Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now (ICAN) Introduction My Faith and Advocacy The How-tos of Advocacy How to bring advocacy to my congregation Resources Miscellaneous Activities and Handouts

Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now

• Introduction to Advocacy
• ELCA Washington Office: History
• The Mission Statement
• What is an Advocate?
• Ways to Influence Public Policy
• How to Visit a Legislator
• Make Your Letters Count
• How to Write a Letter to the Editor
• Tips on Telephoning Your Legislators
• "I can't get to see my legislator, now what?"
• Attending a Town Meeting
• Sample Role Play I: Social Concerns Committee
• Sample Role Play II: State Senator and Legislative Assistant
• Tough Questions Role Play

Ways to Influence Public Policy

1. Develop relationships with your Senators and Representative. They especially value people who are genuinely concerned about issues and people.
    

2. Develop a relationship with the DC staffer and field (for Senators) or district (for Representatives) office staffer who handles your issues. Be able to offer them information or other assistance they need. If you want to be effective, don’t just take the staffer’s time. A grassroots activist with unique expertise can be extremely valuable to the staffer.
    

3. Assemble citizen groups to meet with your Senator or Representative regarding your issues. These can be either in the field or district office or the DC office.
    

4. Write letters to the editor. Praise good Senators and Representatives and point out policies you disagree with. Praise any legislators when they do something you support.
    

5. Raise your issue at Senators’ and Representatives’ town hall meetings. This helps to educate the elected official and the others present.
    

6. Write letters in your own words to your Senators and Representative.
    

7. Call DC or field or district office to express your opinions.
    

Note: These ways are all important; some will be more effective in certain circumstances - some in others. Remember, as an individual citizen you have the right and responsibility to be politically involved. Work with others to support policies which are important to those in whose behalf you are speaking.