advocacy jim tobin 9 e long st. columbus, oh 43215 614-224-7147 jtobin@ohiocathconf.org
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ADVOCACY
• JIM TOBIN• 9 E LONG ST.
• COLUMBUS, OH 43215• 614-224-7147
• jtobin@ohiocathconf.org• www.ohiocathconf.org
What Can I do?Legislative Advocacy
ADVOCACY PLANS
Charity Direct Social Services
Justice Social Change
Help individuals meet their present needs: - Serve in soup kitchens - Sponsor a ref ugee family - Mentor and tutor - Donate food, clothing, money
Correct long-term problems in communities: - Participate in community self-help projects - Advocate for just public policies - Develop local community enterprises
ADVOCACY PLANS
Families/Individuals
Community & Faith Institutions
Private Sector
Government
The Big Picture
• Why advocacy from the perspective of faith-based social service providers is important– “Real world” experience of clients
and agencies– Moral voice on behalf of the poor
and vulnerable; – Respected amongst policymakers
Why Advocacy Is Important
• Advocacy is your right– The first amendment guarantees
your right to connect with lawmakers
• Advocacy is our responsibility– Part of our faith/agency Mission
• Now, more than ever– Budget threats and policy changes– Contentious political environment
Why Advocacy Is Important
• Local connections with constituents make an impact on policymakers
• You have the power to impact the political process and improve policies that effect the poor and vulnerable
Making a Commitment to Advocacy
• Varying levels of advocacy– What kind of time and resources
do I need to devote to advocacy?– Activities range from making one
phone call to implementing a long-range plan
– Think about how what you are already doing is advocacy
• Even a small effort can make a big difference
Knowledge is Power
• Stay informed– Keep abreast of current legislative
action on issues important to you
• Know the players– Know who your lawmakers are and
where they stand on your issues
U.S. Senator
• Washington D.C. Office
524 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510phone: (202) 224-3353
• Cincinnati Office36 East 7th Street Room 2615Cincinnati, OH 45202phone: (513) 684-3265
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George Voinovich (R)
U.S. Senator
• Cleveland Office
600 East Superior AveRoom 2450
Cleveland OH 44114
Phone: 216-522-7272
Fax: 216-522-2239• Washington, D.C.
455 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2315
Fax: (202) 228-6321
Sherrod Brown (D)
U.S. House
Ohio Senate
Statehouse
Room #201, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone: 614/466-8086 QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
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Bill Harris ( R)19th District
SENATE PRESIDENT
Ohio House
Jon Husted (R)37th District
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SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
•Address: Riffe Center77 S. High St14th FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215-6111Telephone: 614/644-6008
LEGISLATIVE INFO
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/search.cfm#bill_keyword
Legislative Decisions
VOTER PERCEPTIONS
INFLUENTIAL PERSONS
POLITICAL PARTY LEADERSHIP
COMPROMISE
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
Relationships are Key
KNOW WHO YOU NEED TO KNOW
Elected Officials
Other Faith/Social Work Leaders
Power Brokers
POWERS OF THE BROKEN
Relationships are Key
WORK ON RELATIONSHIPS
Strive for Name Recognition
Agree to Disagree and Move On
Invite to Events/Dialogues
Relationships are Key
USE YOUR INFLUENCE
Voting Constituent
Expertise on Issue
Member of Agency, Church, Civic Group, Advocacy Organization
Types of Advocacy Activities
• Letters, phone calls, emails, faxes– 5-10 Letters /Communiqués Can Be a lot
• Visits to your Legislators
• Site Visits– Invite policymakers to visit your
programs– Spread the good news: show off how
your program helps the community– Make the connection between your
program and policy decisions made in Washington
When Interacting with Policymakers
Be strategicBe informed
Use simple, effective messages
All written communication should be clear and concise
Emphasize local impacts and successes
Honor any commitment you make to them
Never miss an opportunity to thank them
Build and sustain relationships over time
Types of Advocacy Activities
• Form or participate in coalitions – there is strength in numbers
• Work with local media to highlight your programs/issues
• Other activities– Invite policymakers to receptions,
groundbreakings, program milestones
– Attend and speak at public forums held by policymakers
• This applies to federal, state and local advocacy
Hang in there
Be persistent and consistent.Your efforts matter and you can make a difference.You have the power to make change.
ADVOCACY
• JIM TOBIN• 9 E LONG ST.
• COLUMBUS, OH 43215• 614-224-7147
• jtobin@ohiocathconf.org• www.ohiocathconf.org
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