A GUIDE TO PRESSURING YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE TO SUPPORT
DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA 75 MAIDEN LANE, SUITE 702 | NEW YORK, NY 10038 | 212-727-8610 [email protected] dsausa.org/join facebook.com/demsocialists @demsocialists 08 BUILDING a Local Coalition
18 SETTING UP and Preparing for a Meeting with your Congressional Representative
26 ESCALATING Pressure on your Representative
2 CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS AND EDITORS
James Cole, Benjamin Fong, Frances Gill, Dustin Guastella, Tim Higginbotham, Heidi Sloan, Megan Svoboda | Design & Layout by Connary Fagen
CONTACT
For more information, contact the national campaign committee at [email protected]. Be sure to check out our Medicare for All website at medicareforall.dsausa.org, where you can find an online version of this booklet, links to editable versions of campaign materials, more “how-to”s, reports from chapters from around the country, and more!
ABOUT DSA
Democratic Socialists for Medicare for All is a campaign organized and paid for by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). DSA is the largest and fastest growing socialist organization in the United States. We are a member-funded, member-run, and democratically accountable organization that fights for a political agenda that puts working people at the center. We believe that if we are to take on the enormous power of our political elite and their billionaire donors we need an organization that truly represents the needs, aspirations and desires of the working-class majority.
Democratic Socialists of America 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 702 New York, NY 10038 212-727-8610 [email protected] DSA for Medicare for All Campaign dsausa.org/join medicareforall.dsausa.org facebook.com/demsocialists facebook.com/dsam4a @demsocialists @dsam4a
Published in January 2019
3 INTRODUCTION
As democratic socialists, the Act, to a vote in the House of fight for an uncompromising Representatives. DSA is not Medicare for All — one that alone in this work. National guarantees free-at-use care Nurses United, along with to all through a single, public nearly 30 other national and program — is a singular way local unions and progressive to organize working people organizations are coordinating around a demand that will to take advantage of this materially improve their lives. moment. Since Bernie Sanders’ We have the power and the numbers to make it happen: presidential run in 2016, single- 70% of Americans support payer advocates have been Medicare for All, including successfully turning Medicare 85% of Democrats and 52% for All into a litmus test for of Republicans. Winning politicians. A floor vote in the Medicare for All will save House will force representatives the average working person to finally reveal whether thousands of dollars per year, they’re on the side of healthcare while guaranteeing healthcare profiteers or the side of the security to every single working class. American resident. Not only this, but it will democratize Americans have been fighting nearly one-fifth of the US for single-payer healthcare economy by eliminating a for over a century, and at massive, parasitic industry in a major blow against capital. various points have pushed the policy to the brink of 2019 presents a unique becoming a reality. But time opportunity for the Democratic and again advocates were Socialists for Medicare for All unable to overcome the campaign: to be a key player in unwavering opposition of the pushing HR 1384, the Expanded private insurance industry, and Improved Medicare for All pharmaceutical companies,
4 and the American Medical Americans Association. Healthcare profiteers have already begun have been their latest assault on Medicare fighting for for All — we’re seeing a wave of public option proposals single-payer intended to undermine our movement, as well as key healthcare committee appointments for over a being handed to corporate Democrats. century, and What we need now to fight at various back against this assault is an points have unshakeable working-class movement capable of forcing pushed the politicians to reject lobbyist influence. Now is the time to policy to be clear about our demands the brink of and pressure politicians to get on board. Pushing a floor becoming a vote in the House not only tests the political strength reality. of the movement to make that happen, it also sends the bill to the Senate, calling the question there. Though we know Medicare for All will not become a reality under the Trump administration, a House
5 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL
floor vote is the best “Which accept any compromises. side are you on?” political opportunity in 2019 and sets This guide will help your the stage to make Medicare for chapter plan out a pressure All the decisive issue of 2020. campaign on your House rep. The first chapter talks about Every chapter and organizing the ways in which to build committee in DSA can be and participate strategically involved in this campaign, in local coalitions; the second as every single House rep discusses planning and can improve their position preparing for a meeting with on Medicare for All. For your rep; and the third offers a progressive Democrats who variety of tactics for escalating already co-sponsor HR 1384, pressure on your rep. chapters can push them to join the Medicare for All With the right planning, a caucus and to become a strategic orientation, and vocal champion of single- a good bit of gall, pressure payer healthcare using our tactics can win great campaign’s principles. We concessions from elected need progressive reps to be representatives. The gaps clear that the public option is in party structure allow not an option. Even Republican pressure groups to have reps can be made to feel the an outsized influence over heat: 52% of their constituents politicians, especially if those support Medicare for All, and groups can marshal a large we should try to activate those number of constituents for supporters to become involved their cause. With a large in the fight. field operation and an active membership, DSA is in a Momentum has been rapidly unique position to bring building, and 2019 is the year pressure to bear on House for us to raise the political reps, and like never before, stakes. It’s time to send the now is the time to do so. message that Medicare for All is inevitable, and that we won’t
6 INTRODUCTION
Here are some Does this tactic build power in strategic questions my chapter or coalition? to help you decide Will it be visible enough how to approach your to attract the attention of pressure campaign: potential new members? If not, how can we get more press attention? Can we increase our What does my chapter need to social media presence? How can employ this tactic effectively, we reach people who wouldn’t have and do we have those heard about us if we hadn’t done this resources? action?
