Develop an Action Plan
Step 3: Develop a State Advocacy Plan
A key component to developing a successful state advocacy program
is focusing on the development of an organized plan. Several
factors need to be addressed when developing a plan of action,
include:
Gather Facts/Data
A number of resources have been developed to assist state
associations with legislative or regulatory activities. National
data has been collected and maintained from a variety of sources
such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sPENSE study, and
annual Reports to Congress. ASHA also collects periodic survey data
from its school-based members through the ASHA Schools Survey. Data
from ASHA's National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS) has
been successfully used by states to demonstrate teacher and parent
perceptions of the success of services rendered by school-based
SLPs with CCC to children receiving SLP services. Assembling state
data, including members and consumer survey information, is
necessary for developing talking points and presentations for
decision makers.
Identify Decision Makers and the Process to Effect Change
As the committee begins to develop its plan of activities the
group must be mindful of the key individuals or groups that will
need to be informed and included in discussions about the issue, as
well as the process required to effect change. While working with
one state, our team and the state committee realized that while a
legislative bill needed to pass and be signed by the Governor
before a change could be realized, only one or two key legislators
needed to be convinced before the bill would pass. In another
state, we needed to obtain the support of the State Board of
Education members in order to obtain the desired change. Equally
important is the process that the state utilizes to enact change.
In one of the targeted states, for example, in order to pass salary
supplement legislation, a financial impact statement needed to be
developed and included with the bill. Our committee discovered that
it was important that our lobbyist have the correct financial
statement to submit to the state finance department in order to get
the bill passed. In another state, a separate appropriations bill
needed to pass in order to get a salary supplement law funded. In
each instance, it was important for the committee to identify the
key decision makers and to understand the legislative/regulatory
process for change.
Return to Top
Develop Fact Sheets and Talking Points
Developing factual materials is an important aspect of any plan.
It involves preparing written or oral materials for testimony, or
presentations which include the major point of the proposal,
identification of the issue, the change that is needed, supporting
facts and data. Oral and written statements allow for an "on
the record" opportunity for the state association to present
its facts and views. It also helps the committee develop letters or
fact sheets for constituents and consumers to present to decision
makers. Prepared talking points and fact sheets should be short and
concise including only relevant data and supportive information.
Develop a Grassroots Network
Developing a grassroots network involves organizing a
constituent member data base, matching members with key legislators
or policy makers, developing a communication system to quickly
mobilize members into action and producing advocacy materials for
members to use when contacting decision makers. Mobilizing a
grassroots community is vital for any successful advocacy campaign.
It not only increases the association's visibility but also
encourages members to become actively involved in the
association's effort. In a legislative campaign, state senators
and representatives are greatly influenced by the people who can
vote for them. Those members who take the time to make a visit,
phone call, send an e-mail or letter, are the political elite that
drive public policy.
The final and perhaps most important step in developing an
action plan is to create an activity calendar with all of the steps
required to achieve the goal, along with timelines and persons
responsible for overseeing the completion of the activity
identified.
Return to Top
The Long Haul
Our experience in the targeted states has demonstrated that a
successful advocacy effort requires certain key ingredients,
including:
- State association support
- A careful analysis of the factors involved in state
change
- A comprehensive state action plan
- A leader and committee willing to dedicate time and effort to
the goal
- An active committed grassroots network
- An effective communication system
Effecting change also necessitates a sustained effort,
persistence, and patience. A state must establish realistic goals
and a time frame for achieving those goals. A minimum of a 2-3 year
commitment will be necessary to achieve legislative or regulatory
success. The first year may require educating committee members,
state association leaders and members, the lobbyist, and key
decision makers in the state about the issue. In subsequent years
the committee should focus on establishing key relationships,
building credibility, and demonstrating commitment to the issue.
The reward for patience and persistence not only is the realization
of the goal but an active supportive membership and legislative and
regulatory partners who seek assistance and guidance on issues that
effect the membership in years to come.
Resources
The following resources are available from ASHA to assist states
and local districts wishing to advocate for change:
Return to
Advocacy
Resource Guide: Develop Your Proposal