Week 10 6351 Discussion 1

ADVOCACY HANDBOOK

FOR SOCIAL WORKERS

By Dan Beerman, ACSW, LCSW

Professor at NC A&T State University and UNC-Greensboro

Joint Master of Social Work Program

Revisions by Doaw Xiong, BSW, Intern

National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter

East Carolina University

2

Table of Contents

Why Advocate ………………………………………………… 3

Working with Legislators ……………………………………. 4

Letter Writing Samples

Clients ………………………………………………….. 5

Professional ……………………………………………. 6

Calling Legislators …………………………………………… 7

Sample Call to Legislators …………………………………... 8

Visiting Legislators …………………………………………... 9

Other Forms of Advocating …………………………………. 10

NC- PACE ……………………………………………………. 11

Your Representatives or Senators ………………………….. 12

Understanding Legislative Terms …………………………... 13

3

“Why Advocate?”

All citizens have a right to make the sort of

contact with elected officials that are described

above. Citizen participation is a cornerstone of a

democratic society. Citizens can participate in

the life of their community in many forms.

The Code of Ethics of the National Association

of Social Workers calls upon social workers to

“…facilitate informed participation by the

public in shaping policies and institutions.”

(NASW, 1999). Additionally, Section 6.04 (a) of

the Code, states that, “social workers should

engage in social and political action that seeks

to ensure that all people have equal access to

the resources, employment, services, and

opportunities they require to meet their basic

human needs and promote social justice”

(NASW, 1999).

The International Federation of Social Workers

states in its definition of social work, “The

social work profession promotes social change,

problem solving in human relationships and the

empowerment and liberation of people to

enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human

behavior and social systems, social work

intervenes at the points where people interact

with their environments. Principles of human

rights and social justice are fundamental to

social work” (IFWS, 2012).

As a social worker you can play a critical role in

convincing North Carolina’s Legislators and the

Governor that funding for human service

programs and programs that support best social

work practice should be protected and

expanded. You have first-hand knowledge of

the importance of support for critical services

that impact your clients, your agencies, and your

community.

“You can make a difference."

Social Workers have reported that they do not

like to get involved in political activity because

they feel uncomfortable in a domain that is

foreign to them. They do not trust politicians

and do not trust the political process. These

feelings of being disconnected are the same

feelings many of our clients have about our

social service programs. As professionals we are

called upon to be aware of our feelings, use our

professional skills, and be good problem

solvers. Social Workers are good

communicators and can be excellent advocates

with legislators and other decision makers.

People who are employed by public agencies

must be aware that they have a special

responsibility to not use or create the perception

that public funds are being used to try and

influence public policy. Be aware of agency

policy on such issues. For some federal and

state employees the Hatch Act imposes clear

limitations on such activities. Use common

sense and (1) Do not use public resources for

mailings; (2) Do not use agency stationary for

letters (you can tell them where you work); (3)

Use your own time for advocacy activity unless

you have permission from your agency to

advocate on their time; (4) Do not make calls

from work phone; and, (5) Use your own phone.

4

WORKING WITH LEGISLATORS

When the legislators are not in session, send

correspondence to their home or local addresses.

A list of Raleigh and home office addresses,

phone numbers and e-mail addresses is available

on the website of the NC General Assembly

(www.ncleg.net). This site will help you locate

your representatives by county.

You can reach the governor year round at:

The Honorable Governor (Insert Current

Governor)

116 West Jones Street

Raleigh, NC 27603-8001

What can help?

Write letters to your local newspaper about

issues of concern to you. Write your legislators

and ask them to support specific programs.

Additionally, there are several other modes of

contact or advocacy that have an impact on the

members of the state legislature. They are:

 Phone contact

 Meeting with a legislator

 Becoming a lobbyist

 Supporting NC-PACE

OTHER WAYS TO INFLUENCE POLICY

A personal, well written, original letter will

have a considerable impact on legislators.

Following are some helpful tips for writing

legislators:

 Make sure a return address is contained within the letter.

Remember, typed

 Send your letters are easier to read than handwritten letters.

 Send your letter via traditional mail or via e-mail.

 Be sure to identify the town/city and county in which you live.

 State what is being asked of the legislator/governor and request a

response.

 Be brief and to the point. Try to make the letter no longer than one

typewritten page. Send only the

original letter, not a copy.

Personalize your letter to strengthen

your points.

 Be factual and support positions with information.

