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 ADVOCACY GUIDE: Best Practices in How to be a Citizen Advocate 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS About DC Action for Children Section I: Introduction Section II: What is Advocacy? Section III: Government of the District of Columbia The Legislative Branch Current Council Members and Committees The Executive Branch: The Role of the Mayor How a Bill Becomes a Law Section IV: So where do advocates fit into the Legislative Process? 10 Tips for Advocates Understanding the DC Budget Process: The District Budget Process: Step‐by‐Step How to effectively Advocate at a Committee Meeting Tips for Public Testimony Tips for Verbal Testifying Section V: Communicating with Elected Officials The Basic Rules Personal Letters/Emails to Public Officials Visits to Public Officials Recommendations for face‐to‐face Visits Section VI: Utilizing the Media Tips for Writing Effective Letters to the Editor Social Media Tools APPENDICES DC Government Agencies Advocacy Resources DC Action for Children | Page 1 | Page 2 | | | | | Page 3 Page 4 Page 4‐7 Page 8 Page 9‐10 | Page 11 | | | | Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 | | | | | Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 16 | Page 17 ABOUT DC ACTION FOR CHILDREN HISTORY DC Action for Children was founded by five women in the Dis‐
trict of Columbia who were concerned about the deteriorating conditions for children, youth and their families in the nation's capitol. Between 1991 and 1992, Diane Bernstein, Marion Guggen‐
heim, Cynthia McGrath, Elizabeth Siegel, and Susan Zox Smith studied the existing systems and services available in the Dis‐
trict serving those children. The group concluded that a multi‐
issue advocacy organization was essential to improving the lives of children and youth in the District of Columbia. DC Ac‐
tion for Children was incorporated in 1992 and received 501(c)(3) status in July 1993. DESCRIPTION DC Action for Children (DC ACT) is an independent, nonprofit, multi‐issue advocacy organization dedi‐
cated to improving conditions for children, youth and their families in the District of Columbia. DC ACT is guided by its vision that each child in DC should be afforded the opportunity to reach his or her po‐
tential. DC ACT's mission and vision are supported by four broad strategies: informing citizens, public officials, and service providers about the issues affecting the lives of children and youth holding gov‐
ernment accountable and promoting public policies that improve the lives of children and youth mobi‐
lizing an informed, city‐wide constituency for children empowering families and neighborhoods to ad‐
vocate for children AREAS OF FOCUS DC ACT focuses on public policies in the areas of child and youth well‐being and government account‐
ability. Our current work focuses on child welfare, health policy, child and maternal health, and child mental health. DC ACT staff members rely on the wealth of advocacy and policy resources in the city to take action, as needed, on other policy issues related to family and child well‐being. Helping to improve the lives of children in the nation’s capital SECTION I: INTRODUCTION While the same basic rules apply to all citizen advocates, this manual is intended to benefit the family members of children, adolescents or young adults with special needs. Although government spending in the District of Columbia has increased steadily in recent years, demands for funding have increased more rapidly (education, Medicaid, public safety.) Because of these increasing demands, it is all the more important that citizens contact their legislators and share information about the need for im‐
proved services for children, adolescents and young adults. The more legislators hear from their con‐
stituents, the better able they are to recognize the need to prioritize our issues now. The following manual is divided into several sections. In Section II, various types of advocacy are briefly described. The remainder of the manual focuses on public policy advocacy. Section III describes the District of Colombia Legislature, the Government structure of DC, the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, the process of “how a bill becomes a law,” and the budget process. In Section IV, advocates can learn how to most successfully affect the legislative process. Then, in Section V, specific guidelines describe the best practices to use when communicating with elected officials. Tips for writing letters to elected officials and visits to public office are given in great detail. Tips for utilizing the media and writ‐
ing letters to the editor are given in Section VI. Finally, the appendix includes an advocacy resource of DC Government Agencies, resources for family members and more information about DC Action for Children. After reading this manual, you will hopefully feel more comfortable meeting and interacting with your Councilmember and other local public officials. Once you become an active citizen advocate, you will soon realize how approachable legislators are and how easy it can be to affect change! DC Action for Children 1 SECTION II: WHAT IS ADVOCACY? P ersonal advocacy includes helping your family member obtain appropriate services, understanding their rights and responsi‐
bilities, file grievances, etc. This includes helping your family navigate the various systems such as the IEP process (Individualized Educational Pro‐
gram) within the school system. Several family support organizations in DC advise families on how to advocate for your family member within the system (see pg.20 for advocacy resources). Public advocacy is using your knowledge and personal experience to help educate the general public about the needs of children, adolescents, and young adults with behavioral, emotional, and/or mental issue(s). Examples of public advocacy include speaking to a faith based community or civic club and writing a letter to the editor. Public policy advocacy is probably the most well‐known type of advocacy. Public policy advocacy is about “systems change.” Instead of focusing on the immediate needs of a particular individual, we work together strategically for far reaching long‐term social change that will affect numerous individu‐
