civics & legislative advocacy 101. civics is the study of the rights & duties of...
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Civics is the study of the Civics is the study of the rights & duties of rights & duties of
citizenship.citizenship.
In other words, the study of governmentIn other words, the study of government
with attention to the role of citizens.with attention to the role of citizens.
What is a What is a democracy?democracy?What is a What is a
democracy?democracy?
What is advocacy?What is advocacy?
Good Government -- It’s On Us!!
We understand the affects of past
decisions
We build together what we cannot alone
Our common vision/our common good
Public Policy Advocacy• Public policy can undermine or enhance
what we do. People are hurting because of policy decisions made at all levels of government.
• One voice matters. Your voice matters. You can make a difference.
• Democracy by its nature demands the participation of its citizens.
Which are advocacy actions?• Reading a newspaper article and discussing
it with family or friends• Calling, writing or visiting your legislator • Voting• Volunteering to help an election campaign• Educating yourself on issues you care about• Setting up an email group to share
information• Drinking coffee or eating ice cream• What else?
Three Levels of Governance
• Local government• City/Municipal• County
• State government• Federal government
State GovernmentState Government
What is the legislative What is the legislative process?process?
What can I do to What can I do to influence that process?influence that process?
Our participation in the Our participation in the legislative process is legislative process is
essential to the essential to the preservation of democracy.preservation of democracy.
We’ve Got the Power!We’ve Got the Power! Legislators are Legislators are ourour elected officials. elected officials. WeWe can hold them accountable as can hold them accountable as
someone who represents our interests.someone who represents our interests. WeWe have a right and responsibility to let have a right and responsibility to let
them know how we feel about issues.them know how we feel about issues. They are generally open to hear from They are generally open to hear from
usus, their constituents., their constituents. Without Without usus, they would not be in office., they would not be in office.
Alabama Legislature:Alabama Legislature:Two ChambersTwo Chambers
SenateSenate 35 members (Senators) from 35 members (Senators) from
the 35 senate districtsthe 35 senate districts House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
105 members 105 members (Representatives) from the 105 (Representatives) from the 105 house districtshouse districts
Legislative Session: When the Legislative Session: When the Chambers MeetChambers Meet
Annually – the first Tuesday in January, Annually – the first Tuesday in January, February or March depending on which year February or March depending on which year of the quadrennium.of the quadrennium.
2012 Session begins February 7. This is the 2012 Session begins February 7. This is the second year of the quadrennium. second year of the quadrennium.
Legislature meets a maximum of 30 Legislature meets a maximum of 30 meeting days within a period of 105 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21.calendar days; 2012 Session ends May 21.
The Governor may call “special sessions” The Governor may call “special sessions” indicating the subjects he wants considered. indicating the subjects he wants considered.
Bill is introduced and assigned to committee1st Reading
Bill is introduced and assigned to committee1st Reading
Committee considers bill Committee considers bill
Committee reports favorable action2nd Reading and placed on calendar
Committee reports favorable action2nd Reading and placed on calendar
Vote3rd Reading
Vote3rd Reading
If passed, moves to other chamber
Who’s Important in the Who’s Important in the ProcessProcess
Governor – final authority to Governor – final authority to approve or veto legislationapprove or veto legislation
Lt. Governor – presiding Lt. Governor – presiding officer of Senateofficer of Senate
Senate President Pro-TemSenate President Pro-Tem
Who’s Important in the Who’s Important in the ProcessProcess
Speaker – presiding officer of Speaker – presiding officer of the House of Representativesthe House of Representatives
Rules Committee Chairpersons Rules Committee Chairpersons in each chamber – determines in each chamber – determines the special order calendarthe special order calendar
Other Committee ChairpersonsOther Committee Chairpersons
Where You Have Influence
Before a bill is introducedWhen a bill is in committeeWhen a bill is being debated on
the floorWhen a bill awaits the
Governor’s signature
Constituents can have more impact than anyone else in the legislative process.
You can find your legislators at: www.legislature.state.al.us
More Things You Can Do!Build relationships with your Legislators
when they are not in sessionInvite them to speak to your community
or church group.Talk to them when they are out in the
community.Tell them your concerns & remember
today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s advocate
When Talking to Elected Officials…
Know your subject matter & be clear about what you’re requesting
Never mislead…it’s much better to say you will get back with more information
Know your opposition Be forceful, but not aggressive Know the interests of your official & if possible, present
your issue to match Don’t alienate – today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s
advocate Personalize your request Always thank the official for their time
Remember…
While there’s strength in diversity, there’s power in unity. Bring as many diverse voices to your cause.
Be clear, simple and personal. Spread your message
Involve family, friends, church members Write letters to the editor Speak to groups and organizations in your
community.
People who choose to do People who choose to do nothing still affect public nothing still affect public policy—but their silence policy—but their silence
supports the way things are supports the way things are rather than helping make rather than helping make
things better.things better.
People who choose to do People who choose to do nothing still affect public nothing still affect public policy—but their silence policy—but their silence
supports the way things are supports the way things are rather than helping make rather than helping make
things better.things better.