and concise message in a number of different formats: letters, emails, speeches and meetings with public officials. Remember to use your personal email and telephone when contacting policymakers.

ENGAGE THE AUDIENCEIdentify the audience you are trying to influence. Choose information and language that will resonate with the audience and help it understand the issues.

STATE THE PROBLEMChoose the most compelling component of the issue for each audience.

Think about:• What is the problem?• Who is affected by the issue?• Why does the issue need to be addressed

at this time?• Where is the problem greatest?• When is intervention needed before there are negative consequences?• How are children, families and the community being affected?• What local data can you provide to emphasize how the problem is affecting the community?

INFORM OTHERS ABOUT POTENTIAL SOLUTIONSBe prepared to suggest and discuss practical solutions. Consider your specific recommendations, the evidence you have to support them and how these solutions might be funded.

CALL TO ACTION The call to action required will vary according to the audience and the problem at hand, but make sure to clearly define the “ask.” The action requested should be specific and give your audience an immediate way to get involved.

The EPIC format, trademarked by the grassroots advocacy organization RESULTS (www.results.org), is a useful way to create a concise but powerful statement.

FOLLOW THE EPIC APPROACH WHEN CRAFTING YOUR MESSAGE TO POLICYMAKERS:

8 7/16 x 11 Inside

When you speak up to resolve an issue that is specific to a child or family, that’s an example of case advocacy. With stories and documentation of how policies affect you, representatives from schools and government agencies can use that information to improve the service they provide.

Strategies• Research the rules or eligibility requirements of

a particular program or policy.• Document the problem, its history and whether

others have had similar difficulties.• Meet with local agency staff and/or other affected

families to discuss the problem.• File an appeal if services are denied.

TYPES OF ADVOCACY

EXAMPLE: Ms. Ferguson had to do a lot of paperwork to keep her childcare subsidy, but she was always very good about filling out the forms completely and submitting them on time—so she was surprised when the subsidy lapsed. She had to pull her son, Zachary, out of preschool because she could no longer afford to keep him in it. She took him with her to meet with a caseworker, bringing copies of all the paperwork and forms required. Working with the caseworker, they determined that Ms. Ferguson’s paperwork had been received but the information hadn’t been communicated to Ms. Ferguson or the preschool director. Ms. Ferguson worked with the caseworker and preschool director to establish a more effective communications plan, her subsidy was reinstated and Zachary went back to preschool the next day.

You can help create new policies, revise guidelines and resolve program problems by directly engaging administrative and governmental agencies. Many decisions about rules and regulations are made outside the legislature, so interacting with the managing entity can be an effective way to make a positive change.

Strategies• Develop relationships with agency staff to influence

decision making.• Participate in forums where decisions are made.• Provide reliable information about the impact of

policy decisions in your community, agency or program to build credibility.

EXAMPLE: Sam, the local director of a home visiting program, is frustrated because the state agency that provides his funding has said he must use an approved developmental screening instrument. He and his staff have found that another, comparable instrument (with a more parent-focused process) is more helpful in engaging parents about their child’s development. Sam’s staff has been using both screenings in order to satisfy the agency’s requirement and be effective with families. Sam discussed the issue with his agency liaison and showed her evidence of improved parent outcomes that he believed were linked to their preferred screening tool. Sam later sent a follow-up email to the liaison and her supervisor, asking the agency to reconsider its policy. After more investigation, the agency amended its rule to allow greater flexibility in choosing approved screening tools so that programs could decide which tool best fits their needs.

Advocates can educate elected officials about the impact of policies in their home district and suggest policies that would benefit their community. Legislative advocacy activities can also include lobbying on specific bills or requested funding levels.

Strategies• Communicate with legislators and staff through

letters, emails, phone calls or personal visits.• Invite legislators to visit your program.• Testify before relevant legislative committees.• Work with legislators to persuade agency

administrators to adopt your proposal.• Meet with staffers to draw attention to your issue.

