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[Title] How to Engage Local and State Elected Officials in Support… [Author] Edward M. Cooney [Year] 2011 [Publication Type] Special Reports & White Papers [Community Focus] Advocates (including legal advocates), Children [Location] Domestic [Description] This paper is part of a series of occasional white papers produced by the Congressional Hunger Center that offer a concise “primer” on key aspects of policymaking… Read more [Affiliation] Staff Member [Body] 
How Engage Local and State Elected Officials Support Child Hunger Initiatives Edward Cooney Executive Director Congressional Center September The gratefully acknowledges the generous support ConAgra Foods Foundation for CHILD Project Childrens Initiative Learning Development which this paper was prepared Introduction officials including mayors city council members selectmen county office holders are uniquely positioned assist advocates community groups shaping policies that reduce child hunger former Speaker House Representatives Tip ONeill once said all politics local These individuals closest political forces available citizens They run because they see needs believe can find solutions existing problems have power issue ordinances fund agencies manage operation governments legislators governors also ideal position impact affecting diverse roles policymaker consensus builder leader social justice issues such reducing their state communities But how advocacy organizations get access these leaders decisionmakers what some core messages would resonate with them This will review techniques effective highlight two successful models level Act End Oregon statenational model National Conference Legislators NCSL Legislatures Partnership Key Components Effective Advocacy Political action take many forms but direct contact elected one most ways influence decisions policymakers founding fathers thought concept important protected your right petition our government Constitution One first rules learning name area official governs helpful known focus expertise has education reform taxes energy fiscal policy etc tried true approach reaching through writing letter Linda Locke past president Adult Care Food Program CACFP Forum recommends letters should individual handwritten indicating from real person brief paragraphs length address only topic specific seek increased funding quality care insuring children healthy food include personal experiences importance recommendation affect you organization Face face meetings way broader agenda seeking then know Are licensed interest mention unlicensed may not provide adequate note operators programs pay gain attention increasing put together small group program sponsors providers educators religious business representatives Having Rotary Club member part gives credibility there relationship between nutrition having teacher familiar component participate meeting very clergy adds moral dimension usually give high regard respected Some found success focusing general public print media oped editor more indirect route suggestions outlined above regarding followed Practitioners had skilled type communication Core Messages levels inundated requests assistance numerous topics taken who legislature strategy Education Committee Appropriation request acted committees help Your message clear powerful allows develop building blocks later school life significant indicator meals parents work knowing safe severely underfunded supported hard data relevant surveys studies research projects demonstrate shortfall funds summarized presented Successful Models Engaging Relief Task Force win battle against togethergovernment nonprofits faith every Governor Ted Kulongoski announcing Harvest week October held Summit interested finding set out five years make difference inspired number terms according Department Agriculture moved middle pack implementing its plan strategic designed allies anti well Oregonians guide eliminate essence proposals concrete steps ensure family economic stability security establishing close working relations saw progress motion activities complete entire published report highlighting succeeded enhancing developing living wage opportunities assisting lowincome pursuit college educations strengthening getting increase Oregons Affordable Housing Tax Credit protecting low workers making Income permanently refundable creating safety net those unable TANF supports detailed Policy Council providing vehicle new fight bonus dollars use SNAP benefits farmers markets Women Infants Children WIC Senior Farmers Market Voucher highlighted engaged creative campaigns when exciting thing about collaborative ACT END HUNGER already actions Even though thousands still struggle keep table families now tax credits other services tough times Working does May Now carrying end pursuing strategies preserve where possible expand emergency distribution breakfast summer Farm Head Start Day After School Meal Snack affordable housing remain priorities Through achieve goal Legislature invited several major companies three leading national antihunger join states raise visibility America offer innovative lasting year long initiative connect private sectors improve availability hungry According Agricultures USDA recent record million Americans experienced insecurity included means nearly risk numbers simply unacceptable country financial resources commitment need publicprivate partnership established currently great capitalize federal nonprofit initiatives combat Corporate mobilize counter sliding into poverty Under Secretary Nutrition Consumer Service FNCS Kevin Concannon annual Louisville States really partners delivering administering feeding nations line defense ending needed staff reports legislatures directly sector produced legislation Arkansas passed calling appropriation Financial Administration grants Alliance relief efforts throughout amounting Colorado enacted requiring Human Services promote awareness Supplemental Assistance counties barriers costs accessing Massachusetts statewide purpose recommendations advance production Massachusettsgrown deliver foods residents protect land water required sustained Another training retention recruitment continued viability Texas grant obesity nutritional met AARP American Beverage Association Cargill Marketing Institute General Mills Mead Johnson Nestl USA Walmart Yum Brands advisory Feeding Research Action Phoenix Arizona NCSLs Fall December identified second session Boston April Spring went site visit youth teens trained become creation sustainable system greater Audrey Rowe Administrator Deborah Frank Grow Clinic spoke role health proving Margaret McKenna President Ellen Luger educated corporate foundations addressing final San Antonio Legislative Bring Table Panelists JoAnn Jenkins Laura Melillo Global Community Relations reviewed practices veterans elderly discussion based upon publication Bringing Addressing PublicPrivate Partnerships written Marie Lawrence participant Centers Bill Emerson Fellows placed toured Bank focuses selected approaches outreach application retailers accept improving after meal examples healthier items locally grown Conclusion greatly enhances likelihood
Congressional Hunger Center » Subject Areas » Domestic Federal Nutrition Programs
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