als. Every time you write, call, or meet with an elected official, you are doing public policy advocacy. It is easier than it sounds and can be a very rewarding way to help make the necessary changes to bene‐
fit children and adolescents in our community. Because children and adolescents are not able to vote and have little influence with legislators, it is extremely important that family and community mem‐
bers advocate on their behalf and highlight key issues. As family and community members, you are experts in the needs of your children! Your voice and par‐
ticipation are vital to ensure that comprehensive, flexible, culturally appropriate, family centered ser‐
vices are available to all children and young adults. DC Action for Children
2
SECTION III: GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Legislative Branch Council of the
District of
Columbia*
Executive Branch Office of the Chief
Financial Officer
Mayor *
Advisory
Neighborhood
Commissions*
Office of the
Inspector General
D.C. Court of
Appeals
D.C. Superior
Court
Office of Budget
and Planning
D.C. Auditor
Judicial Branch Executive Office of
the Mayor
Office of Tax and
Revenue
Joint Commission of Judicial
Administration
Office of Financial
Operations and
Systems
Office of the Secretary of the District
of Columbia
Commission on
Judicial Disabilities and Tenure
Office of Finance
and Treasury
Community Affairs
Offices
Judicial Nomination Commission
Office of Revenue
Analysis
Office of Cable
Television and
Telecommunications
District of Columbia Bar
D.C. Public
Schools
Department of
Education
Deputy Mayor for
Planning and Economic
Development
Office of the
City Administrator
Public Charter Schools
Independent Agencies
Water and Sewer Authority
District of Columbia Retirement Board
Office of Employee Appeals
Public Employee Relations Board
Washington Convention Center Authority
Housing Finance Agency
Public Defenders Services
Pretrial Services Agency
D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board
Board of Library Trustees
University of the District of Columbia Board of
Trustees
D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission
Office of the People’s Council
D.C. Housing Authority
Contract Appeals Board
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
Regional Bodies
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
National Capital Planning Commission
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission
Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority
Department of
Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs
Department of
Motor Vehicles
Department of
Human Services
Department of
Corrections
Office of Risk
Management
Department of
Public Works
Department of
Health
Fire and EMS
Department
Office of
Human Rights
District Department of the
Environment
Department of
Mental Health
Metropolitan
Police Department
Office of the
Chief Technology Officer
Office on Aging
Child and Family
Services Agency
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
Office of
Contracts and
Procurement
Department of
Insurance, Securities and Banking
Department of
Youth Rehabilitation Services
Office of the
Chief Medical
Examiner
DC Department of Human Resources
Office of Planning
Department of
Disability Services
Office of Unified
Communications
Office of
Property
Management
Department of
Employment
Services
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
Commission of the
Arts and Humanities
Department of
Parks and Recreation
Office of
Disability
Rights
Department of
Small and Local
Business Development
Charter Independent Agencies
Zoning Commission
Public Charter Schools
Public Service Commission
Board of Elections and Ethics
DC Action for Children
*Elected Officials
3 THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Overview of the Council of the District of Columbia The Council of the District of Columbia is the legislative branch of the District government. All legisla‐
tive powers are vested in the Council. The Council’s main responsibilities are to:  Approve the District's annual budget and financial plan  Set the revenue required to fund the budget  Oversee the programs and operations of government agencies  Act on or initiate reorganization plans for the Executive Branch  Determine land use, through the adoption of the comprehensive plan, and undertake redistricting based on the decennial census  Appoint members to certain boards and commissions  Confirm major appointments made by the Mayor  Create laws for DC The Council serves simultaneously as the State Legislature, the county council, and city council for the District of Columbia, a thriving and unique geographic entity in the United States. The Council has 13 members and functions through a system of 11 standing committees. The term of office is four (4) years. Government Oversight The DC Council has instituted several measures to ensure that the city government works for you! Council committees review the performance of government programs and agencies to ensure they are serving their established purposes and operating under the pertinent regulations and budget targets. The Council also holds annual budget oversight hearings in preparation for approving a city budget rec‐
ommended by the Mayor. The law requires that the District operate with a balanced budget so expen‐
ditures do not exceed income. Constituent Service Responding to constituents’ concerns is a major responsibility for the Council. The Council seeks citizen participation throughout the legislative process. It holds public hearings to provide an opportunity for public comment on proposed legislation, policy initiatives and government operations. Also, the Coun‐
cil helps citizen’s access government information and services. Staff members are assigned to find solu‐
tions for problems and address complaints. You can contact your Councilmember’s office directly, call the Council’s general line at (202) 724‐8000, send an email to dccouncil@dccouncil.us or go to the Council’s web site at www.dccouncil.us. Current Council Members Vincent Gray (At Large): vgray@dccouncil.us Michael Brown (At Large): mbrown@dccouncil.us Phil Mendelson (At Large): pmendelson@dccouncil.us David Cantania (At Large): dcatania@dccouncil.us Kwame Brown (At Large): kbrown@dccouncil.us Jim Graham (Ward 1): jgraham@dccouncil.us DC Action for Children
4
