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Moving Forward with Advocacy

Michigan League FOR Human Services Celebrating 100 years of Research and Advocacy. Moving Forward with Advocacy. Renell B. Weathers Outreach Coordinator rweathers@milhs.org www.milhs.org June 19, 2012. #movingforward @mlhs. FALLOUT. Unemployment Benefit Cuts. EITC Reduction.

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Moving Forward with Advocacy

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  1. Michigan League FOR Human Services Celebrating 100 years of Research and Advocacy Moving Forward with Advocacy Renell B. Weathers Outreach Coordinator rweathers@milhs.org www.milhs.org June 19, 2012 #movingforward @mlhs

  2. FALLOUT Unemployment Benefit Cuts EITC Reduction Asset Testing Drug Testing 48Month Cap

  3. Where to begin • What do we want? • Who can give it to us? • Who should deliver the message? • What are your assets? • What resources are missing? • Do your homework

  4. What you need to know • Learn the process • How a bill becomes law? • www.legislature.mi.gov • http://www.votesmart.org/ • Budget timeline • MNA Advocacy Handbook • http://www.mnaonline.org/ • http://house.michigan.gov/hfa/ • http://senate.michigan.gov/sfa/

  5. We wear many hats

  6. Advocacy tools • Write – Call – Visit • Building a relationship • Legislative recess • Michigan League

  7. 7 Tips • Be prepared • It’s all about credibility • Relationships are critical • Don’t count anyone “in” or “out” • Be focused • Work with partners • Share stories

  8. Michigan man charged for welfare fraud Lottery winner on food stamps even after $1M $2M Lottery Winner Uses Food Stamps

  9. Visits Legislator Champions Press Conference Testimonials Social Media Advocates Letter to the Editor Personal Letter Phone Call Email Contacts How to have the most impact Champions… • Are highly committedto your issue • Have a compelling personal story • Are willing and eager to get more involved

  10. Impact in the current political environment

  11. Know the rules • Learn if you need to be a registered lobbyist, and if you do, register to be a lobbyist and become an active participant in impacting policy decisions. • Registration handled by the Michigan Secretary of State’s office - http://www.michigan.gov/sos/.

  12. You have the power! • … Conscience asks the question "Is it right?" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. • “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” -- Margaret Mead

  13. Action Steps • Restore EITC • Put state funded unemployment benefits back to traditional 26 weeks • Soften 48-month limit for Family Independence Program recipients • Eliminate asset testing for food assistance

  14. Additional information • Website: www.milhs.org • Sign up for “Email Alerts” • Check out our blog • Become a member

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