Legislative Advocacy on Behalf of the Social Work Profession Panel Members: Lisa Crockwell, MSW, RSW Max L. Foster Jr. Marc Herstand, MSW, CISW Moderator: Nick Smiar, CISW, Ph.D. Moving Forward: Social Work in the Age of Mobility 2016 Education Conference
Context for Legislative Advocacy Lisa Crockwell, MSW, RSW Executive Director & Registrar Newfoundland & Labrador Assn. of Social Workers
Factors Cultural Economic Political Geographic
Strategy Clearly identify the issue and goal Formulate a consistent message grounded in the public interest Informed by solid research Identify key decision makers and stakeholders Identify all challenges Anticipate questions before they are asked Be aware of timing Educate and inform (terminology is important) Propose a solution (model)
Moving Forward
Practice Wisdom in Legislative Advocacy Max L. Foster Jr. Executive Director Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
Identify what you want to accomplish Communicate, inform, educate throughout the process. Make yourself known. Do you have the time and resources to complete the task? Who will do the work? Staff? Board? Lobbyist?
Know the Issue Define the role of a state regulatory agency vs. an advocate. Be prepared to discuss all aspects of legislation. Research. Is there a danger of unintended consequences in opening up a statute?
Know the Issue (cont.) Impact (cost, staffing, raising fees) Consistent with current statutes Work with revisor of statutes Impact on other state agencies Impact on other state agencies Fiscal note
Know the Issue (cont.) Temporary / emergency / permanent Publicity / relationship with the press Public Protection More paperwork? Time to take effect Court of public opinion Why? / Benefit (more gov t red tape and regulation)
Impact on Constituents / Licensees Business owners? Increased fees? Educate the masses (newsletter, pub meetings, website, e-mail)
Legislative Timing Election year. Leadership concerns. Be aware of legislative calendar / political process.
Know the staff of the legislator Contact by text / e-mail / telephone. Short meetings. Verify proponents and opponents Less opposition / greater chance of passage. Beware of relationships of opposition with selected legislators.
Intangibles Murphy s law (be prepared for surprises) Don t make assumptions / don t take things for granted Be diligent. Follow the process at every turn. Things happen quickly Don t take it personally!! Amendments can happen.
Intangibles (cont.) Attempt to work out differences prior to the hearing. Attend all legislative committee meetings be available for questions. Opposition will work committee. What amendments will board allow? Make decisions on the fly. Anticipate questions from opposition.
Remember: You may do everything right but have less than perfect results!
RED STATE, BLUE STATE, PURPLE STATE CONSIDERATIONS FOR MESSAGING YOUR MOBILITY CAMPAIGN Marc Herstand, MSW, CISW Executive Director NASW Wisconsin Chapter
MESSAGING YOUR MOBILITY CAMPAIGN: CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORKING WITH RED STATE LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNOR 1. Does this bill add or subtract from regulation? Does it eliminate unnecessary regulation? 2. Does the bill turf anyone out and/or does it make it easier to become social work professionals? 3. Could this bill be seen as breaking down barriers to work? 4. Would this bill make it easier for employers to attract social work employees from out of state? 5. Have other states already passed this legislation?
CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORKING WITH BLUE STATE LEGISLATORS 1. Would this bill increase access to services for low-income people and communities of color? 2. Would this bill help or hurt the most vulnerable clients?
CLIENT GROUPS/SITUATIONS TO USE IN YOUR MESSAGING WITH RED OR BLUE STATE LEGISLATORS 1. Veterans with PTSD. 2. Youth with serious mental health challenges. 3. People in general with mental health issues. 4. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
TIPS ON TESTIFYING AT A HEARING: 1. Know the issue thoroughly, including opposing views. 2. Meet with the committee members ahead of time, recruit others to testify also. 3. Mobilize constituents of the committee members ahead of time. 4. Clearly organize your presentation so legislators can follow you.
TIPS ON TESTIFYING AT A HEARING: 5. Hand out a written copy of your testimony. 6. Study committee members. 7. Don t repeat what others have said before you. 8. Address opposing views in your presentation. 9. Be respectful and don t argue.
TIPS ON TESTIFYING AT A HEARING: 10. Practice your presentation. 11. Use stories and anecdotes as well as facts and figures. 12. Recruit a diverse group of presenters.
A FINAL NOTE: WHAT YOU NEED TO ASSESS BEFORE COMMITTING TO A LEGISLATIVE MOBILITY CAMPAIGN 1. Political risks to existing social work regulation. 2. Your lobbying capacity. 3. Your organizing capacity.