Jack Evans (Ward 2): jackevans@dccouncil.us Mary Cheh (Ward 3): mcheh@dccouncil.us Muriel Bowser (Ward 4): mbowser@dccouncil.us Henry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5): hthomas@dccouncil.us Tommy Wells (Ward 6): twells@dccouncil.us Yvette Alexander (Ward 7): yalexander@dccouncil.us Marion Barry (Ward 8): mbarry@dccouncil.us Committee Responsibilities and Current Members Committee Of the Whole (COW) Chairperson: Vincent C. Gray All Members The Committee of the Whole is responsible for the District’s annual budget and financial plan, and amendments, additions, or supplements to the budget; all matters related to public education, includ‐
ing public charter schools and the University of the District of Columbia; monitoring the status of origi‐
nal legislative proposals in Congress that may affect the District of Columbia, the Council, or its legisla‐
tion; the development of the comprehensive plan and other matters pertaining to land use; public space naming; reapportionment and realignment of the political subdivisions of the District of Colum‐
bia; legislative matters related to the District of Columbia as a political entity, including matters related to Statehood, voting rights, and self‐determination for the District; labor relations; and matters regard‐
ing Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. Committee on Aging and Community Affairs Chairperson: Yvette Alexander Members: Jim Graham, Mary Cheh, Harry Thomas, Jr., Michael A. Brown The Committee on Aging and Community Affairs is responsible for the concerns of the aging; matters regarding Advisory Neighborhood Commissions; matters related to Statehood and self‐determination for the District; human rights; Latino, African, Asian and pacific islander and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender affairs; issues related to women; and veterans affairs. Committee on Economic Development Chairperson: Kwame R. Brown Members: Jack Evans, Marion Barry, Yvette Alexander, Muriel Bowser The Committee on Economic Development is responsible for matters related to economic, industrial and commercial development policy; the disposition of property for economic development purposes; tourism, cultural affairs; international business and affairs, and local business development policy and programs. DC Action for Children
5
Committee on Finance and Revenue Chairperson: Jack Evans Members: David A. Catania, Marion Barry, Kwame R. Brown, Michael A. Brown The Committee on Finance and Revenue is responsible for matters relating to taxation and revenue for the operation of the government of the District of Columbia; general obligation bond acts, revenue anticipation notes, industrial revenue bonds, and the TIF and PILOT programs. Committee on Government Operations and the Environment Chairperson: Mary Cheh Members: David A. Catania, Kwame Brown, Harry Thomas, Jr., Tommy Wells The Committee on Government Operations and the Environment is responsible for the matters relat‐
ing to elections, campaign finance, general services, personnel, including employee appeals and gen‐
eral administration of the government of the District of Columbia; maintenance of public buildings, property management, including the declaration of government property as no longer required for public purposed; grants management; government procurement; matters relation to the general op‐
erations and services of government; and matters relating to environmental protection regulation and policies. Committee on Health Chairperson: David A. Catania Members: Marion Barry, Mary Cheh, Tommy Wells, Yvette Alexander The Committee on Health is responsible for matters concerning health, mental health and environ‐
mental health, including the regulation of health occupations and professions, and health care inspec‐
tors. Committee on Housing and Workforce Development Chairperson: Marion Barry Members: Harry Thomas, Jr., Phil Mendelson, Jim Graham, Michael Brown The Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for matters related to development, main‐
tenance, preservation, and regulation of the housing stock, including rental housing; and neighborhood development, improvement, stabilization, and urban affairs. Committee on Human Services Chairperson: Tommy Wells Members: Muriel Bowser, Phil Mendelson, Marion Barry, Michael Brown The Committee on Human Services is responsible for matters concerning welfare; social services; youth affairs (other than juvenile court proceedings); and disability services. DC Action for Children
6 Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation Chairperson: Harry Thomas, Jr. Members: David A. Catania, Kwame R. Brown, Phil Mendelson, Yvette Alexander The Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation is responsible for all matters related to libraries, public parks and recreation. Committee on the Public Safety and Judiciary Chairperson: Phil Mendelson Members: Jack Evans, Mary Cheh, Muriel Bowser, Yvette Alexander The Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary is responsible for any legislation related to criminal, civil, and administrative law in the District of Columbia. It also oversees all of the District's public safety agencies, conducting hearings to hold agencies and their directors accountable for performance and spending. Matters within the Committee's purview includes: judiciary and judicial procedure which are within the authority of the Council; decedents' estates and fiduciary affairs; administrative law and procedure; criminal law and procedure; police and fire regulations of the District of Columbia; police protection; correctional institutions (including youth corrections); fire prevention; homeland security, and public safety. This Committee also serves as the Council's liaison with federal partners in the jus‐
tice system, including the D.C. Courts, the D.C. Public Defender Service, the Court Services and Of‐
fender Supervision Agency, and the U.S. Parole Commission. Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs Chairperson: Muriel Bowser Members: Jim Graham, Mary Cheh, Harry Thomas, Jr., Michael A. Brown The Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs is responsible for matters related to consumer and regulatory affairs, public utilities and cable television, the regulation of banks and banking activi‐