 If you know the bill number and title, be sure to refer to it in your letter.

 Remain courteous; do not threaten or cajole. Simply explain the local

impact the legislation would have.

 Write a second letter of thanks to legislators who vote to support your

initial request.

 Be sure to address the elected official properly. The governor is addressed

as “The Honorable Governor (first

name, last name).” Legislators are

addressed as “The Honorable (name

of senator or representative).” You

do not put Senator or Honorable after

Honorable in salutations to

legislators.

 When the General Assembly is in session, send correspondence to

legislators at their Raleigh office.

5

Following are two sample letters that you can send to your legislators:

ALTERNATIVE ONE:

Client Advocacy

Your street address

City, state, zip code

Phone number

Date

The Honorable (full name)

Address

Dear Representative OR Senator (last name):

I am a registered voter in (City, County, District) and I work in the field of (mental health, school

social work, public welfare, etc.). It has come to my attention that the NC General Assembly is

considering (describe action and if possible give a bill number). I am concerned about the

negative impact this action will have on (client group)…. OR, I support this bill (give reasons for

support. Also, give cost implications and anecdotal information about client impact.).

These services are critical to my clients and to many others in North Carolina with similar issues.

I realize that you are faced with many tough decisions as you prepare the state’s budget. But, not

providing services to people who desperately need them is not the way to balance the budget.

Have the courage to do the right thing and invest in all our people. Please let me know your

position on removing funds from the states budget for (your issue).

Sincerely,

Your name

[Make sure you personalize the letter to strengthen its impact, but stay brief and to the point.

Try to keep the letter to one page. You can use the letter text in e-mail.]

6

ALTERNATIVE TWO:

Professional Advocacy

Your street address

City, state, zip code

Phone number

Date

The Honorable (full name)

Address

Dear Representative OR Senator (last name):

I am a registered voter in (City, County, District) and I am a social worker at (place and

location). It has come to my attention that the NC General Assembly is considering (describe

action and if possible give a bill number). I am concerned about the negative impact this action

will have on social work education in NC…. OR, I support action being taken to improve

support for social work in NC (Give cost implications and anecdotal information about client

impact.).

(If you are writing about the Child Welfare Education Collaborative remind them that students

pay back educational support with services in their counties. Include concerns about incidents of

child deaths in other states.)

I realize that you are faced with many tough decisions as you prepare the state’s budget. But, not

providing services to people who desperately need them is not the way to balance the budget.

Have the courage to do the right thing and invest in all our people. Please let me know your

position on removing funds from the states budget for (your issue).

Sincerely,

Your name

[Make sure you personalize the letter to strengthen its impact, but stay brief and to the point.

Try to keep the letter to one page. You can use the letter text in e-mail.]

7

CALLING YOUR LEGISLATORS

If you cannot reach the legislator directly, leave a phone number where calls can be returned to

and ask to speak to available staff. They will notify the legislator of contact of calls received and

are often very helpful.

 Before you call, jot down the main points that you want to include in your conversation. Practice what you are going to say.

 Ask to speak directly to the legislator.

 Identify yourself and where you are from (city, county).

 Be brief and concise. State the purpose for your call.

 Express your appreciation if the legislator is supportive of your issue. If the legislator is undecided, offer to provide more information.

 If you know the bill number and title, be sure to refer to it in your conversation.

 Be prepared to spend more time if the legislator wants more information.

 Remember to be courteous and to thank the legislator or staff person for his/her time.

 Send a follow-up letter restating the substance of the call and the legislator’s position on the issue as it was understood (whether there was direct contact with the legislator

or with his/her staff). Again, thank the legislator for his/her time.

The content of a phone call to a legislator is very similar to that of a letter. Be prepared to answer

questions and provide additional information. Following is a sample phone call script that you

can use as a guide for calling legislators.

8

Sample call to a legislator:

“Senator/Representative (last name), my

name is…. and I am a resident of (city) in

(county). I am calling today to ask your

support of” (describe your issue in a

sentence or two).

3

In another few sentences, tell them why you

have concerns about this issue.

For example:

 I work in a mental health center with (population), and….

 I am a school social worker, and….

 I work in a DSS with abused children, and….

Give them a couple of examples of

important pieces of information.

 Data on the number of un-served mentally ill.

 Data about school dropout rates.

 Data about increased reports of child abuse.