EXAMPLE: Mary was experiencing severe postpartum depression. She had health insurance and access to great prenatal care, but after her child was born, none of her doctors asked her about how she was feeling. Eventually she was admitted to a psychiatric unit in the local hospital for treatment for postpartum depression. After recovering, Mary wanted to help other women living through the same ordeal. She worked with her state senator to draft legislation requiring doctors to screen women for post-partum depression and to provide expectant mothers with information about perinatal mood disorders. Mary testified for a legislative committee, lobbied legislators and worked with other advocates over several months to pass the bill.

The media can help increase public awareness and influence broader public debate about early childhood issues.

Strategies• Express your point of view through letters to the

editor and call-in opportunities.• Contact local reporters when your organization

has news to share.• Appear on local talk shows or public-affairs

programs to share your expertise.• Meet with the editorial boards of newspapers.• Identify families or other impacted organizations

and ask them to write letters or make calls.• Share pertinent local media coverage with elected

officials from your community.

EXAMPLE: Anne, the director of a home visiting program, read a story in her local newspaper about the number of children under age 1 who enter the child-welfare system because of abuse or neglect. Anne wrote a letter to the editor, detailing community resources available through her program that help coach new parents through the sometimes overwhelming first months of their child’s life. Anne included examples from her program and national statistics of how home visiting reduces the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

CASE ADVOCACY

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

MEDIA ADVOCACY

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVOCACY

SCHEDULING A VISIT• Schedule an appointment with policymakers in advance of your visit.• Have several dates and times available for a face-to-

face meeting. When calling to make an appointment, ask for the scheduler, not the legislator. If the scheduler is not available, leave a message and follow up with another phone call.

• Let the scheduler know what issue you want to discuss with the legislator.

• If the legislator won’t be available during your visit, ask to meet with a staff person knowledgeable about your issue.

• Find out how much time you will have with the legislator or staffer.

• After making an appointment, leave your name and contact information with the scheduler as well as the names of any relevant organizations with which you are affiliated.

MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE• Dress professionally.• Have in mind what you want to say.• Look for common ground and thank the official for

past support if applicable.• Allow the elected official time to ask questions and

share observations or opinions.• Anticipate opposing arguments. Be prepared to

defend your perspective and stay focused on suggestions for constructive solutions.

• Ask elected officials what it would take for them to change their minds. Several communications may be necessary to effectively persuade a policymaker.

• Be friendly, firm and positive in your messaging even if your legislator does not share your perspective. A rational, balanced conversation will keep the official’s door open to future contact.

• Bring informational materials such as fact sheets, articles or research studies to leave with the legislator

and staff. When possible, use local data. For example, cite how many children under age 5 live in the district and how many early childhood slots are available.

• Remember that you are an authority with content knowledge and expertise to share.

• Do not forget a call to action. Let the legislators know what you want them to do: vote for a bill, talk with colleagues, sponsor legislation, etc.

• Offer to provide relevant follow-up contact or materials after the meeting.

• Take notes, particularly if further contact is expected.• Thank your legislators or their staff members for the

time they’ve spent and any supportive actions they will take.

AFTER THE MEETING• Follow up with a letter or email thanking the

legislators or staff persons for their time and reminding them of any action commitments they made.

• Let them know what follow-up action they can expect from you if you offered to provide their office with further information.

• Talk with other advocates about the meeting and strategize next steps.

• Do not send photocopied letters to legislators. It is better to send brief personalized letters than to send letters that have clearly been duplicated.

ADVOCACY IN PERSONLegislators want to be responsive to their constituents and will spend time when possible.

LEGISLATORS’ STAFF MEMBERS ARE AWONDERFUL RESOURCE. DEVELOPINGA GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH LEGISLATIVESTAFF CAN LEAD TO DIRECT CONTACTWITH A LEGISLATOR OVER TIME.

