Jan Richter: My friend and colleague Jack Levine, of Voices for Florida's Children, says the world runs on relationships. If you want power to change policies, work on your relationships -- make sure you get on a first-name basis with your local reporters and your state representatives.

Corporations keep lobbyists on retainer to make the connections for them when they want something out of Washington , DC .

But kids don’t vote and the people who work to strengthen services and policies on their behalf usually don’t have much money. So child advocates have to be very smart to play politics in the big leagues where decisions are made about everything from funding after-school programs to job training, preschool and child care assistance, college aid, and expanding public health coverage.

This Connect for Kids TalkTime Live! gives us a chance to share our strategies and pose our questions to a few pros who have worked at the state and federal level. Hopefully we’ll all come away a little bit smarter so we can do a better job influencing the decisions by our officials in DC and our state capitals that matter for kids and families.

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Kim Oppenheimer Egan: I was on a state taskforce studying obesity in children and have tried for the last three sessions (years) to get unhealthy drinks and snacks from schools and improve attendance in physical fitness in PE (they are not required to take it) and alternative PE classes. Two years ago we got one bill out of committee, passed by the KY House, and then killed in the KY Senate when it was never brought to a vote. The money and in-kind donations from unbid contracts of mainly Coke and Pepsi keeps the Superintendents and school administrators from backing (at least publicly) any reform. Each year our case gets stronger scientifically but it seems the Congress just more money from the "pop" lobbyists and harder to hear us. What to do?

Jan: Rising obesity rates, and their related costs, are a major concern for many health professionals, educators and lawmakers, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get good policies about improving school food environments through the state legislature. It does mean that you will probably get more and more allies for this effort, and more press attention that will eventually help galvanize public opinion against state lawmakers who favor the interests of corporate giants like Coke and Pepsi over the health of Kentucky’s schoolkids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a database of state laws and proposed legislation that might help you find good models or successes to leverage in your work in Kentucky.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest heads the National Association of Nutrition and Activity. You might be able to get the help of state or local affiliates of some of the national groups that make up this coalition to pull some weight in Frankfort. Or you might find some allies in Kentucky you didn’t know about.

Finally, since state lawmakers often look to other states in their region for guidance, you might check out what Arkansas is doing about measuring BMI (Body Mass Index) among schoolchildren, as a step to improving the state’s policies and programs to reduce childhood obesity and boost physical activity and good nutrition. Connect for Kids’ writer Robert Capriccioso covered the story this year. This article and other information on obesity and state policies is in the nutrition topic page on Connect for Kids.

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Cecilia, Detroit: How will child welfare funding fare in this new environment?

Dan: Child welfare funding is generally expected to be cut each of the two years of this Congress as the Budget Committee and the Administration attempt to reduce the deficit: a major priority of the Administration during this Congress.

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Virginia: Many states are still dealing with very tight budgets. How can advocates make a strong case for funding the programs they favor in this fiscal climate?

Anita: The case for each program must be made separately. But ultimately unless the pie gets bigger, everyone is in there pitching their own issues and cutting up the smaller pie (or relatively smaller pie) into even smaller pieces, pitting child care against healthcare against education. While there are fewer and smaller budget shortfalls then in the last several years, many state programs have already been cut, so even the smaller budget shortages can result in major problems for advocates. A better economy has helped, but at least 22 states are facing significant shortfalls. Ultimately the only solution is increased revenues.

It is instructive that one of the states expecting a surplus by the end of FY2006 is Virginia, which enacted a tax package last year to increase revenues by closing some tax loopholes and increasing some taxes. Other states are considering tax reform this year. To provide adequate funding on a permanent basis, advocates must understand the revenue side of the budget and get involved in coalitions to support increasing the pie through tax reforms resulting in more predictable, steady and increased revenue and a fairer state and local tax system.

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Washington, DC: I've heard advocates talk about finding a champion in the legislature who will introduce legislation, hold hearings, be a spark for press coverage and talk to lawmaker colleagues to move a policy forward. How does this work? Are there any tips about finding the right kind of champion?

Heather: Some organizations hire a lobbyist to facilitate legislation from bill drafting, negotiations, testimony and backroom discussions. Not only is that very expensive it is rare to find a foundation willing to pay for direct lobbying.

