How to use messages to affect change
You are passionate about children – but you’ve never lobbied a state legislator.
Nervous? take a moment to read the following How-To-Guide: Share your story with state representatives, the media and others.
Here’s an important thing to remember: You have what every elected officel needs -A VOTE! And you have knowledge and experience that will help legislators make informed decisions.
Whether you are a parent, an early childhood professional or a local business owner whose employees need high-quality child care, your state respresentative is elected by you, and wants to hear what you have to say.
Here are some practical communication strategies to maximize the impact of your lobbying efforts:
- Letters- Draft a letter to the govenor or your state representative
- Calls- Make calls or set up meetings with state representatives and their staff members
- Invitations- Invite an elected official to tour or attend a special event at your child care or preschool facility and then alert the media to cover the event.
- Media- Write a letter to a newspaper editor
- Newsletters- Draft an article for your organization’s newsletter
https://www.naccrra.org/public-policy/about-public-policy
Child Care Aware of America promotes national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning for all children.
Legislative Materials & Advocacy Handbook
This is an A-B-C guide to telling your story to lawmakers, media and other concerned groups and individuals to improve the quality of early care and education in New York State.
NYS Child Care Public Policy & Advocacy Efforts
Join the Early Care & Learning Council in advocating for quality, affordable child care for all New York’s families. View policy and advocacy updates, public policy agendas, parent information, resources and government contacts.
Empire State Child Care Campaign Their mission is to achieve equitable access to quality child care for all children and working families in New York State.
Clasp A national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people. We develop practical yet visionary strategies for reducing poverty, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing barriers faced by people of color. With 50 years’ experience at the federal, state, and local levels, we’re fighting back in today’s threatening political climate while advancing our vision for the future.
https://www.clasp.org/blog/keeping-immigrant-families-safe-early-childhood-programs
https://www.clasp.org/blog/members-congress-pledge-help-separated-children
The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA) is a leading statewide policy analysis and advocacy organization working to shape policies to improve health, welfare, and human services for all New Yorkers, especially those who are disenfranchised. They are a statewide, nonprofit, policy analysis and advocacy organization working to shape policies to improve health, welfare and human services for all New Yorkers, especially children and families who are living in poverty.