August 7, 2007

Legislative Training

Last Friday, advocates from across the state met for a legislative training. New Morning Foundation and the South Carolina Coalition for Healthy Families were co-sponsors along with Alliance for Full Acceptance, Carolina Peace Resource Center, Coalition for New South Carolinians, College of Charleston Women & Gender Studies, Gamma Sigma Alliance (Francis Marion University), League of Women Voters of South Carolina, People Against Rape, SCCADVASA, SC Equality Coalition, SC Log Cabin Republicans, South Carolina Progressive Network, and Young Democrats (SC Democratic Party).

The afternoon began with a tour of the statehouse grounds. If you haven’t had a chance to go on a tour, the video at the beginning is actually quite informative. Perhaps the most engaging part of the tour was the chance to see the African American History Monument, which is “dedicated to the people of South Carolina to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of the African-American citizens to the State”.

The tour was followed with a panel discussion including Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Rep. J. Seth Whipper, and Tanya Wallace (WAND National Field Director).

Tanya Wallance suggested these ideas for grassroots advocacy:- talk to your newspaper’s editorial board- write op-ed collectives- publish in community papers- host town hall meetings- participate in joint lobbying days- involve the teachers’ union on your coalition- conduct focus groups to find out how constituents feel
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter and Rep. J. Seth Whipper suggested the dos and don’ts of working with state-level legislators:
Do:
- commit to the long haul (incremental change takes time)- know your issue- give it to them straight- be ready for shortcomings in your position- be clear about what makes the legislator listen- communicate quickly and succintly - make a message that lasts- be always willing to be nice- decide who is best suited to make the pitch- identify your human resources and take advantage of them- learn the legislative process- understand the calendar year and calendar of activities- make sure the media is a good resource for you- make friends with the receptionist
Do Not:
- make stuff up- get angry (assume he/she knows nothing about the issue)- take on every issue- lie (if you don’t know, say so)- send form letters- get confused about who you are or the legislator’s role(remind he/she that they serve the people)- take this stuff too serious