Another dilemma is as youth and family advocates we are often conducting issue campaigns in addition to supporting or opposing legislation. An issue campaign has numerous components, including government relations, communications, policy and community organizing, with the overall goal of educating the public and policy makers to achieve your outcome.

Finding a legislator to act as your legislative champion is a great way to enhance your issue in the state legislature and have an on-site lobbyist.

Several key qualities that make a good legislative champion include:

1. You will need access--you need to already have or develop a relationship and build trust. You will need a legislator who returns phone calls and is willing to meet with you--who cares about your issue. Also a legislator who wants your help--who is willing to take your advice and counsel. You don't want a legislator who is going to become an independent agent making policy decisions without your input. This should be seen as a silent partnership--it need not be advertised to the world.

2. The legislator should be known as one who works his or her bills. This is primarily what you pay the lobbyist for--to work the bills--negotiate compromise between members, the governor, or the state agency. To track the progress of the bill behind the scenes. To design and implement legislative strategy. As an advocate you can provide the policy expertise, the community voices, ensure a good hearing with lots of written and verbal testimony (fill the room with interested parties), and ensure media coverage and help the legislator get press.

3. A good champion is one who will stick with the legislation over a period of years if necessary--public education does not occur overnight.

4. A good champion is chair of a committee or subcommittee that concerns your issue. This puts him or her in a position of power with more leverage and bargaining power.

5. A good champion is in the chamber (House or Senate) that already has demonstrated some support for your issue. A maverick speaking out alone in a Senate chamber is not bad for your issue but the goal is to achieve some success, pass your bills, as well as create a forum for your issue.

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Lydia Pettijohn, Exchange Club Family Center: Don't lawmakers realize that preventative health for children will save millions in the long run, just as in child abuse prevention? How can we get them to be more proactive with funding?

Anita: Many do realize that, but they are faced with tight budgets TODAY. Many other interests are also making the case that spending today -- for education, building and road maintenance, etc. -- saves in the future. Things that help:

• Specific facts and figures on savings, particularly one that show how preventive health care saves money in the next year or two, not only decades from now;

• Kids are inexpensive compared to other Medicaid eligible groups (but there is a danger of pitting one group needing health care against another);

• Know the Federal government match percentage in your state (for Medicaid and SCHIP) and remind legislators that for every state $ spent, X $ Federal money comes to the state. (If these kids don't have insurance and preventive they will be at emergency rooms and the state economy will pay all of it).

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Anonymous: How important is it to have people from a Congressperson's own district make the initial contact on an issue?

Anita: If I were cynical (cynics aren’t necessarily wrong), I would say the most important thing would be to have people make contact who gave the Member money, regardless of district. After those would be folks from their own district--particularly those who know the Congressperson and/or are civic leaders or organizational leaders.

The best is a large financial supporter of the Congressperson, from in the district, who is president of the largest volunteer organization in the district. Also, be certain you know the staff member responsible for our issues.

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Susan: There seems to be a lot of interest at the state level in increasing funding for early childhood education. How can advocates make the most of that interest, and who should they try to partner with for maximum effect?

Anita: Get data about the positive effects of early childhood education on later success—reading progress, high school completion rates, etc.

Know your state education data—success in reading, dropout rates for your state--and the cost to your state of those dropouts.

PTA groups, some in the faith communities, NEA, groups representing ethnic communities are all potential partners. I would also go to the business community, particularly with data showing how early childhood education increases later success; they can be powerful allies on education issues.

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Washington, DC: If I get a letter to the editor published, how can I make the most use of it to alert public officials about my views?

Jan: If you get a letter to the editor published, don’t assume that the officials elected to serve your area will see it. Send a copy with a brief cover letter explaining the importance of this issue, to your state representative, state senator, Congressperson and Senator. Bring copies of it with you if you have meetings with agency or other personnel. Share it with your networks so they too can use it to show the importance and public interest in your issue. It’s hard enough to get a letter to the editor published -- make the most of it!

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Jill M. Katz: How will the tight budgets effect children in the court systems for delinquent behavior? And how do we, as advocates for all children, get the lawmakers to be concerned about this group of children?