DEVELOPING YOUR MESSAGEMany of our key audiences (legislators, legislative aides, agency staff, reporters, business and civic leaders) often have very little time to discuss complex issues. Given these time constraints, it is imperative to develop a succinct message about early childhood issues that will capture the audience’s interest. Advocates must also be capable of communicating a clear and concise message in a number of different formats: letters, emails, speeches and meetings with public officials. Remember to use your personal email and telephone when contacting policymakers.

ENGAGE THE AUDIENCEIdentify the audience you are trying to influence. Choose information and language that will resonate with the audience and help it understand the issues.

STATE THE PROBLEMChoose the most compelling component of the issue for each audience.

Think about:• What is the problem?• Who is affected by the issue?• Why does the issue need to be addressed

at this time?• Where is the problem greatest?• When is intervention needed before there are negative consequences?• How are children, families and the community being affected?• What local data can you provide to emphasize how the problem is affecting the community?

INFORM OTHERS ABOUT POTENTIAL SOLUTIONSBe prepared to suggest and discuss practical solutions. Consider your specific recommendations, the evidence you have to support them and how these solutions might be funded.

CALL TO ACTION The call to action required will vary according to the audience and the problem at hand, but make sure to clearly define the “ask.” The action requested should be specific and give your audience an immediate way to get involved.

The EPIC format, trademarked by the grassroots advocacy organization RESULTS (www.results.org), is a useful way to create a concise but powerful statement.

FOLLOW THE EPIC APPROACH WHEN CRAFTING YOUR MESSAGE TO POLICYMAKERS:

8 7/16 x 11 Inside

When you speak up to resolve an issue that is specific to a child or family, that’s an example of case advocacy. With stories and documentation of how policies affect you, representatives from schools and government agencies can use that information to improve the service they provide.

Strategies• Research the rules or eligibility requirements of

a particular program or policy.• Document the problem, its history and whether

others have had similar difficulties.• Meet with local agency staff and/or other affected

families to discuss the problem.• File an appeal if services are denied.

TYPES OF ADVOCACY

EXAMPLE: Ms. Ferguson had to do a lot of paperwork to keep her childcare subsidy, but she was always very good about filling out the forms completely and submitting them on time—so she was surprised when the subsidy lapsed. She had to pull her son, Zachary, out of preschool because she could no longer afford to keep him in it. She took him with her to meet with a caseworker, bringing copies of all the paperwork and forms required. Working with the caseworker, they determined that Ms. Ferguson’s paperwork had been received but the information hadn’t been communicated to Ms. Ferguson or the preschool director. Ms. Ferguson worked with the caseworker and preschool director to establish a more effective communications plan, her subsidy was reinstated and Zachary went back to preschool the next day.

You can help create new policies, revise guidelines and resolve program problems by directly engaging administrative and governmental agencies. Many decisions about rules and regulations are made outside the legislature, so interacting with the managing entity can be an effective way to make a positive change.

Strategies• Develop relationships with agency staff to influence

decision making.• Participate in forums where decisions are made.• Provide reliable information about the impact of

policy decisions in your community, agency or program to build credibility.

EXAMPLE: Sam, the local director of a home visiting program, is frustrated because the state agency that provides his funding has said he must use an approved developmental screening instrument. He and his staff have found that another, comparable instrument (with a more parent-focused process) is more helpful in engaging parents about their child’s development. Sam’s staff has been using both screenings in order to satisfy the agency’s requirement and be effective with families. Sam discussed the issue with his agency liaison and showed her evidence of improved parent outcomes that he believed were linked to their preferred screening tool. Sam later sent a follow-up email to the liaison and her supervisor, asking the agency to reconsider its policy. After more investigation, the agency amended its rule to allow greater flexibility in choosing approved screening tools so that programs could decide which tool best fits their needs.

Advocates can educate elected officials about the impact of policies in their home district and suggest policies that would benefit their community. Legislative advocacy activities can also include lobbying on specific bills or requested funding levels.