ties, and securities and insurance including private health insurance matters. Committee on Public Works and Transportation Chairperson: Jim Graham Members: Kwame R. Brown, Muriel Bowser The Committee on Public Works and Transportation is responsible for matters relating to highways, bridges, traffic, vehicles, the regulation of taxicabs, maintenance of public spaces, recycling, waste management, water supply, and wastewater treatment, regional public transportation issues; and the regulation of alcoholic beverages. DC Action for Children
7
The Executive Branch Role of the Mayor 




The Mayor of the District of Columbia is elected by the registered qualified electors of the District for a four (4) year term; he/she cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. The executive power of the District is vested in the Mayor, who serves as chief executive officer of the District government. Executes all laws relating to the District Following the approval of a bill by the Council, the Mayor has ten working days to do one of three things: 1) sign the bill (the bill becomes an Act), 2) take no action (the bill becomes an Act), or 3) veto the bill (returning the bill to the Council). If the Mayor vetoes the bill, the Council may over
ride the veto within 30 days with a two‐thirds majority. The Mayor appoints key members of his cabinet and key agencies and also has the power to re
place members of various boards and commissions Current Mayor: Adrian M. Fenty, fifth elected Mayor of the District of Columbia Opportunities for Public Policy Advocacy within the Executive Branch As a citizen, how can I voice my opinion on pending legislation? Council Rules require a public hearing before a permanent bill can be adopted. Also, Council rules require that notice of the hearing must be pub‐
lished in the D.C. Register at least 15 days in advance. Persons wishing to speak at a hearing may sign up by contacting the appropriate committee or calling 724‐8000. If you are unable to testify you can fax or mail your com‐
ments, or you can call the Councilmember. How can I access hearings held by the Council? An audio copy of the hearings may be obtained from the Legislative Services Division of the Council. You must submit a written request to the Director of Legislative Services, that in‐
cludes the name of the Committee that held the hearing, and the date the hearing was held. OCT TV‐13 also provides recorded activities of the DC Coun‐
cil and its various committees. Viewers can watch legislative hearings in which the Council addresses day‐to‐day issues affecting District residents and visi‐
tors. OCT TV‐13 also airs committee review hearings that focus on human ser‐
vices, such as health care, trash and snow removal, and safety. Past hearings can be viewed online at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/
viewpasthearings DC Action for Children
8 How a bill becomes law… Legislative Process Step 1: A bill is written: This can be done by private organizations, Council members or an Executive agency or a combination. Step 2: Introduction of bills: Bills can only be introduced by a member of the council. The Mayor can request the introduction of a bill and the Chair of the Council may introduce a bill as a courtesy. Introductions occur at Legislative Sessions, at Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings or by filing with the Secretary. Step 3: Bill receives a filing number: The number is assigned in the Office of the Secretary and is used to track the bill throughout the legislative process. The first number is the Council Pe‐
riod in which it was introduced and the second number indicates its place in the numerical sequence of bills introduced during that Period. Bills can be found on the Council’s website: (http://dccouncil.us/lims) and searched by member, subject and committee. Step 4: Bill assignment: The Council Chair assigns the bill to the appropriate committee(s). Step 5: Committee consideration: Committee(s) collect data, determine the need for the legislation and may hold a public hearing/roundtable. If a public hearing or roundtable is held, a notice will be published in the D.C. Register for public comment 15 days in advance of a scheduled public hearing. The committee may mark up the bill and vote to recommend that the Council approve or disprove the bill. The committee may also take no action and let the bill die. Step 6: Action of the Committee of the Whole: The COW considers legislation coming out of commit
tee and determines whether the record is complete and in proper legal or technical order. Members of the Council do not debate the bill at this stage, but can ask for clarification or explanations. If the committee clears the legislation, it is agendized for a vote at a Legislative Session. Step 7: First Reading: At the legislative meeting, Members debate the bill and can offer amendments. If the majority of those present votes no, the bill dies. If the majority votes yes, the bill passes the first reading and is scheduled for a second reading at another legisla‐
tive meeting, no fewer than 15 days of the first reading. The majority may also vote to table the bill or return it to committee for reconsideration. Step 8: Second Reading: Council takes a second vote. If the majority votes no, the bill dies. If the majority votes yes, the bill passes. Step 9: Mayoral Action: Following the approval of the bill by the Council, the Council Chair sends the bill to the Mayor. The Mayor has 10 working days to do one of three things: 1) sign the bill (the bill becomes an Act), 2) take no action (the bill becomes an Act), or 3) veto the bill (returning the bill to the Council). If the Mayor vetoes the bill, the Council may override the veto within 30 days with a two‐thirds majority. DC Action for Children
9 Step 10: Congressional Action: The Council chair transmits the act to the U.S. Congress to review for 30 legislative days (for criminal acts, Congress has 60 legislative days). If Congress takes no action, the act becomes a law. Congress can pass a joint resolution disapproving the act; the joint resolution has to be approved by the President. Sources of information:
1. Georgetown Law Library, District of Columbia Research Guide. Specifically used “Legislative
Process.” www.ll.georgetown.edu/states/dc-in-depth.cfm
Council of the District of Columbia’s web side, www.dccouncil.us. Specifically used were the pages
“how a bill becomes a law” and “public participation.”
