The Do’s and Don’ts of Advocacy

Head Start directors, parents, and staff are all important advocates for Head Start programs, children, and families.   Theirs are crucial voices needed to educate and inform our legislators on the importance of Head Start and other issues effecting children and families.  Below is a short list to help you become an effective advocate.

Do:

• Form relationships now!
• Be open to talking to legislative staff not just the legislator.
• Be informed.  Know the issue, the system, and the key players.
• Give personal examples.
• Be honest.  It’s okay to admit that you don’t know something and that you’ll get back to the legislator with more information later.
• Be concise.  Keep all visits, call, testimonials brief and to the point.
• Practice, practice, practice.  Explain your opinion & make your case to family, friends, and colleagues before you make your case to policymakers.
• Seek out new partnerships & alliances with others who share your views.
• Be specific.  Know what you want your legislator to do and tell her/him why.
• Stay active by maintaining communication with policymakers.
• Think of ways to involve other constituents in the issue.
• Be patient, persistent, and positive.

Do Not:

• Wait until you need something to contact policymakers.
• Ignore or be disrespectful to legislative staff.
• Send form letters or emails.
• Make threats.
• Expect the impossible or insist on immediate action.
• Try to speak for everyone.
• Bury them with paper.
• Argue.  If it is clear a policymaker won’t support your position, just give him/her the facts and ask that the legislator consider your viewpoint.
• Give up!

Thanks to the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families (WCCF) for this great list.