Strategies• Communicate with legislators and staff through

letters, emails, phone calls or personal visits.• Invite legislators to visit your program.• Testify before relevant legislative committees.• Work with legislators to persuade agency

administrators to adopt your proposal.• Meet with staffers to draw attention to your issue.

EXAMPLE: Mary was experiencing severe postpartum depression. She had health insurance and access to great prenatal care, but after her child was born, none of her doctors asked her about how she was feeling. Eventually she was admitted to a psychiatric unit in the local hospital for treatment for postpartum depression. After recovering, Mary wanted to help other women living through the same ordeal. She worked with her state senator to draft legislation requiring doctors to screen women for post-partum depression and to provide expectant mothers with information about perinatal mood disorders. Mary testified for a legislative committee, lobbied legislators and worked with other advocates over several months to pass the bill.

The media can help increase public awareness and influence broader public debate about early childhood issues.

Strategies• Express your point of view through letters to the

editor and call-in opportunities.• Contact local reporters when your organization

has news to share.• Appear on local talk shows or public-affairs

programs to share your expertise.• Meet with the editorial boards of newspapers.• Identify families or other impacted organizations

and ask them to write letters or make calls.• Share pertinent local media coverage with elected

officials from your community.

EXAMPLE: Anne, the director of a home visiting program, read a story in her local newspaper about the number of children under age 1 who enter the child-welfare system because of abuse or neglect. Anne wrote a letter to the editor, detailing community resources available through her program that help coach new parents through the sometimes overwhelming first months of their child’s life. Anne included examples from her program and national statistics of how home visiting reduces the incidence of child abuse and neglect.

CASE ADVOCACY

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

MEDIA ADVOCACY

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVOCACY

SCHEDULING A VISIT• Schedule an appointment with policymakers in advance of your visit.• Have several dates and times available for a face-to-

face meeting. When calling to make an appointment, ask for the scheduler, not the legislator. If the scheduler is not available, leave a message and follow up with another phone call.

• Let the scheduler know what issue you want to discuss with the legislator.

• If the legislator won’t be available during your visit, ask to meet with a staff person knowledgeable about your issue.

• Find out how much time you will have with the legislator or staffer.

• After making an appointment, leave your name and contact information with the scheduler as well as the names of any relevant organizations with which you are affiliated.

MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE• Dress professionally.• Have in mind what you want to say.• Look for common ground and thank the official for

past support if applicable.• Allow the elected official time to ask questions and

share observations or opinions.• Anticipate opposing arguments. Be prepared to

defend your perspective and stay focused on suggestions for constructive solutions.

• Ask elected officials what it would take for them to change their minds. Several communications may be necessary to effectively persuade a policymaker.

• Be friendly, firm and positive in your messaging even if your legislator does not share your perspective. A rational, balanced conversation will keep the official’s door open to future contact.

• Bring informational materials such as fact sheets, articles or research studies to leave with the legislator

and staff. When possible, use local data. For example, cite how many children under age 5 live in the district and how many early childhood slots are available.

• Remember that you are an authority with content knowledge and expertise to share.

• Do not forget a call to action. Let the legislators know what you want them to do: vote for a bill, talk with colleagues, sponsor legislation, etc.

• Offer to provide relevant follow-up contact or materials after the meeting.

• Take notes, particularly if further contact is expected.• Thank your legislators or their staff members for the

time they’ve spent and any supportive actions they will take.

AFTER THE MEETING• Follow up with a letter or email thanking the

legislators or staff persons for their time and reminding them of any action commitments they made.

• Let them know what follow-up action they can expect from you if you offered to provide their office with further information.

• Talk with other advocates about the meeting and strategize next steps.

• Do not send photocopied letters to legislators. It is better to send brief personalized letters than to send letters that have clearly been duplicated.

ADVOCACY IN PERSONLegislators want to be responsive to their constituents and will spend time when possible.

LEGISLATORS’ STAFF MEMBERS ARE AWONDERFUL RESOURCE. DEVELOPINGA GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH LEGISLATIVESTAFF CAN LEAD TO DIRECT CONTACTWITH A LEGISLATOR OVER TIME.

