Civics & Legislati

ve Advocac

y 101

Civics is the study of the Civics is the study of the rights & duties of rights & duties of

citizenship.citizenship.

In other words, the study of governmentIn other words, the study of government

with attention to the role of citizens.with attention to the role of citizens.

What is a What is a democracy?democracy?What is a What is a

democracy?democracy?

What is advocacy?What is advocacy?

Good Government -- It’s On Us!!

We understand the affects of past

decisions

We build together what we cannot alone

Our common vision/our common good

Public Policy Advocacy• Public policy can undermine or enhance

what we do. People are hurting because of policy decisions made at all levels of government.

• One voice matters. Your voice matters. You can make a difference.

• Democracy by its nature demands the participation of its citizens.

Which are advocacy actions?• Reading a newspaper article and discussing

it with family or friends• Calling, writing or visiting your legislator • Voting• Volunteering to help an election campaign• Educating yourself on issues you care about• Setting up an email group to share

information• Drinking coffee or eating ice cream• What else?

“All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

-- Edmund Burke 1729-1797

Three Levels of Governance

• Local government• City/Municipal• County

• State government• Federal government

State GovernmentState Government

What is the legislative What is the legislative process?process?

What can I do to What can I do to influence that process?influence that process?

Our participation in the Our participation in the legislative process is legislative process is

essential to the essential to the preservation of democracy.preservation of democracy.

We’ve Got the Power!We’ve Got the Power! Legislators are Legislators are ourour elected officials. elected officials. WeWe can hold them accountable as can hold them accountable as

someone who represents our interests.someone who represents our interests. WeWe have a right and responsibility to let have a right and responsibility to let

them know how we feel about issues.them know how we feel about issues. They are generally open to hear from They are generally open to hear from

usus, their constituents., their constituents. Without Without usus, they would not be in office., they would not be in office.

Alabama Legislature:Alabama Legislature:Two ChambersTwo Chambers

SenateSenate 35 members (Senators) from 35 members (Senators) from

the 35 senate districtsthe 35 senate districts House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives

105 members 105 members (Representatives) from the 105 (Representatives) from the 105 house districtshouse districts

Legislative Session: When the Legislative Session: When the Chambers MeetChambers Meet

Annually – the first Tuesday in January, Annually – the first Tuesday in January, February or March depending on which year February or March depending on which year of the quadrennium.of the quadrennium.

2012 Session begins February 7. This is the 2012 Session begins February 7. This is the second year of the quadrennium. second year of the quadrennium.

Legislature meets a maximum of 30 Legislature meets a maximum of 30 meeting days within a period of 105 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21.calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21.

The Governor may call “special sessions” The Governor may call “special sessions” indicating the subjects he wants considered. indicating the subjects he wants considered.

Bill is introduced and assigned to committee1st Reading

Bill is introduced and assigned to committee1st Reading

Committee considers bill Committee considers bill

Committee reports favorable action2nd Reading and placed on calendar

Committee reports favorable action2nd Reading and placed on calendar

Vote3rd Reading

Vote3rd Reading

If passed, moves to other chamber

Who’s Important in the Who’s Important in the ProcessProcess

Governor – final authority to Governor – final authority to approve or veto legislationapprove or veto legislation

Lt. Governor – presiding Lt. Governor – presiding officer of Senateofficer of Senate

Senate President Pro-TemSenate President Pro-Tem

Who’s Important in the Who’s Important in the ProcessProcess

Speaker – presiding officer of Speaker – presiding officer of the House of Representativesthe House of Representatives

Rules Committee Chairpersons Rules Committee Chairpersons in each chamber – determines in each chamber – determines the special order calendarthe special order calendar

Other Committee ChairpersonsOther Committee Chairpersons

Where You Have Influence

Before a bill is introducedWhen a bill is in committeeWhen a bill is being debated on

the floorWhen a bill awaits the

Governor’s signature

Constituents can have more impact than anyone else in the legislative process.

You can find your legislators at: www.legislature.state.al.us

More Things You Can Do!Build relationships with your Legislators

when they are not in sessionInvite them to speak to your community

or church group.Talk to them when they are out in the

community.Tell them your concerns & remember

today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate

When Talking to Elected Officials…

Know your subject matter & be clear about what you’re requesting

Never mislead…it’s much better to say you will get back with more information

Know your opposition Be forceful, but not aggressive Know the interests of your official & if possible, present

your issue to match Don’t alienate – today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s

advocate Personalize your request Always thank the official for their time

Remember…

While there’s strength in diversity, there’s power in unity. Bring as many diverse voices to your cause.

Be clear, simple and personal. Spread your message

Involve family, friends, church members Write letters to the editor Speak to groups and organizations in your

community.

People who choose to do People who choose to do nothing still affect public nothing still affect public policy—but their silence policy—but their silence

supports the way things are supports the way things are rather than helping make rather than helping make

things better.things better.

People who choose to do People who choose to do nothing still affect public nothing still affect public policy—but their silence policy—but their silence

supports the way things are supports the way things are rather than helping make rather than helping make

things better.things better.

Information Sources• A Student’s Guide to the Alabama

Legislative Process, prepared by Office of the Secretary of State

• Alabama Arise, A coalition of 150 congregations and groups that work on poverty issues.

• www.legislature.state.al.us The Alabama Legislature’s home page.