CalSAE 2019-2020

This session will present a case study from a statewide association of local county agency directors which created an effective advocacy program from scratch. After nearly a decade with no real presence in the state’s legislative playing field, the association’s new Executive Director guided the association in developing a new-to-the-association advocacy program. The efforts were not always smooth and easy with individual anxieties and general confusion on roles and responsibilities sometimes getting in the way. This session will present lessons learned by the association’s formation of an advocacy committee, adoption of legislative decision-making policies and procedures, defining roles and responsibilities, overcoming personal anxieties, building member consensus of the strategic goals and initiatives, and training members on effective legislative communication.

Takeaways:

• Identify common issues important to your members
• Differentiate the impact of engaged and unengaged members
• Categorize and define the needed roles and responsibilities

Building Capacity