10 Ways to Prepare for the State Legislative Session

Associations have powerful potential to change local, state, and even federal policies through the collective voice of their supporters and nonprofit advocacy. An association's public policy strategy and grassroots advocacy should go hand-in-hand 

Here are 10 things an association should do to prepare for the state legislative session: 

1. Craft an advocacy mission statement.

An association's advocacy mission statement should reflect the 3 P’s: passion, purpose, and process.

Passion, as in why your organization is advocating and why it matters.

Purpose, the actual policy objectives your organization is seeking to achieve or precisely what your efforts are influencing.

Process, how does your association plan on reaching its advocacy goals.

An advocacy mission statement for your association is a crucial first step in aligning your members with a common goal. By crafting a mission statement that resonates with your members, you can inspire greater engagement and support for your advocacy initiatives.

It serves as a guiding light for your association, keeping everyone focused and motivated towards creating meaningful change. Remember, a well-crafted mission statement is not just a set of words but a powerful tool that can unite your members and drive your advocacy efforts forward.

2. Create a strategic communications plan.

Whether your association has a dedicated communications director leading the charge or if it's solely managed by a one-person staff, the key to successful advocacy during the legislative session lies in effective communication with your members. Engaging your supporters, keeping them informed, and rallying their participation are crucial components of a successful advocacy strategy.

Utilizing a variety of communication channels such as:

• Email Updates
• SMS Text
• Newsletters
• Social Media
• Direct Outreach 

All of these can help ensure that your members are well-informed and actively involved in your advocacy efforts. Remember, communication is the bridge that connects your association's mission with the collective voice of your supporters, driving meaningful change and influencing policy decisions.

3. Designate a staff member with advocacy responsibilities

If your association does not have a policy specialist or government affairs staff member, it is crucial to designate a staff member with advocacy responsibilities. This tip is especially relevant for organizations with smaller staff sizes, where individuals may need to wear multiple hats to ensure the success of advocacy efforts.

By assigning advocacy responsibilities to a specific staff member, you can streamline communication, coordination, and implementation of advocacy strategies, maximizing the impact of your association's efforts during the legislative session. This dedicated staff member can serve as the point person for all advocacy-related activities, ensuring that your organization's goals and objectives are effectively communicated and pursued.

4. Make sure your digital presence reflects your advocacy mission 

5. Consider purchasing advocacy software

Simplify your workload during the hectic legislative session with grassroots advocacy software. This powerful tool enables you to deliver tailored messages from your supporters directly to elected officials, boosting engagement rates and fortifying your association's impact on public policy outcomes.

6. Make efforts to grow your network

Make it easy for new supporters to join your action network by providing a clear and streamlined pathway for them to sign up. Building and expanding your base of supporters is essential for maximizing the impact of your advocacy efforts during the legislative session.

By actively growing your network, you can increase your association's reach and influence, ultimately driving positive change in local, state, and federal policies. Remember, the more individuals you have in your action network, the stronger your collective voice will be in advocating for your organization's mission and policy objectives.

7. Put together a legislative timeline.

Identifying the bills your association will focus on and establishing a clear schedule for committee discussions, floor debates, and other key stages is essential for effective advocacy during the legislative session.

By creating a detailed legislative timeline, your staff can anticipate and prepare for any policy issues that may arise for discussion. This proactive approach ensures that your organization is well-equipped to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities as they emerge, ultimately maximizing the impact of your advocacy efforts.

A well-structured timeline not only promotes organizational readiness but also enhances coordination and alignment among team members, allowing for a more strategic and cohesive approach to advancing your policy objectives.

8. Get involved in your community.

Share your organization's political advocacy issues at local events, like town hall meetings and community events. Spreading the word about your organization's advocacy initiatives may result in greater public support for your policy goals as state legislative session is active. 

9. Set up a lobby day

Organizing a Lobby Day is a crucial component of an association's advocacy strategy, providing members with valuable face-to-face interactions and leveraging the power of advocacy software to enhance grassroots efforts.

Lobby Days offer a unique opportunity for association members to directly engage with legislators, share personal stories, and advocate for policy objectives in a persuasive and impactful manner. By organizing a Lobby Day, associations can strengthen relationships with policymakers, educate them on key issues, and ultimately influence decision-making processes.

Additionally, leveraging advocacy software can streamline the coordination of your Lobby Day by helping you identify highly active members to reach out to and invite, track grasstops relationships, and more. 

Check out our detailed guide for more insights on planning and executing a successful Lobby Day.

10. Budget your advocacy expenditures.

When budgeting for advocacy expenditures, it is crucial to consider your organization's IRS classification, such as 501c3, c4, c6, and others. Each classification comes with specific legal parameters that dictate how much money can be allocated toward advocacy efforts. It is essential to thoroughly understand these regulations and ensure compliance by accurately documenting all advocacy-related expenses.

By keeping detailed records of your advocacy expenditures, you not only demonstrate transparency and accountability but also safeguard your organization against potential legal issues. Proper documentation can help you track the impact of your advocacy initiatives, evaluate the effectiveness of your spending, and make informed decisions for future budget allocations. Remember, financial stewardship is key to maintaining the trust of your supporters and upholding the integrity of your advocacy work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, associations play a vital role in advocating for policy change at local, state, and federal levels. By following the 10 steps outlined in this blog post, associations can effectively prepare for the state legislative session and maximize their impact on public policy outcomes. So take these steps to heart, engage with your supporters, and continue to advocate for the causes that matter most to your organization.

Together, we can create a better future for all.