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Advocacy doesn't just mean talking to legislatures about
changing public policy. Any time you speak to someone
about your program and what you do you are educating
others. From there it is a small step to speaking to
elected officials. Here are some tips from the Afterschool
Alliance for successful advocacy practices.

Consider yourself and expert information source.
Elected officials have limited time, staff and many
competing issues to deal with every day. They cannot be
as well informed as those actually implementing or
witnessing programs. You can fill their information gap
and be their "expert".

Always tell the truth. May your word impeccable.

Know who is on your side. This is your strength. The
elected official will want to know this.

Make the elected official aware of any personal
connections you may have. If you have fiends,
relatives or colleagues with an elected official let them
know. This is how we connect with one another.

Admit you don't know something. It gives you reason
to follow-up with the official after you have researched
an answer.

Be specific. Tell the official what you want. Ask them
directly. Expect a direct answer in response.

Follow-up. The elected official should be held
accountable for any statements they make to you. Find
out if the official took action. Then thank them for any
action they took.

Don't burn bridges. It is easy to get emotional about
these issues. Don't lose it. Your enemies today may be
your allies tomorrow. Always leave your dealings on
positive terms. You will be back.

You are the boss. You should be courteous but not
intimidated. Elected officials work for you.