DC Action for Children
10 SECTION IV: SO WHERE DO ADVOCATES FIT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS? You can advocate for a cause that you believe in by forming a relationship with DC Council Members and their staff. 10 Tips for Advocates 1. 2. 3. 4. Identify fellow advocates and partners who are interested in child health and well‐being. Finding common ground on an issue sometimes brings together unlikely partners, but makes for a stronger voice. Encourage and strengthen relationships with partners. Work with policymakers who are flexible and tend to keep an open mind. Get to know policymakers. Familiarize yourself with their wards and constituencies (voters, popu‐
lation), voting records, personal schedules, expertise, and interests. Be sure to have a good under
standing of the policymaker and his or her concerns, priorities, and viewpoints. Establish a relationship by contacting your policymaker before you need an issue solved. Grab the interest of the policymaker in the issue so that later, it will be easy to get the policymaker’s atten‐
tion when you have a need. Get to know the staff members of the policymakers with whom you will be working. These peo‐
ple are key sources of information for the policymaker and can have great influence on the pro‐
gress of policy. 5. Learn the legislative process and understand it well. Keep on top of children and family issues and be aware of touchy areas. 6. Be open to negotiation. Identify the groups and other policymakers with whom you may need to negotiate for policy changes. 7. Be polite, remember names and thank those who help you both in the children’s advocacy community and in the legislature. 8. Be honest, straightforward and realistic when working with policymakers and their staff. Do not make promises you cannot keep. Never lie to mislead a policymaker about the importance of an issue, the other side’s position or strength or other matters. 9. Timing is everything for successful input in any process for change. The earlier in the process that you involve yourself (committee meetings) the better chance you have at influencing the outcome of a policy proposal. 10. Be sure to follow up with policymakers and their staff. Send a thank you letter. Be a reliable resource for them today and in the future. How to request a copy of Legislation To request a copy of legislation you must complete a Legislative Information Request Form. The forms can also be obtained by contacting the Legislative Services Division at 1350 Pennsylvania, NW, Suite 10 Washington DC 20004 or by calling 202‐724‐8050 . Influencing legislation To testify at a hearing or roundtable, individuals and representatives of organizations are requested to contact Aretha Latta, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, by telephone at (202) 724‐8196 or by e‐mail at alatta@dccouncil.us, and furnish their names, addresses, telephone DC Action for Children
11 Votes (2) on Budget (June). The City Council marks up the budget proposed by the
Mayor. Following the mark-ups, the entire
Council votes on the budget twice.
Step 7: Budget Markups and Council
√ Share your recommendations with Mayor’s staff,
Deputy Mayors and their staff.
Advocacy Tip!
Step 6: Budget Hearings (March and
April). The City Council schedules public
hearings at which members of the community can testify. At all hearings, the government is represented. At some hearings, the
government testifies first; at others, the
public does. Regardless, the Council encourages the agency to attend the hearing
in its entirety.
Advocacy Tip!
Step 9: DC Implements Budget
At any time during the fiscal year, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer may identify what are known as spending pressures.
This may result in reducing budgets or
other efforts to slow spending.
√ Share your budget recommendations with the
City Council before their retreat.
Advocacy Tip!
orities (Early in the calendar year). The
City Council sets its budget and policy
priorities including revenues (taxes), debt
management, human services issues, public
safety, and the like. The Council also considers issues such as constituent needs and
wants.
Step 4: Council Develops Budget Pri-
√ Be diligent during the mark-up process and particularly before/between votes.
Step 8: Signed Budget Goes to Congress (June - ?). After the Mayor signs the
budget, Congress reviews it. Congress often
adds special items to the budget. Typically,
Congress does not approve the city’s
budget until after October 1 resulting in a
continuing resolution, which prevents the
city from expanding programs or
starting new ones.
Step 5: Mayor Develops Proposed
Budget/Mayor Presents Budget (January March). OBP delivers the baseline
(scrubbed) budget to the mayor so he can
prepare his proposal. He adds his priorities
and may make other adjustments. The
Mayor may also present a supplemental
budget for the current fiscal year.
Step 3: Budget Scrubbing (January).
OBP “scrubs” agency budget submis-sions.
This means that redundancies are eliminated, costs are verified. OBP and agency
staff meet during this time to review the
agency’s submission, negotiate details and
develop a much cleaner budget that will be
presented to the Mayor.
 Regular communication with elected and appointed officials (Mayor, City Council, agencies) is important. So plan to be in touch with them about your views regardless of whether or not there
is a public hearing.
 Members of the public generally do not receive copies of the budget at the press conference. Copies are available a few days later by calling 727-6343.
Notes:
Advocacy Tips!
Step 2: Agencies Develop Budget Submissions (September - December). Agency
submissions include funding for maintaining services and extras, or enhancements.
√ Give your recommendations to agencies.
√ When you make recommendations to an agency, be as detailed as possible,
providing the agency with budget information that includes staffing and
other resources.
√ Also share your recommendations with the City Council and the Mayor!
Step 1: Budget Instructions
(September). The Office of Budget and
Planning (OBP) prepares instructions for
the development of agency budget submissions including the allowed increases and
enhancements.