I realize that you are faced with many tough

decisions as you prepare the state’s budget. I

am calling to express my support for (give a

bill number or concise description of issue

or I am concerned about potential funding

cuts or change in (give bill or concise

description of issue).

What is your position on removing funds

from this important area? Or what is your

position on support for this critical area?

Give the legislator an opportunity to express

his/her opinion without interruption. If the

legislator indicates that he/she will fight

budget cuts to your services or supports the

action on a bill that you support, thank

him/her. If the legislator indicates that

he/she is undecided or that he/she is in favor

of these cuts or does not support your bill or

issue, politely ask them to reconsider and

state again how important it is for your

clients to receive these services or for the

profession to be strengthened. Offer to meet

with the legislator and/or provide additional

information about the impact of reduced

funds for services or lack of support for your

issue.

For questions you can’t answer, offer to

find the answers for him/her. Offer the

legislator your name and phone number

in case he/she has additional question at a

later time. NEVER SAY WHAT YOU

DO NOT KNOW TO BE TRUE! Just let

them know you will get back to them

immediately with the answer. Legislators

appreciate honesty and you will be viewed

as having credibility.

Thank the legislator for his/her time.

[Remember to follow up your phone call

with a thank-you letter.]

For professional issues use the same format

as above.

9

VISITING YOUR LEGISLATORS

A face-to-face meeting with your legislators is an excellent opportunity to discuss the proposed

budget cuts and their impact on you and your family. The following guidelines may be helpful as

you begin visiting your legislators.

 Develop and maintain a good working relationship directly

with the legislators in your

district.

 Always call ahead for an appointment and briefly explain

the purpose of the meeting.

 Be on time and professionally dressed (NO JEANS).

 Keep your comments to the point and limit your

presentation/discussion to the

time scheduled, unless the

legislator extends the meeting.

(Refer to sample letter and phone

call for some suggestions on how

you might organize your

comments.)

 Use bill numbers and titles when possible.

 Tell the legislator why the issue is important to you and to other

constituents in his/her district.

 When possible and appropriate, bring consumers of services with

you to talk with the legislators.

 Ask the legislator for his/her position on the issue and how

he/she will vote. If supportive,

thank him/her for the support. If

undecided or for removing funds

for services, ask if you can

provide additional information

on the issue.

 Always be courteous, even if the legislator disagrees with your

position on the issue.

 Leave information for the legislator to review after your

meeting.

 Thank the legislator for his/her time.

 Send a short letter thanking the legislator for the meeting.

10

OTHER FORMS OF ADVOCACY

The National Association of Social Workers

(NASW) primary functions include

promoting the professional development of

its members, establishing and maintaining

professional standards of practice,

advancing sound social policies for the

betterment of the nation, and providing other

services that protect its members and

enhance their professional status (Barker,

2003).

The mission of the National Association of

Social Workers-North Carolina (NASW-

NC) chapter is to continue the mission of the

national association as well as enhance the

effective functioning and well-being of

individuals, families, and communities

through its work and advocacy. NASW-NC

achieves this mission through Professional

Advocacy (which has representation on at

least 25 statewide coalitions) and Social

Policy Advocacy.

On staff with NASW-NC is a Director of

Advocacy, Policy and Legislation (DAPL)

who is a registered lobbyist and represents

NASW-NC members at the NC General

Assembly.

The current Director of Advocacy, Policy

and Legislation is Kay Paksoy; Kay has her

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). During

legislative sessions, the DAPL reviews

legislation that is introduced each day to

assess its possible impact on social workers

and their clients, and takes appropriate

action.

Other responsibilities of the DAPL include

working with legislators to amend existing

state statutes, representing social workers at

state wide meetings focusing on different

arenas of the social work profession and

speaking to groups about the advocacy work

of NASW-NC.

Lobbying in the NC Legislature on social

work issues, such as insurance

reimbursement, social work licensure, and

increasing salaries to strengthen the

profession, health insurance for all people,

strengthening our state’s education system,

effectively changing the welfare reform

system are just a few of NASW-NC

responsibilities.

To register as a lobbyist:

 File a registration statement with the Secretary of State in person or

by mail;

 Pay the $200.00 registration fee at the time of registration; and

 File an authorization statement, registration fee and authorization

statement is required for each

principal a lobbyist represent.

 Additionally, a separate registration statement, registration fee, and

authorization statement is required

for each lobbyist a principal retains

or employs.

11

SUPPORTING NC-PACE

What is PACE?

Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) is NASW’s Political action arm. As a political

action committee, PACE endorses and financially contributes to candidates who support

NASW’s policy agenda, irrespective of party affiliation. The national PACE Board of Trustees

endorses and contributes to federal candidates running for US House and Senate Seats; state

chapter PACE units decide on local and state races.

NASW-NC also has its own political action committee known as NC-PACE (Political Action for

Candidate Election). This committee helps elect candidates to public offices that will support

legislation and policies consistent with the goals of the social work profession and the needs of

those who are served by the social work profession in North Carolina.

How PACE Helps NASW- NC Reach its Goals

As a subsidiary of NASW, PACE functions to enhance the policymaking environment for the

association. In addition to its major tasks, PACE strengthens the organization by:

 Recruiting members through personal contact, student outreach, and being a visible political force

 Improving NASW’s image to candidates, members, and students

 Building capacity for political action within NASW through the field organizer project and by providing technical assistance to chapters

 Helping elect legislators who will advance NASW’s legislative priorities, and where possible, specifically electing social workers

Available to members of NASW-NC is our Advocacy webpage under Government Relations at

naswnc.org, which assists you in finding out what issues in both the State and Federal

Legislatures that may affect you or your clients. This page will keep you informed about

pending legislation that needs YOUR support and will offer suggestions as to how YOU can get

involved.

12

“YOUR REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR…” 1. KNOWS THAT “ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL.” This quote by former Speaker Tip O’Neill

means that office holders pay first allegiance to their districts, and consequently, their reelection.

That is why local coalition contacts from their home are most effective.

2. WANTS TO DO THE RIGHT THING: Each of us wants to do a good job, but we

sometimes forget that this basic human drive also applies to elected officials.

3. OFTEN WANTS TO GET REELECTED: Despite the fact that nearly all incumbents are

reelected, they all thrive on their jobs and are constantly concerned with what they have to do to

keep it or get a better one.

4. WANTS TO BE RESPONSIVE: He/she is in the business of pleasing people and wants to

accommodate you – but not at any cost. Other considerations may prevent him/her from doing

so.

5. MAY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT IS OF CONCERN TO YOU:

Unless your representative is a member of the Human Resources Committee, your representative

probably knows little or nothing about your concerns. Share your knowledge.

6. IS BESET BY CONFLICTING PRESSURES: Fund new education programs and cut non-

education programs. Don’t raise taxes. Don’t touch the cigarette or alcohol industries. Provide

information about why funds for these services are so important to receive priority from our

legislators.

7. WANTS TO KNOW HOW LEGISLATION AFFECTS THE LOCAL DISTRICT: This

is where you are critical. You can show how a bill impacts the people back home. Be specific

and use real-life examples.

8. FIND IT HARD TO VOTE AGAINST A FRIEND BUT EASY TO VOTE AGAINST

SOMEONE WE DON’T’ KNOW: Votes in the legislature are taking money from one

program to give to another. Unless your representative knows the impact that cuts have on

programs in their district, it’s easy to accept the argument those programs can afford the cut or

don’t need expansion.

13

Understanding Legislative Terms

Amendment

A proposed change to the language in a bill

by adding, substituting, or omitting a portion

of the legislation before final passage.

Appropriation

Legislation that funds an agency or program

by directing the expenditure of money from

the Budget Office.

Authorization

Legislation that authorizes, or permits the

expenditure of funds for an agency or

program, with the actual spending to be

approved by the appropriations committees.

Bill

Legislation introduced in either the House or

the Senate. House bills are designated by the

prefix “H.B.,” Senate bills by “S.B.,: and

then followed by the bill number. Bill

numbers are determined by the order in

which bills are introduced.

Caucus

A meeting of members of the same political

party to determine the party’s position on

legislative issues.

Committee

A subdivision of members of the House and

Senate that prepares legislation for action by

the parent chamber. Each committee has

jurisdiction over certain subject matters and

considers legislation pertaining to their

jurisdiction. Most committees are further

subdivided into subcommittees. There are

two types of committees:

1. Standing Committees are permanent committees with a particular

legislative jurisdiction.

2. Joint Committees have members from both the House and the Senate.

Committee Process

Once bills are introduced, they are referred

to one of the committees where hearings are

held, where amendments are considered, and

the committee reports its recommendations

to the legislative body.

Conference Committee

A committee made up of members from

both chambers. Its purpose is to resolve the

differences between the House and Senate

version of a bill.

