Voices During a Time of Choices:Call to Action!

Why Advocacy within your Mentoring Program is Vital

IntroductionsO Mai-Anh Kapanke, Associate DirectorO Nicki Patnaude, Public Policy Graduate

Intern

Panel• Jane Eastwood, Education Director for Mayor

Coleman’s office—St. Paul, MN• Paul Meunier, Former Mayor of Ham Lake, MN• Dan Solomon, Field Representative for

Senator Al Franken—St. Paul, MN

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What is Grassroots Organizing?

O A political practice to create social change

O Based on the power of the people to take collective action on their own behalf

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7 Pillars of Successful Grassroots

Communication

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O Pillar 1: Believe you can make a difference!

O Pillar 2: Start early and get organized.O Pillar 3: Make it personal.O Pillar 4: Tell your story well.O Pillar 5: Timing is everything.O Pillar 6: Work with staff.O Pillar 7: Who we elect matters.

Source: John Kaul, Capital Gains, Inc.

Why should I meet with my legislator?

O Face-to-face meeting = higher priority for your concerns

O More meetings with your group, more likely the Legislator will remember you when it’s time to vote on a bill

O Plants the seeds for a relationship – possibly long-term

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10 Steps to Holding Effective Discussions with

Elected Officials1. Introduce yourself (as a constituent!)2. Identify your organization3. Thank them for meeting with you4. Mention why you are there5. State your purpose6. Briefly explain talking points & rationale7. Ask for their support8. Thank them for support9. Let them know you will stay in touch10. Leave talking points handout with them

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Relationships are important

O Seek to establish and cultivate a relationship with your legislators

O Legislators know that building relationships with constituents will help pass their legislation and aid their re-election

O Since so few make this effort, the communication from you and others in your group can make a big difference

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Now it’s time to play…

Name That Name That Politician!Politician!

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Name this former Governor.

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Governor Jesse Ventura

MinnesotaMinnesota

Youth Policy(ies):

•Eliminated Children’s Cabinet—direct voice for children and youth programs to the governor

Name this former U.S. Representative.

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Congressman Tom Osborne

NebraskaNebraska

Youth Policy(ies):

•Original leadership for the bipartisan Congressional Mentoring Caucus (2002-2006)

Name this U.S. Senator.

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Senator Mary Landrieu

LouisianaLouisiana

Youth Policy(ies):

•Co-chairs the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth•Introduced Foster Care Mentoring Act of 2009, reintroduced in 2011

Name this U.S. Representative.

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Congresswoman Betty

McCollumMinnesotaMinnesotaYouth

Policy(ies):•Current co-chair for the bipartisan Congressional Mentoring Caucus•Expressed support numerous times for designation of January as National Mentoring Month

Who are your legislators?

O State House of Representatives?O State Senate?O U.S. House of Representatives?

Find out here:MN: Minnesota legislatureIA: Iowa LegislatureNE: Nebraska legislatureNY: NY Senate NY AssemblySD: South Dakota legislatureMS: Mississippi legislature

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Using the Media for Your Cause

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O Write good press releases, editorials = goodgood

O Making sure decision makers see every piece of your good press = better!better!

O Use social mediaO Contact lead staff for the issue to

inform and pass along good press

Effective Use of MediaSave ServiceSave Service

O In 2011, House Budget proposed to cut funding for national service-based programs (i.e. AmeriCorps, Foster Grandparents, Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity, City Year, JumpStart, etc.)

O AmeriCorps alum in Boston launched Save Service Campaign to ensure full funding for Corporation of National and Community Service ProgramsO “Call Day”, March 15 & September 15O “District Office Drop-by” Day, August 10O Launched social media initiative, using facebook and

Twitter, to connect with alumni, stakeholders, etc.

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Effective Use of MediaLittle Red WagonLittle Red Wagon

O Non-profit formed in 2005 by then-7 year old Zach Bonner in response to Hurricane Charley (FL)O Walking across America to “help kids in distressed

situations”O “24 Hours” sleep-outs and back-pack stuffing for homeless

youth

O Received Presidential Call to Service Award from Pres. George W. Bush for achievementsO Successfully accesses media on a variety of

levels (news, web, print, social networking) to reach stakeholders Zach Bonner Video

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O www.mpmn.org/takeactionO http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/mcn-at-the-

capitol

O http://www.mentoring.org/get_involved/advocateO http://www.youthtoday.org/index.cfmO http://www.sasanet.org/curriculum_final/

downlaods/CA/Working%20Papers%20&%20Case%20Studies/WP1%20-%20Advocacy_Skills.pdf

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Policy & Advocacy Resources

Words of Wisdom

“Information is a commodity…if you don’t engage, they won’t respond.“

-Fred CavazzaSocial Media / Web Consultant

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Words of Wisdom

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.“

-Margaret MeadMentoring Partnership of Minnesota, 2011 19