DEVELOPING YOUR MESSAGEMany of our key audiences (legislators, legislative aides, agency staff, reporters, business and civic leaders) often have very little time to discuss complex issues. Given these time constraints, it is imperative to develop a succinct message about early childhood issues that will capture the audience’s interest. Advocates must also be capable of communicating a clear and concise message in a number of different formats: letters, emails, speeches and meetings with public officials. Remember to use your personal email and telephone when contacting policymakers.

ENGAGE THE AUDIENCEIdentify the audience you are trying to influence. Choose information and language that will resonate with the audience and help it understand the issues.

STATE THE PROBLEMChoose the most compelling component of the issue for each audience.

Think about:• What is the problem?• Who is affected by the issue?• Why does the issue need to be addressed

at this time?• Where is the problem greatest?• When is intervention needed before there are negative consequences?• How are children, families and the community being affected?• What local data can you provide to emphasize how the problem is affecting the community?

INFORM OTHERS ABOUT POTENTIAL SOLUTIONSBe prepared to suggest and discuss practical solutions. Consider your specific recommendations, the evidence you have to support them and how these solutions might be funded.

CALL TO ACTION The call to action required will vary according to the audience and the problem at hand, but make sure to clearly define the “ask.” The action requested should be specific and give your audience an immediate way to get involved.

The EPIC format, trademarked by the grassroots advocacy organization RESULTS (www.results.org), is a useful way to create a concise but powerful statement.

FOLLOW THE EPIC APPROACH WHEN CRAFTING YOUR MESSAGE TO POLICYMAKERS:

8 7/16 x 11

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD

ADVOCACY

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION

• A bill must pass one chamber before being passed onto the next chamber. If a bill is amended (changed)in the second chamber, the changes require the approval of the first chamber.

• Testimony from the public is heard during committee hearings. Speaking in person or submittingwritten testimony is a great way to have your voice heard.

• After a bill is approved by both chambers, the governor has60 calendar days to sign or veto the bill. If he does not actwithin that time, it automatically becomes a law.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

• Bills with similar content are developed in both the Houseof Representatives and the Senate. Differences betweenthe two bills are then reconciled by a Conference Committee.The reconciled version of the bill requires the approval ofthe full House and Senate.

• The president can either sign the bill, actively veto it or decidenot to act. If the president does not act in 10 days and Congressis still in session, the bill automatically becomes law. If Congressadjourns before 10 days and the president has not signed thebill, it is a “pocket veto”.

HOW DOES A BILL BECOME A LAW?Legislation is introduced by a senator or representative in his or her chamber and given a reference number.

The bill is then passed on to the relevant committee or committees within that chamber, depending on the topic of the legislation.

The committee holds hearings and assigns the bill to subcommittees if necessary.

The committee discusses the bill and debates potential changes.

The committee votes on the bill; if passed, it moves to the full chamber.

The bill is heard and debated in the chamber and may be put up for a vote.

Once the bill has been passed in both chambers, it moves to the executive office to be signed into law by the governor or president.

1

2

3

4

7

6

5

ADVOCACY VS. LOBBYING

ADVOCACY simply means building support for an issue, be it among the general public, members of Congress, the media, school officials or key opinion leaders. You are advocating when you educate someone about a topic, share personal stories about how an issue affects you or work with others to develop a solution to a problem. As a constituent of your publicly elected officials, you can contact them at any time to talk about how policies affect your life. State and federal governments do not regulate how individual members of the public participate in advocacy.

LOBBYING is communicating with elected officials to influence their actions regarding a specific piece of legislation. Many nonprofits can legally lobby, as long as they do not exceed restrictions on how time and resources are expended based on federal tax laws. Expert legal and tax advice should be sought by an organization before engaging in lobbying activities.

ADVOCACYWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “advocacy”? A professional lobbyist in Washington? A political rally with thousands of participants? Or perhaps a community member testifying before a congressional committee? These are all examples of advocacy, as are other actions that many of us take every day.