Heather: The growing federal deficit has a detrimental effect on the pinched state and local budgets. As more and more elected officials refuse to raise taxes, state and local revenues are falling short of existing needs and budgets are facing cuts. Children and youth services are always at risk of budget cuts during these times and it is especially painful for children's advocates when services for education or foster care or juvenile justice are pitted against each other. Although delinquent youth may sometimes seem the least deserving population in these budget crunches there is a changing attitude in many state legislators. More and more across the nation policy makers are accepting the notion that throwing good money after bad is not logical.

Way to get lawmakers concerned include:

• Document the scope of the problem-use local data to show the shear size and depth of the problem.

• Present best practices and resources: There are a range of programs that have had success rehabilitating youth and do not rely on institutionalization.

• Provide site local or out of state visits for law makers to programs that show success.

• Present budget strategies that document how it is cheaper to purchase services that have low recidivism rates (kids don't come back to the system) rather than providing the same services aver and over again.

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Rosemarie Coratola, Connecticut: What are the children's mental health issues heading into this legislative session? Although there seems to be an emphasis on community-based and in-home "wrap around" services, which has shown very positive results for many children and families, this does not meet the mental health needs of ALL of CT's children. Some children and families, who require more intensive services for stabilization, seem to have an extensive and lengthy process in which they must participate. This process can take many months to complete, which unfortunately prevents easy accessibility to those services, and can create additional hospitalizations or incarcerations for those children.

Jan: It is hard for families to find mental health services for children and youth, especially more intensive services. A landmark 1999 Surgeon General report on mental health found that nearly 14 million children-one in five-have a diagnosable mental disorder. Yet most, even those with severe impairments, get no care. In January 2001 Surgeon General Satcher released a national agenda to address the public health crisis in children’s mental health services.

Some lawmakers are working to deal with the financial barriers – many families find the only way they can pay for what their child needs is through Medicaid, but their income is too high to qualify. Another area that holds some promise for reform this year is in the relationship between juvenile justice and mental illness. A recent investigation for federal lawmakers found that in 33 of states, facilities report holding mentally ill young people who have no charges pending against them because there are no appropriate mental health services available.

So strengthening a system of mental health and substance abuse services for children and youth will keep a lot of kids out of juvenile justice facilities who do not belong there. Meanwhile making sure that those facilities do no harm to young people with serious mental illness by reforming juvenile justice services, facilities and personnel is critical. This year tight state budgets may provide an opportunity to persuade state lawmakers to do the right thing for mentally ill youngsters, especially those in detention, because in the long run it is cheaper. It is cheaper to provide mental health services than to detain youth, and it is cheaper to keep detained youth in service-rich, community-based small facilities, like those first pioneered in Missouri, where young people who need to be detained can get the services they need and stay out of trouble when they return to their neighborhoods.
Late last year the federal government enacted the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act, authorizing $50 million in federal funding for grants to states to support pre- and post- booking interventions. These will include programs that divert individuals with serious mental illness from going to jail—directing them instead to community-based treatment and support services. This year advocates can try to see that the authorized money is actually appropriated, and that some of it goes to help mentally ill youth.

You’ll find more information on the Connect for Kids Mental Health topic page.

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Guinevere Smith, 4-H Youth Development Educator comments: I work for Cornell Cooperative Extension and am also the Youth Bureau Director in Orleans County. This is in response to the first question. It might be helpful to note that NY State has been fortunate in passing legislation so that public schools may not serve or sell candy, soda, gum and water ices from the beginning of the school day until after the last lunch period. Many schools are re-evaluating their food service, a la carte, and vending operations in order to provide students with a wider selection of healthy food and beverage choices. Enforcement of this law has been the issue, but Kim may want to look at NYS as an example of what can be done. We have a strong Nutrition Consortium and advocates in the state, which helps a great deal.

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Chapin, DC: What if I call a state legislator's office and try to set up a meeting on an issue, but don't get a satisfactory response? When does an advocate become a pest, and when is persistence justified? What's the best way to push for action while still maintaining good relations with legislative staff and elected officials?

