Joyce Lara, Tobacco Youth Coordinator

Brittany Abercrombie, Paola Dacosta-Rosario, Trevor Latta,

MYAA Youth Ambassadors

Why is talking to your Legislators important?Steps for talking to your Legislators.Video examples of meetingsFollow up after your meetingVideo QuizFollow UpClosing Questions and answers

Overview

What is Advocacy?

ad·vo·ca·cy● [ad-vuh-kuh-see]

noun- the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending

◦ex: He was known for his advocacy of states' rights.

Makes it very personal and helps develop a relationship with the legislature.Explain any points that are not clear.Can answer any questions right away.Make them aware of issues that concern you and their area.

Why is it important to meet with your legislator?

Know who they are Make an appointment Dress professionally Come prepared Speak formally Be brief Thank them for their time Use common courtesy

Steps for an Effective Meeting

Know Who They Are DO DONT

Make an Appointment DO DONT

Dress Professionally DO DONT

Come Prepared DO DONT

Speak Formally DO DONT

Be Brief DO DONT

Thank Them for Their Time DO DONT

Use Common Courtesy DO DONT

What to Discuss at the MeetingAdvocating vs Lobbying◦Advocating- focuses on educating them, tells stories that are based off true facts and stories.

Provide them with accurate facts on a specific topic to help them gain knowledge on which way to vote

◦Lobbying- you ask for a specific action: vote yes or no, support this bill, don’t support this bill

Pressures them to sway a specific way

What to Say3 Basic approaches◦Supportive◦Non supportive◦Not familiar with topic

Basic Steps for all ApproachesBe Polite, thank them for meeting with youKISS- Keep It Short and SimpleState your reason why you are hereDiscuss why it is important to youGive a couple of factsListen to what they have to sayClosing- thank them again and follow up with any questions they may have and leave your contact information and fact sheetMore power in numbers◦Equal power in youth!

Steps if They're SUPPORTIVEThis can be more of a conversation.Thank them for being supportive and offer them encouragement for taking their position.Let them know you are here for them and willing to support them in anyway you can.Thank them and leave your contact and fact sheets.

Even if you know they are not supportive you never know when something you say or do will make them change their mind or at least stop publicly endorsing their position.Express your dissatisfaction, with out arguing or getting mad.Stay with the facts, and why you feel it is important.Thank them, leave fact sheets and contact information

Steps if They're NON-SUPPORTIVE

This is a great chance to let the issue be heard.Offer more facts and specific reasons why this is important.Possibly have more time to discuss issue so have a couple of personal stories to tell.Thank them and leave your contact and fact sheets.

Steps if They're NOT FAMILIAR

(Video Quiz, 3 videos)

In each video clip pick out what was right, determine whether it was supportive, non-

supportive, or not familiar

Always follow up with any information they requested during your meeting.Send a personal thank you expressing how appreciate you are that they met with you.Look at this meeting as your beginning with your legislators and keep an ongoing communication with them.Invite them to any event you are having in your community.

Follow Up

E-mail them expressing your appreciation for their service and thank them if they are supporting any bills that are of interest to you.If you see them back in your community reintroduce your self and remind them of your visit. Thank them again for their support and service and that you are here as a resource for them should they have any questions in your cause you are in support of.

Follow Up Cont...

We thank you for coming and listening to our session. As citizens of Missouri you make us proud that you have taken your time today to learn more about being coming a positive influence in our state. Young people are valuable partners because they reflect genuine concern for their generation and also project a powerful voice in advocating for a better world.

If you would like information on important issues, we have legislature priorities on page 11 of the Conference Program.

You Are Important

Joyce Lara, Youth Coordinator , University of Missouri

Family and Community Medicine1 Riverbend Pl, Washington, MO 63090573-823-3809, laraj@health.missouri.edu Want to get in touch with a Youth

Ambassador? Contact Mona at mlara@actmissouri.org

Youth Ambassadors for Advocacy:◦ Brittany Abercrombie...............Wright City,

Missouri◦ Trevor Latta.............................Wright City,

Missouri◦ Paola Dacosta-Rosaria............Chesterfield,

Missouri