THE DISTRICT BUDGET PROCESS: STEP-BY-STEP
UNDERSTANDING THE DC BUDGET number and organizational affiliation, if any. Witnesses should bring 20 copies of their written testi‐
mony (steps on how to prepare and deliver a testimony below) to the hearing or roundtable. Persons presenting oral testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard. How to effectively advocate at a Committee Meeting Every Citizen of the District of Columbia has the right to attend a committee meeting and speak about legislation. Testimony from community members can and does influence legislation. Committee meetings can be a confusing place for citizen advocates. Legislators move in and out of the room and the use of confusing acronyms is commonplace. Being well prepared will help to alleviate any anxiety and confusion. Review the following tips before attending a committee or council meeting: Tips for Public Testimony Formatting Written Testimony and Statements for the Record I. II. III. Title A. Can either be on a page of its own or on the top of the first page and include: 1. Your name, position and organization 2. Committee before which you are testifying or to which you are submitting a statement for the record 3. Subject on which you are submitting testimony (i.e., Bill 15‐2008, FY 2010 DHS budget hearing, etc) 4. Date on which you are submitting the testimony/statement First Paragraph A. Introduction 1. Good afternoon (morning) 2. Who you are 3. What you do 4. Where you’re from 5. Information about the organization or yourself B. Why you are testifying/submitting a statement for the record 1. For budget and oversight hearings, include the agency(ies) of concern (APRA, DCRA, etc) as well as specific concerns with examples 2. For public hearing/roundtables on bills, include the bill number and title, specific concerns with examples and the potential impact (positive or negative). Recommendations A. Be specific B. Tie to concerns and impacts DC Action for Children 13 IV. Conclusion A. Thank the chair and the committee for the opportunity to comment B. Offer assistance‐‐‐Include a statement such as “If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.” Of you are submitting a statement for the record, include the names of people who can respond to questions as well as the numbers at which they can be reached. Technical Points: Spacing should be 1.5 or double spaced. Bring copies for the committee (the hearing notice indicates the number). Also, bring copies to distribute to the government and the audience. Tips for verbal testifying Here is a list of technical suggestions that will make your verbal testimony most effective: 1. Summarize your written statements‐ The committee staff will enter the written statement into the record. A. Be aware that sometimes the patron of a bill may offer amendments to the bill. Amendments could possibly change your opinion of the bill and affect your presentation. It is imperative that you pay close attention while the committee members discuss and amend the bill. B. Be prepared to adapt your remarks to avoid making the same point made by previous speakers. 2. Respect the time limits‐ Keep your remarks within the time allotted. You may be up there longer if the committee members ask you questions. 3. Be germane‐ Stay on the topic of the hearing 4. Speak clearly and close to the microphone 5. Bring copies for the committee‐ The hearing notice notes the number of copies to be provided‐ bring them. If you can’t, provide one copy before the hearing and the committee staff will make copies. 6. Bring copies to distribute to the audience and the government. Other helpful hints 1. Before you leave for the hearing, call the committee to determine if the hearing will be starting on time. (Contact information at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/contactuscommittee) 2. If your organization has buttons, wear one. 3. Unless you want others to see your expressions, do not sit in the sight line of the camera capturing the witness. 4. Remember: You are not only testifying to the committee‐‐‐ you are addressing the community: hearings are televised live and are replayed by cable on on‐demand video via computer. Use this as an opportunity to educate the community on the problem and the solution. DC Action for Children
14 SECTION V: COMMUNICATING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS The Basic Rules You can send a letter to your elected official by regular mail, by e‐mail or by fax. Because safety pre‐
cautions have delayed regular mail, it is generally better to e‐mail or fax your letter if you want your opinion to be registered right away. If it is not urgent, a letter by mail can be very effective and more personal. While it is always better to handwrite your own letter or to personalize a form letter when possible, a form letter is better than nothing. Writing to your Elected Official 1. State your name and who you are. Identify yourself as a constituent. 2. State your reason for writing the name and number of the relevant bill. Keep each letter to one issue. Make sure to relate the impact of the legislation on your local area. 3. Pick your three strongest talking points, use examples and statistics to support your position. 4. Provide your contact information on both your letter and your envelope to receive a reply and to confirm you are a constituent. 5. Sign your letter. 6. Follow up with a phone call, a visit or another letter at the appropriate time. Tips 1. Avoid abbreviations and jargon 2. Keep it as short as possible—one page is best! 3. Consider holding a letter writing party. The more people involved, the stronger the message. 4. Send a copy of your letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine if it’s relevant. Visits to Public Office One of the most effective ways to develop a relationship with your legislator is through face‐to‐face visits. Contact information for each Council Member is available at http://dccouncil.us/council. Some basic tips  Be positive and non‐partisan! Legislators are turned off by threatening or argumentative advo‐
cacy.  Be persistent and patient! Building a relationship with your legislator takes time.  Relax! Advocacy is easy. You do not need to be an expert; you just need to share your concerns and values. You can always leave or enclose written materials.  Never give inaccurate information! It is far better to tell a legislator, “I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” Your credibility (and the legislator’s if they use your information) is at stake. Be sure to follow up with the complete information.  Stay on message! Don’t be distracted if the legislator changes the subject. DC Action for Children
15 Recommendations for face‐to‐face visits 1. It is helpful to visit in small groups, two to three constituents is ideal. Make sure the legislator knows whom they will be meeting with before the visit. 2. Develop an agenda and share it with others attending the meeting with you. This will help you keep on track. 3. Bring a one‐paged typed statement detailing your position. The fact sheet can explain the issue and why he/she should sup‐
