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Home , Greg Bonnen, James Frank, Texas Legislature

The 87th Legislative Session How to Be A Champion for Texas Children

- Jennifer Lucy | Managing Director of Policy - - Kerrie Judice | CPS Research & Policy Analyst - Agenda

The 87TH Legislative Session How to champion – What’s different, children in the 87th Resources for you what’s happened Legislative Session so far, what’s next 87TH Legislative Session

We are over 140 days Began Jan. 1/3 of the way every other 12th and ends through year May 31st already

Who’s Who – The Big Three

Gov. Lt. Gov. Speaker Who’s Who – Committee Chairs

Rep. , Rep. , Sen. , Sen. , Appropriations Human Services Finance Committee Health and Human Services Committee Who’s Who – Continued

 Identify both your state senator and state representative: visit https://fyi.capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx and enter your address.

 Key legislators based on committee assignments.

 View all Representatives and Senators.

 For more information visit the TexProtects policy page! Messaging Tips

 Consider your audience!

 Create an engaging and effective message using stories AND numbers.

 Present solutions.

 Connect to common values. Use language like “every family” and “all children” to express that prevention of abuse and neglect is a core American value. Every child deserves an opportunity to achieve their potential.

 Create a visualization, a hopeful picture of what prevention can provide for Texas. For specific anecdotes, describe the child and their environment. “Strong, safe, and secure” is a great phrase to use. It’s all about creating the right foundation for children to thrive as they grow.

 Be clear, simple, and make it easy for them to act. Plan 3-4 key proof points for your message. Strategies for Advocates Step 1 Know the Latest

• Sign up for the TexProtects Bi-Weekly Newsletter and check out the Advocacy Gateway. • Follow TexProtects on social media: • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Follow Texas legislators on social media. • Online is the main hub for all your legislative needs. Using Texas Legislature Online (TLO)

Step 2 Write to Your Legislator

• Letters never go out of style. • Handwritten or via email. • Include what the issue is and why it is important. • If possible, include your personal story. • Pictures will be the most powerful items to have. • And don't forget to point out that you are their constituent! Step 3 Share on Social Media

• One of the quickest ways to get policymakers' attentions. • Twitter and Facebook are two of the most used platforms during the legislative session. • Make sure to tag your policymakers. • Posts with images tend to create a higher engagement rate. • Follow TexProtects on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to repost our graphics!

Use #TxLege and #TxLege2021 in all your posts to find and filter all things Texas Legislature.

Other good subject-specific hashtags to use include #TxChildWelfare #HomeVisitingIsEssential #HomeVisiting #ProtectTxKids Step 4 Call Your Legislators

• A quick call to your Legislator's office can make a big difference! • Legislative staffers keep notes and share the number of constituents calling regarding each interest. • End your call with the most important takeaway, a personal story, and/or budget ask. • If making a legislative funding request, let them know of the specific request and help them understand where these programs live in the budget. Tips for Calling

 Call the offices of your Representative and Senator and identify yourself as a constituent. Ask to speak to the scheduler. Ask if the Legislator or a staff member (meeting with staff is okay!) has 15 minutes for a meeting (if you would like to meet in person), or if a staff member has 5 minutes to speak to you over the phone about your topic of interest in their district.

 Let them know what you are supporting or what you have concerns about.

 If making a legislative funding request, let them know of the specific request and help them understand where these programs live in the budget.

 Ask for their support.

 Follow-up your conversation with an email or, more preferably, a handwritten note, thanking them for their time and support of your program in their district!

 Include pictures or other tangible items from your topic of interest, if possible.

 Share additional data or resources on your program topic of interest and let them know that you are available as a resource to them. Step 5 Schedule a (Virtual) Meeting

• Putting a face to the issue is powerful! • When you meet with your legislators, they can see the real-life impact of policy on child welfare. • Since people do not have to schedule "travel time" between in-person meetings, there’s more time in your legislators’ schedules to meet virtually. Step 6 Complete and Share Advocacy Alerts

• Our advocacy alerts are pre-written letters on individual topics that can be customized (if you choose). • Just enter your zip code to find your legislators. • These advocacy alerts take less than a minute to complete. • Can be shared with your network through emails and social media to increase impact! Go that extra step Submit Testimony

• A more formal way to get involved. • It may be in-person. • Can also be written. • Drop a card in support or opposition of a bill. Resources for You

Child Maltreatment The State of Texas Families BEFORE A Family Support - Home Visiting Project HOPES – Community Prevention COVID-19 Based Prevention

Family Connects Family First Prevention Home Visiting Toolkit Advocacy Gateway for more tools Services Act Resources

State of the State Report Child Protection Services Flow Charts (5) Home Visiting in Texas 4.0 Future Direction of Home Visiting

Family First Services Prevention Act (FFPSA) Early Childhood Matters Home Visiting Toolkit Child Abuse and Neglect Risk During COVID-19 Contact Us

texprotects.org Any Questions?