Constituent

Any citizen residing in a district or state

represented by a House Representative or a

Senator.

Continuing Appropriation

When a fiscal year begins and the legislature

has not yet enacted all regular appropriation

bills for that year, it passed a joint resolution

“continuing appropriation” for government

agencies at rate generally based on the

previous year’s appropriations.

Co-sponsor

One who joins in sponsoring legislation. Co-

sponsorship is a public demonstration of

support for a measure.

Executive Session

A meeting of a Senate or House committee

(or, occasionally of either chamber) that

only its members may attend.

Expenditures

The actual spending of money, as

distinguished from the appropriation of it.

Filibuster

A time-delaying tactic used by a minority in

an effort to prevent a vote on a bill that

probably would pass if brought to a vote.

14

Fiscal Year

The states annual accounting period, which

begins July 1 and ends the following June

30. The fiscal year is designated by the year

in which it ends.

H.B.

The initials “H.B.” before the number

designate a bill originating in the House.

Hearings

A session of a legislative committee at

which supporters and opponents express

their views. The committee announces

hearings from one day to many weeks in

advance and may invite certain persons to

testify. Persons who request to testify may

be turned down by the committee, but they

are often allowed to either appear in person

or submit a written statement for the record.

Introduction

The original presentation of a bill.

Joint Committee

A committee made up of members of both

the House and Senate

Joint Resolution

Just like a bill, a joint resolution requires the

approval of both houses and has the force of

law if approved. Joint resolutions are

generally used in dealing with limited

matters, such as a single appropriation for a

specific purpose.

Legislative action

The preparation, research drafting,

introduction, consideration, modification,

amendment, approval, passage, enactment,

tabling, postponement, defeat, or rejection of

a bill, resolution, amendment, motion,

report, nomination, appointment, or other

matter by the legislature or by a member or

employee of the legislature acting or

purporting to act in an official capacity.

Marking Up a Bill

Going through a measure, usually in

subcommittee and committee, taking it

section-by-section, revising language, and

penciling in new phrases. If the bill is

extensively revised, the new version may be

introduced as a separate or “clean bill” with

a new number.

Majority Leader

Floor leader, spokesperson, and strategist for

the majority party.

Minority Leader

Floor Leader for the minority party.

Ranking Member

The most senior member of a committee

from a particular party. Most often used to

refer to the most senior member of the

minority party.

Re-committal

Sending a bill back to the committee that

reported it for consideration.

Report

Both a verb and a noun. A committee that

has examined a bill refers it to the parent

chamber by “reporting” its views and

recommendations regarding the measure. A

“report” describes the purpose and scope of

a bill, along with supporting reasons.

Opposing views as well as supplemental

views of other members of the committee

may be included.

Resolution

A resolution deals with matters entirely

within the prerogatives of one chamber. It

does not require passage by the other

chamber and does not carry the force of law.

Most resolutions deal with the rules of a

chamber or are used to express the

sentiments of a single house.

Rule

A. House or Senate rules governing the conduct of business.

15

B. A “Rule” issued by the House Rules Committee on procedure for

handling House bills.

S.B.

The initials “S.B.” before the number

designate a bill originating in the Senate.

Sessions

Normally, the legislature consists of two

sessions, with the long session beginning in

January and ending when the legislature

adjourns (odd years) and a short session

(even years) that begins in May and goes

until legislature adjourns.

Sponsor

The member of the legislature who

introduces legislation.

Standing Committee

A committee that studies measures

introduced within its jurisdiction and makes

recommendations to its respective chamber

concerning appropriate action.

Subcommittee

A subdivision of committee organized by

subject matter.

Substitute

A motion, amendment, or entire bill that is

introduced in place of pending legislation.

Passage of a substitute kills the original

measure.

Suspend the Rules

A motion to expedite passage of legislation

whereby any member recognized by the

Speaker may “move to suspend the rules and

pass the bill.” This requires a two-thirds vote

in the House and majority in the Senate.

This curriculum was developed for professionals and students in North Carolina to support their

efforts to live up to the expectations of the NASW Code of Ethics. Developed by Dan Beerman,

ACSW, LCSW, Professor with the NC A& T State University and UNC-Greensboro JMSW

Program. Revised by Pamela Siobohn Moye, CCADS, MSW Intern, UNC-Chapel Hill; Doaw

Xiong, BSW Intern, ECU, 2012.