port your viewpoint. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Be brief and concise. Try to focus on one or two issues. Describe why the issue is important to you; the more personal, the more he/she will pay attention. Be clear regarding the reason for your visit. Be upfront if you are asking for something specific, such as support or opposition to particular legislation. Make the issue local and relevant by discussing a recent local issue. Use statistics, stories and fellow constituents to support your issue. Keep the door open to future dialogue by being courteous. Stay on topic. Be careful not to let the meeting stray off course. Let the legislator make comments, but don’t let them avoid the issue. Tactfully bring the conversation back on track. 10. After the meeting, thank your legislator for their time, both at the meeting and in writing. If you have a business card, leave one with your legislator or their aid. DC Action for Children
16 SECTION VI: UTILIZING THE MEDIA Tips for Writing Effective Letters to the Editor The “Letters to the Editor” section is one of the most popular sections of newspapers, assuring letter writers a wide audience for their views. The structure of a letter to the editor of a newspaper is the same as that of a letter to an elected official. Refer to the steps listed in How to Write to an Elected Official and use the tips below to target your letter to a news‐
paper. 1. Make it relevant: Refer to a current issue in proposed legislation, an upcoming event, or a recent article, op‐ed or letter in the newspaper. If you are writing about a particular bill, write its name and number. If you are writing in response to an article, write its title, author and date. Example: I strongly agree with (author’s name) view on children’s mental health. (“Name of Op‐
Ed,” date) However, there is additional support for his argument. 2. Make it concise: Letters should be approximately 250 words and should be type‐written and double spaced. Try to highlight a single aspect of the issue that wasn’t emphasized previously by the newspaper. Keep in mind that your letters will be edited or shortened by the newspaper. 3. Make it credible: Many newspapers only print a letter to the editor after calling the author to verify his or her identity and address. Provide your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers. Should a letter be printed, a newspaper will usually include your name and city. Be sure to sign your letter. 4. Make it useful: Send a copy of your letter to your elected official to let him or her know that you are raising awareness. 5. Make it visible: Send your letter to both large and small newspapers. It is also valuable to write in magazines. The more you write the more likely you will be published. Additional Tips  If possible, submit your letter by email or fax so it will reach the newspaper in a timelier manner. Be sure to check the newspaper’s website for instructions on letter submission.  Make your letter easy to read; short sentences, short paragraphs and simple words are best. Social Media Tools Utilizing various media tools will strengthen the impact of your message and will allow a broader reach. With the growing popularity of such social media sites as Facebook®, Twitter, YouTube, blogs and social‐networking sites in conjunction with traditional media outlets, a well‐organized campaign will take full advantage of these tools to focus on the issues important to your cause. DC Action for Children
17
APPENDICES
DC GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Child Protection and Support, Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) www.cfsa.dc.gov, (202) 442‐6000 Child Support Services Division (CSSD), www.cssd.dc.gov, (202) 442‐9900 Children with Special Healthcare Needs, Department of Health www.doh.dc.gov, (202) 442‐5955 Developmental Disabilities, Department of Disability Services (DDS) www.dds.dc.gov, (202) 730‐1700 Health Insurance, Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking www.disb.dc.gov, (202) 727‐8000 Health Care Services for the Uninsured (Department of Health), Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) http://dchealth.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view,a,3,q,573226,dohNav_GID,1807.asp, (202) 442‐5988 Health Care Safety Net Administration http://dchealth.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view,a,3,q,573198,dohNav_GID,1802,dohNav,|33200|.asp, (202) 442‐5961 Mental Health, Department of Mental Health www.dmh.dc.gov, (202) 673‐7440 DC Schools, DC Public Schools www.k12.dc.us, (202) 442‐5885 Office of Special Education, http://www.k12.dc.us/offices/ose/index.htm, (202) 442‐4800 DC Public Charter School Board, www.dcpubliccharter.com, (202) 328‐2660 Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration www.rsa.dhs.dc.gov, (202) 442‐8663 Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, www.dyrs.dc.gov. (202) 576‐8175 DC Action for Children ADVOCACY RESOURCES Adoptions Together, (301) 439‐2900, www.adoptionstogether.org Provide prenatal support and counseling for pregnant women, interim care and adoption services for children in need. Once a family is complete, we provide education and counseling to keep the family strong. Adoptions Together provides birth parents with education, guidance and support to help them make the best decision for their child. Advocates for Justice and Education, (202) 678‐8060, www.aje‐dc.org Educate parents, youth, and the community about the laws governing public education, specifically for children with special needs. We seek to empower youth and parents to be effective advocates and youth to self advocate to ensure that children receive an appropriate education. Associates for Renewal in Education (ARE), (202) 439‐9424, www.areinc.org Provides a continuum of care from early childhood centers to parenting and job readiness programs, linkages to other agencies that extend our services. Administratively, we focus our service delivery through an education division and a residential services division, with sites located throughout the city. Bread for the City, (202) 265‐2400, www.breadforthecity.org Provide vulnerable residents of Washington, DC, with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Council for Court Excellence, (202) 785‐5917, www.courtexcellence.org The Council works to improve the administration of justice in the local and federal courts and related agencies in the Washington metropolitan area and in the nation. Children’s Health Advocacy Institute, (202) 476‐4930, www.childrensnational.org/advocacy/
degault.aspx Children's serves as the regional referral center for pediatric emergency, trauma, cancer, cardiac and critical care as well as neonatology, orthopedic surgery, neurology, and neurosurgery. Children’s Law Center (CLC), (202) 467‐4900, www.childrenslawcenter.org Provides support, resources, empowerment and training to foster, adoptive and kinship parents who are caring for children from the District of Columbia in need of protective care. DC Appleseed, (202) 289‐8007, www.dcappleseed.org DC Appleseed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to solving important public policy problems facing the Washington, DC metropolitan area. To advance this mission, DC Appleseed organizes volunteers, including attorneys and other experts, who work in teams to analyze and develop solutions to prob‐