• Helped a family receive needed services

• Stood up for someone who was beingtreated unfairly

• Attended a parent/teacher conference atyour child’s school

• Participated in a city council meeting

WHY ADVOCATE?To carry out their responsibilities, public officials welcome and need advice and input from concerned, well-informed people like you.

YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE IF YOU HAVE EVER:

The following examples show how someone might try to develop support for more resources for early childhood programs. This is how they would use the EPIC approach to tailor their message to lawmakers, practitioners and the business community.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

LAWMAKERSI am your constituent and the parent of a child in an early learning program in your district that provides services to more than 100 children and their families in our community.

Our community has grown a lot in the past several years. Many other parents I know haven’t been able to find quality programs for their babies, toddlers and preschoolers because the programs in our community have seen their funding cut over the past few years. I’m very concerned because this means that too many children in our community will come to kindergarten in a few years without the basic skills they need to be successful in school. This will have an impact not only on those children, but on all of the children in our school.

The governor’s budget proposal includes a small restoration of the money that’s been cut from the Early Childhood Block Grant. If we could at least restore this amount, our local programs could begin to serve more of the children in our community who need the program the most.

» WILL YOU SUPPORT a budget that includes a partialrestoration of early childhood funding? Would you askyour legislative leaders to also support this initiativeand tell them this funding is a priority for you?

EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTITIONERSAs an early childhood professional, you are likely concerned about ensuring that children have the opportunity to receive high-quality early childhood experiences.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. And yet, at the same time, our programs have seen budget cuts that have led to programs turning away children because there is not enough funding to serve them. Or you

may have had to make difficult decisions affecting the quality of your program because of cost considerations.

The governor’s budget, which has been proposed to the state legislature, partially restores some of the funding which has been cut over the past few years. This restoration would help put your program back on a path of providing quality services to the children who need it the most.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask themto support a budget that includes restorationof funding for early childhood programs?

BUSINESS COMMUNITYEarly childhood programs are proven to prepare children for school and help them become productive citizens in the future. High-quality early childhood programs are necessary for a strong future workforce.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. But programs are serving fewer children due to state budget cuts. These children will be entering our local school system in a few years and are more likely to arrive without the skills they need for success. They will be 50% more likely to need costly special education services and 25% more likely to drop out of school.

The state legislature is considering a budget that includes a partial restoration of funding for early childhood services. If the restoration is approved, we will have the opportunity to provide more children in our community with a high-quality early childhood experience, which makes them more likely to be successful students, employees and citizens.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask them tosupport a budget that includes funding for earlychildhood programs?

33 West Monroe Street Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60603 | theounce.org

8 7/16 x 11

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD

ADVOCACY

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION

• A bill must pass one chamber before being passed onto the next chamber. If a bill is amended (changed)in the second chamber, the changes require the approval of the first chamber.

• Testimony from the public is heard during committee hearings. Speaking in person or submittingwritten testimony is a great way to have your voice heard.

• After a bill is approved by both chambers, the governor has60 calendar days to sign or veto the bill. If he does not actwithin that time, it automatically becomes a law.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

• Bills with similar content are developed in both the Houseof Representatives and the Senate. Differences betweenthe two bills are then reconciled by a Conference Committee.The reconciled version of the bill requires the approval ofthe full House and Senate.

• The president can either sign the bill, actively veto it or decidenot to act. If the president does not act in 10 days and Congressis still in session, the bill automatically becomes law. If Congressadjourns before 10 days and the president has not signed thebill, it is a “pocket veto”.

HOW DOES A BILL BECOME A LAW?Legislation is introduced by a senator or representative in his or her chamber and given a reference number.

The bill is then passed on to the relevant committee or committees within that chamber, depending on the topic of the legislation.

The committee holds hearings and assigns the bill to subcommittees if necessary.

The committee discusses the bill and debates potential changes.