If the answer is “no,” get in touch Will it spread organizing skills with your regional organizer from DSA’s Medicare for All campaign, throughout the membership? and let’s problem solve together! Will more people learn to canvass through this action? Or learn to have a one-on-one? Or learn to conduct Does this tactic make my research on an elected official? chapter or coalition look Or learn more about healthcare organized, mobilized, and policy? Can this be used to develop plugged into a larger strategy? new leaders? Or to build out the infrastructure of our chapter? When talking to your rep or their If not, how can we adjust so that staff, make it clear how organized we are using this campaign to you are, i.e. “We knocked on strengthen our chapter? 500 doors in the last two weeks [demonstrates people power], and we talked to hundreds of voters who support Medicare for All [demonstrates broad base of support], which we defined as involving these five principles [shows that there is no wiggle room on what we’re asking for].”
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BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
8 BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
When your chapter starts open the door to dysfunction, a campaign to pressure a conflict, and other serious congressperson to sign on to obstacles for your campaign. So Medicare for All, it’s important it’s probably worth planning out to realistically assess your your coalition strategy ahead capacity and power. Very few of time before launching your DSA chapters are large enough campaign. or have enough clout to swing a congressional election on their WHAT ISN’T own and, as such, cannot expect A COALITION? to move a congressperson to sign onto Medicare for All without A coalition is sometimes the assistance of other organized conflated with a community groups. Even if you could get or with a collaboration. A every member of your chapter community’s dominant feature is involved in your campaign (and shared values. A collaboration’s you likely can’t do that), you’re dominant feature is shared still going to need the help of tactics. A coalition, on the other other organized groups to win hand, has a shared goal and the reforms you want. strategy. Often times, coalitions build and encompass community To build an effective coalition, and collaboration, but a defined your chapter needs to be able to goal and affirmed strategy are identify good potential coalition what set coalitions apart. partners, create specific agreed- upon shared goals, and develop Entering into a coalition is an overarching strategy to not entering into a life-long achieve those goals that all partnership. It’s pulling power coalition partners agree on. together to achieve something This is easier said than done, concrete. Relationships built in and it can be tempting to coalition can facilitate further simply identify a few potential work, but there is no formal partners, jump into action, expectation to continue in and figure everything out as coalition after the strategy has you go. This can work in some been executed. Coalitions are in situations, but it can also it to win it.
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WHAT IS A COALITION?