lems facing the region. DC Area Health Education Center (DC AHEC), (202) 574‐6994, www.dcahec.org The mission of DC AHEC is to positively impact the quality of primary and preventive health care to un‐
derserved DC residents by improving the delivery of health education, fostering community outreach, and strengthening the future health care work force. DC Action for Children DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, (202) 789‐4666, www.teenpregnancydc.org DC Campaign To Prevent Teen Pregnancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in April 1999 as a result of the work of the Mayor’s Committee on Reducing Teenage Pregnancies and Out‐of‐
Wedlock Births. DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, (202) 347‐4441, www.cyitc.org The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation is a public‐private partnership chartered by the District to help a wide variety of organizations improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of services and opportunities for every child in the city. DC Healthcare Alliance, (202) 715‐7900, http://www.unityhealthcare.org/dchca.htm The DC Healthcare Alliance offers a full range of health care services for its members. Benefits include: inpatient hospital care, outpatient medical care (including preventive care), emergency services, ur‐
gent care services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, home health care, dental services, spe‐
cialty care, and wellness programs that include mother and baby care. DC Health and Birth Center, (202) 398‐2007, www.developingfamilies.org The mission of the DC Developing Families Center is to meet the primary health care, social service, and child development needs of underserved individuals and childbearing and childrearing families through a collaborative that builds on their strengths and promotes their empowerment. DC Health Resource Partnership, (202) 687‐8907, www.dchrp.info Health Resources Partnership (HRP) seeks to expand the community health care capacity for individu‐
als with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in Washington D.C DC Hunger Solutions, (202) 986‐2200 X 3023, www.dchunger.org The Food Research & Action Center established D.C. Hunger Solutions as a project to fight hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well‐being of children and families in the District of Columbia DC Kids Count, (202) 434‐8780, www.dckidscount.org The D.C. KIDS COUNT Collaborative for Children and Families is a unique alliance of public and private organizations using research to support advocacy for change in human, social, and economic policies and practices of government, the private sector, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communi‐
ties. Its mission is to advocate for the interests and well‐being of children and families and to ensure their healthy development and future in the District of Columbia. DC Metropolitan Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, (202) 299‐0900, www.dcmfapa.org Provides support, resources, empowerment and training to foster, adoptive and kinship parents who are caring for children from the District of Columbia in need of protective care. DC Primary Care Association, (202) 638‐0252, www.dcpca.org The mission of DCPCA is to facilitate the development and sustainability of an effective integrated health care system in the District of Columbia that guarantees access to primary health care and elimi‐
nates disparities in health outcomes DC Action for Children DC Watch, www.dcwatch.com DC Watch is an on‐line magazine that covers local city politics and public affairs in Washington, D.C. In addition to articles and columns about political issues and politicians, DC Watch features resources for civic activists and background material on legislation and current events in the District of Columbia. Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC), (202) 269‐9441, www.dcfapac.org To improve the quality of life of children in the DC child welfare system by empowering their foster, kinship, and adoptive parents to advocate for their children's needs and by assuring the inclusion of these perspectives at every relevant table Health Child Care Consultant Network Support Center, (617) 618‐2375, www.hcccnsc.edc.org The NSC provides resources and support that help CCHC networks promote the healthy development of children in out‐of‐home early care and education settings. On this website CCHCs, state leaders, and early care and education providers can find resources and information to support their work toward this important goal. Healthy Families America, (312) 663‐3520, www.healthfamiliesamerica.org Healthy Families America is a national program model designed to help expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start. Families participate voluntarily in the program and receive home visiting and referrals from trained staff. Healthy Families Thriving Community Collaborative Council, (202) 299‐0900, www.dccollaboratives.org Bring together leaders to create and sustain a citywide network that empowers families and communi‐
ties to improve their quality of life. Health Services for Children with Special Needs, (202) 466‐8483, www.hscsn‐net.org Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN/NET) is an innovative care management network coordinating health, social, and education services for the pediatric Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSI‐eligible populations of Washington, DC. Kids Count, (410) 547‐6600, www.kidscount.org The primary mission of the Annie E. Casey Foundation is to foster public policies, human‐service re‐
forms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today’s vulnerable children and families. In pursuit of this goal, the Foundation makes grants that help states, cities, and neighbor‐
hoods fashion more innovative, cost‐effective responses to these needs. Kidsave, (202) 237‐SAVE (7283), www.kidsave.org Kidsave works to draw attention to the plight of institutionalized children and the need for every child to have a family or a caring mentor. Through its innovative Family Visit Model, older children in or‐
phanages and foster care – who are not able to return to their biological families and are not being picked for adoption – have short visits with families in the community, giving them an opportunity to find permanent homes and lasting connections with adults. Latin America Youth Center, (202) 319‐2225, www.layc‐dc.org The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is a multicultural community‐based organization that supports youth and their families in their determination to live, work, and study with dignity, hope, and joy. DC Action for Children
Mary’s Center, (202) 483‐8196, www.maryscenter.org Our mission is to build better futures through the delivery of health care, education and social services. We embrace culturally diverse communities to provide them with the highest quality of care, regard‐
less of their ability to pay. Sasha Bruce Youthwork, (202) 675‐9340, www.sashabruce.org Helps young people find safe homes, achieve and maintain good health and mental health, create and strengthen supportive and stable families, explore opportunities in education and careers, and become tomorrow’s leaders. DC Action for Children
1616 P Street, NW, Suite 420 Washington, DC 20036 T: (202) 234‐9404 F: (202) 234‐9108 www.dckids.org dcaction@dckids.org