Dan: It is normal, and expected by any decent staffer, for an advocate to call/fax/email several times for a meeting request. If, after several attempts, staff is still unwilling to meet with you, it is generally worth reaching out to that staff’s supervisor – the legislative director or chief of staff. That communication should not involve complaining about the staffer’s lack of response, just state that you were seeking a brief meeting and that you know how busy the staff has been recently, and that you were simply hoping to set a date for when they expect the pressure to ease off. If you think there is a specific problem with a staffer and your organization, asking another group or individual to make the contact for you and going along with them, is another alternative. Finally, getting the legislator’s schedule for upcoming public events, attending one, and talking briefly to the Member about your attempts to get a meeting will usually result in the Member telling you to tell the staffer that the Member suggested that you meet together.

Heather: As long as you are not rude or offensive persistence is justified. The legislator may have had a bad day or be really busy and not had time to concentrate. Maintaining a good relationship with a legislator is important but it does not mean being best friends. It is far more important to maintain the legislator's respect rather than his/her friendship.

The best way to push for action is to build a coalition and rely on numerous voices sending the same message to legislators and staff. If they hear from lots of sources the message will gain in importance. Don't forget about the media, community voices, and using policy makers as well.

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Michigan: I hear that Congressmen are screening email, the mails are slow and it's hard to get a high-level staff person on the phone. How are grass-roots advocates to get through? If lawmakers are screening emails, is capwiz a waste of time?

Anita: Capwiz isn’t a waste of time, but Members of Congress are getting more and more letters, emails and faxes and, therefore, the impact of each is lessened. You have to do more. Your work has to begin long before a particular issue is hot. If you don’t know your lawmakers personally (and you should), identify people who are your supporters and who also are friends and/or supporters of the legislator. Ask them to make calls or write letters or emails.

Right now, before a big issue comes up, make a point of calling the appropriate staff members to introduce yourself and ask how you can help with information from the district. Get to know the senior staff in the district offices.

Provide specific information on how legislation will affect specific constituents of the Member. And always, build coalitions and build relationships with local press.

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Morgan: Do you have any suggestions for private citizens who would like to be more involved in advocating for children? Is it best to start with a "pet" interest, or are there general advocacy organizations out there that could provide a little more guidance?

Anita: There are general kids advocacy groups—you can find them in your area by going to www.connectforkids.org. Within those groups there will be plenty of opportunity to work for you pet interest.

You should also get to know your local and state legislators. Go to public meeting when they are in town and speak up in support of funding for programs for kids. Get your friends to go with you. Go to town council or county council meeting.

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Washington, DC: With Republicans in charge of the White House and both houses of Congress, do you have any tactical advice on how best to approach members of Congress? Do we ignore working with Democrats?

Anita: If they are Republicans, approach with Republicans from their districts, preferably those whom they know and/or have supported them. Make certain if you have a significant number of groups in your coalition or a large membership that you are clear about the number of constituents you represent.

Do we ignore working with Democrats? No!! It is Democrats who are going to sound the clarion bells about program cuts and see that children’s advocacy issues are included. It is also critical that they see support at home for their work to support kids. The seniors will definitely be letting them know how much they appreciate their support for seniors.

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Washington, DC: I have heard that it makes sense to meet with lawmakers or their staff along with young people or family members who are directly affected by the piece of legislation under discussion -- college aid, welfare reform, or independent living funds for older foster youth, for example. Is this a good idea, and if so, what kind of preparation should I provide to such people who may not be experienced advocates?

Dan: Great question. It depends upon the specificity of the impact: that is, simply bringing a college student in on a college aid issue would be odd, but where the young person would have more particularized experience (foster care, mom on welfare), it can be quite helpful. For preparation, of course its best to find the most articulate/charismatic representative one can, but beyond that, it is useful to walk through what the individual should talk about from her experience. Essentially, what questions you think they could answer that a staffer or lawmaker might ask (i.e., what was the most significant problem you faced for yourself in being in the foster care system). Holding a "mock" meeting in advance can be very helpful. Ask all the questions you think might arise, because in these meetings the Member or staffer will almost always try to have a conversation directly with the "real McCoy" and ignore the advocate.

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Jan: Many thanks to Dan, Anita and Heather. And thanks, those of you who logged on to our discussion. Join us for our next TalkTime Live!