The committee votes on the bill; if passed, it moves to the full chamber.

The bill is heard and debated in the chamber and may be put up for a vote.

Once the bill has been passed in both chambers, it moves to the executive office to be signed into law by the governor or president.

1

2

3

4

7

6

5

ADVOCACY VS. LOBBYING

ADVOCACY simply means building support for an issue, be it among the general public, members of Congress, the media, school officials or key opinion leaders. You are advocating when you educate someone about a topic, share personal stories about how an issue affects you or work with others to develop a solution to a problem. As a constituent of your publicly elected officials, you can contact them at any time to talk about how policies affect your life. State and federal governments do not regulate how individual members of the public participate in advocacy.

LOBBYING is communicating with elected officials to influence their actions regarding a specific piece of legislation. Many nonprofits can legally lobby, as long as they do not exceed restrictions on how time and resources are expended based on federal tax laws. Expert legal and tax advice should be sought by an organization before engaging in lobbying activities.

ADVOCACYWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “advocacy”? A professional lobbyist in Washington? A political rally with thousands of participants? Or perhaps a community member testifying before a congressional committee? These are all examples of advocacy, as are other actions that many of us take every day.

• Helped a family receive needed services

• Stood up for someone who was beingtreated unfairly

• Attended a parent/teacher conference atyour child’s school

• Participated in a city council meeting

WHY ADVOCATE?To carry out their responsibilities, public officials welcome and need advice and input from concerned, well-informed people like you.

YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE IF YOU HAVE EVER:

The following examples show how someone might try to develop support for more resources for early childhood programs. This is how they would use the EPIC approach to tailor their message to lawmakers, practitioners and the business community.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

LAWMAKERSI am your constituent and the parent of a child in an early learning program in your district that provides services to more than 100 children and their families in our community.

Our community has grown a lot in the past several years. Many other parents I know haven’t been able to find quality programs for their babies, toddlers and preschoolers because the programs in our community have seen their funding cut over the past few years. I’m very concerned because this means that too many children in our community will come to kindergarten in a few years without the basic skills they need to be successful in school. This will have an impact not only on those children, but on all of the children in our school.

The governor’s budget proposal includes a small restoration of the money that’s been cut from the Early Childhood Block Grant. If we could at least restore this amount, our local programs could begin to serve more of the children in our community who need the program the most.

» WILL YOU SUPPORT a budget that includes a partialrestoration of early childhood funding? Would you askyour legislative leaders to also support this initiativeand tell them this funding is a priority for you?

EARLY CHILDHOOD PRACTITIONERSAs an early childhood professional, you are likely concerned about ensuring that children have the opportunity to receive high-quality early childhood experiences.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. And yet, at the same time, our programs have seen budget cuts that have led to programs turning away children because there is not enough funding to serve them. Or you

may have had to make difficult decisions affecting the quality of your program because of cost considerations.

The governor’s budget, which has been proposed to the state legislature, partially restores some of the funding which has been cut over the past few years. This restoration would help put your program back on a path of providing quality services to the children who need it the most.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask themto support a budget that includes restorationof funding for early childhood programs?

BUSINESS COMMUNITYEarly childhood programs are proven to prepare children for school and help them become productive citizens in the future. High-quality early childhood programs are necessary for a strong future workforce.

Our community has grown tremendously in the past several years, and more parents are seeking early childhood programs for their children. But programs are serving fewer children due to state budget cuts. These children will be entering our local school system in a few years and are more likely to arrive without the skills they need for success. They will be 50% more likely to need costly special education services and 25% more likely to drop out of school.

The state legislature is considering a budget that includes a partial restoration of funding for early childhood services. If the restoration is approved, we will have the opportunity to provide more children in our community with a high-quality early childhood experience, which makes them more likely to be successful students, employees and citizens.

» WILL YOU CALL your legislators and ask them tosupport a budget that includes funding for earlychildhood programs?

33 West Monroe Street Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60603 | theounce.org