State Advocacy Day Events Tool Kit

Author:	Sara E. Benitez
Contact:	Sara E. Benitez
Date:	Apr 14, 2008
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Related
Topic:	Advocacy and Electoral Empowerment
Programs:	Civic Engagement, Emerging Latino Communities Initiative, Field Advocacy Project

Summary

This tool kit is a guide for how to plan and carry out an advocacy day event at the state level. You may already have an advocacy program, and want to add an advocacy day to your organization’s regular events, or advocacy and civic engagement might be entirely new for your organization. There are opportunities for organizations at every level to participate in an advocacy day. Through this tool kit you will find tips, ideas, and models for almost any stage of planning.

Description

What is an advocacy day and issue briefing? Generally, advocacy day and issue briefing events educate participants on issues of impact and connect decision-makers with community members. This is a list of some common advocacy day events: lobby day, legislative day, issue briefing, issue forum, and legislative briefing.

The primary goal of an advocacy day is for staff and community members associated with your organization and your issues to speak with your legislators. Most of the time this involves traveling to the state legislature and meeting with elected officials. Some organizations who host an advocacy day also plan trainings for participants to learn about the state government, how to lobby, and the major issues facing their community. Additional events can include a keynote speaker, evening receptions for legislators and participants, or a rally.