For paid CECH, webinar is available for purchase on e-Learn at CORE:

 https://elearn.sophe.org/products/democracy-and-power-why-voting-matters-for-our-health

Steps to Successful Advocacy

To successfully tell your city story, it’s important to create a culture of enhanced public engagement. This requires a focused effort to educate state and federal lawmakers, the media, and the public about the services, solutions, and partnerships found in your city.

(Cited from League of MN Cities)

Take these important steps:

Step 2: Educate while you advocate. Don’t assume that state and federal lawmakers understand the local impact of every bill. Contact your state legislators and Congress members, and explain the local impact—both positive and negative—of state or federal legislation. Find contact information for your state legislators, and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

.

Step 3: Relentlessly defend your city. Defend the ability of your city’s residents to identify local needs and solutions through your city’s duly-elected government structure.

Step 4: Continuously Build Relationships. Whether it be with your state lawmakers, federal legislators, local business community, or county and other regional groups, build coalitions and develop common interests with interested parties throughout the year for effective advocacy when it is needed the most.

Step 5: Use “CHAT” when communicating with legislators. Download the “CHAT” worksheet (pdf)