Why Speak Up for School Nutrition Linda Irby Sherri Lehman Sarah Murphy
Outline Understanding the Legislative Process CNR Update Regulatory Process Grassroots Advocacy How You Can Get Involved A plug for PAC It starts with the States Social Media / Twitter Support
Legislative Process House Subcommittee Senate Subcommittee House Full Committee Senate Full Committee House Votes Committee Conference Senate Votes House Votes on Conference Bill President Signs Into Law Senate Votes on Conference Bill
Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2015 Child Nutrition Five Year Reauthorization Cycle. Timelines of Reauthorizations can be at the mercy of other factors budget battles, natural disasters, etc. Even though our lunch and breakfast programs are permanently authorized, the 2015 reauthorization provides the opportunity to make improvements and changes in how the programs operate.
Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2015, 2016, 2017? U.S. House: 19 days U.S. Senate: 21 days
The Road Ahead Next Steps: U.S. House Mark Up Committee Marked up bill May 18 Bill passed out of Committee May 18 by 20 14 vote Schedule Floor time for a vote Days Left in Session U.S. House: 19 U.S. Senate: 21
H. R. 5003
Regulatory Process Federal regulations are the actual enforceable laws authorized by legislation. Congress Jurisdiction USDA Jurisdiction Law Regulation Policy & Guidance
Advocacy Actions Ongoing Hill Visits by SNA Staff and Lobbying Team Hill Briefings Social Media / Twitter Talking Points Media Statement Template Letters
Grassroots Engagement SNA Advocacy Resources Position Paper, Talking Points and Infographic are easily accessible on the website. Additional resources such as Lobbying Tips, State Advocacy templates and tools, message development, etc.
Grassroots Engagement Representative Yarmouth (D KY 3) gets a first hand look at school nutrition operations!
Grassroots Engagement Louisville Mayor, Greg Fischer takes a turn at helping to provide nutritious meals to students!
Grassroots Engagement Use Cafeteria site visits, breakfast in the office, etc. to showcase program and explain challenges. US Senator Pat Roberts (R KS) Chairman of Senate Agriculture Committee visits with students at Pauline South Intermediate School and Mill Valley High.
Grassroots Engagement www.schoolnutrition.org/takeaction Member sign up to receive alerts Form letters provided Automatically populates with contact information
Grassroots Engagement
The Plug for PAC Governed by SNA member board of directors Goals: To educate members of Congress about the child nutrition programs To thank the members who continue to support the programs year after year Visit: http://schoolnutrition.org/pac/
PAC Contribution Levels PAC Patriot: $25 PAC Statesman: $50 PAC Ambassador: $100
State Advocacy
State Legislative Trends Breakfast After the Bell Farm to School School gardens
#1 Rule of Advocacy FORM RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE THE CRISIS!
Additional Rules Most legislatures are part time plan your policy goals and implement before the sessions! Identifying key state officials: Governors Leaders in State Legislatures Your Representatives Identify possible coalitions to work with Steps work to move forward or stop problematic bills.
New Resources!
Social Media
@SchoolLunch twitter goals What does @SchoolLunch want to gain from a social media presence? Facebook vs. Twitter Release information Learn what the buzz is Share the positive Balance the challenges with positive
Release Information via Social Media
The Selective Social Media Response Respond to the negative with positive. Respond to the inaccurate with data. Talk about broad challenges. Apply discretion and use appropriate engagement.
SNA Members Can Support @schoollunch through your own examples Share what s going on in your district Engage in the local conversation students, communities, parents Connect to the national conversation
Questions? We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate. Thomas Jefferson