A coalition is a group of organizations and individuals who are invested in and equipped to pursue a specific demand. These groups may Relationships be organizations whose work naturally encompasses this built within goal, or they may be formed to address that goal specifically. and through They may be generally like- coalition minded, or their politics outside of the specific issue may differ reveal wildly. Because the make-up of a coalition may vary so broadly, potential it is important to define and respect the boundaries overlaps in established by the coalition values and from the start. build the WHAT ARE THE groundwork BENEFITS OF for future COALITION WORK? Campaigns run in coalition collaborative have more access to power and influence.Some of this is direct, action. some is by association. Who do the members of your coalition have relationships with or power over that you, as an organization, do not? Certain coalition partners may be better at mobilizing particular
10 BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
demographic groups (ex: people to reach out to mass numbers of color, retired people). of community members. As a membership-based Relationships built within organization with no board or and through coalition reveal donors to appease, DSA can potential overlaps in values activate any affected portion of and build the groundwork for the community. future collaborative action and other coalitions. For example, Additionally, DSA can be when we leverage the stake intentional about framing unions have in Medicare for All issues in terms of class through coalition work, we may consciousness. Most activist be able to revisit those bases of groups are tied to a liberal power in the future to do work vision of society in which around fair labor practices or people get together to pursue building new unions. specific reforms within capitalism. DSA can look past Coalition work also brings this view of society and frame multiple levels of experience to work around individual reforms our still-young organization. as part of a broader struggle for For example, working with sweeping change. This framing coalition members who have can motivate people to work for strong media relationships an issue that may not otherwise gives us exposure to writing resonate. Speaking in terms of effective press releases and power can move people into op-eds, and giving moving thinking about the underlying interviews. Working alongside systems that govern society and research-focused groups can bring those people into action develop our power mapping against those powers. and policy-writing skills. The outreach and consciousness generated WHAT CAN DSA BRING by DSA are invaluable TO COALITION WORK? contributions that we make People! More than anything to coalition work. We have the else, DSA is willing and able adaptability to find tactics
11 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL that are effective and utilize conflict can be amended. them to rouse people who are But some coalitions will find not typically accustomed to themselves at internal odds political action. We bring the if their values do not align “rabble.” enough to generate agreeable tactics. If your chapter wants to engage in tactics like WHAT DOES DSA RISK disrupting events held by IN COALITION WORK? political figures, you might Without a clear and closely come into conflict with your followed strategy, DSA risks coalition partners who rely on our reputation in coalition a close relationship with those work. If certain partners act figures to pursue their other out of turn, other members work. and potential allies may Finally, if coalitions are not end up having a negative carefully developed, DSA can association with all coalition risk winning; groups that members, including DSA. are not fully committed to When identifying partners, a strategic demand can end it’s worth thinking about up limiting or obstructing how associating with a given the goal, especially if you coalition partner might affect rely on those groups for key your chapter’s reputation contributions. And groups that and whether it’s worth the aren’t committed to following risk. A police union might a shared strategy can engage in be a powerful ally in a given counterproductive actions that campaign, but working with a move you further from your police union would seriously goal. affect your chapter’s ability to engage in criminal justice reform work in the future. WHAT ARE BEHAVIORS THAT BUILD TRUST IN Internally, DSA risks cultural COALITION WORK? conflict with partners. With communication and healthy Trust is achieved through feedback loops, some of this repeated activity and work.
12 BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
Trusted coalition members is in a coalition to pressure a show up for the strategic, specific congressperson and a value-adding role that coalition partner unexpectedly they’ve accepted. Coalitions announces their support are effective when they for that congressperson’s consistently hold each other opponent, it would likely leave accountable for the work that DSA’s organizers upset and they’ve accepted and within distrustful of their coalition the timeline agreed upon. partners. Likewise, assuming But coalitions can also create consensus in actions such as space for feedback and for bringing in new partners and asking for one other’s help, sending out press releases can growth opportunities that also diminish a coalition. The goals generate further trust. and strategies of a coalition should not shift without the explicit confirmation of WHAT ARE BEHAVIORS everyone working within it. THAT DESTROY TRUST IN COALITION WORK? Within the parameters of a campaign, coalition trust Since coalition trust is built can be destroyed by work within the parameters of that is not timely or of the agreed-upon demands and expected quality. And, when a tactics, destroying trust particular group takes a turn often happens by acting away, disassociation should be outside of agreed-upon formalized and communicated, parameters. When a coalition not left up to hearsay and partner does this, it can speculation. cause serious problems within the coalition. If DSA
Trust is achieved through repeated activity and work.
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WHO SHOULD BE IN congressperson but might be YOUR COALITION? willing to declare victory if If you’re familiar with power that congressperson were to mapping, you should try to come out in favor of a public build coalitions with groups option. Other groups may and individuals on the top share your goal of Medicare left of your power map. That for All but might not have means you should target much in the way of resources potential coalition partners to offer and can make reaching who strongly agree with your shared tactics complicated or objective and have the power challenging. For example, you to help win that objective. This may be able to get an activist is important: it can be tempting group to sign on in support in
Try to identify potential coalition partners who are committed to your goal and have something concrete to contribute. to want to reach out to every exchange for a seat at the table, activist group in the area to but if that group isn’t able to buttress your coalition, but it’s contribute anything in terms worthwhile trying to figure out of people power, access to the how they would play into your media, or financial resources, coalition. you might not want to go to the trouble of adding another A powerful group that isn’t seat at the table. You should try committed to Medicare for to identify potential coalition All could crowd out DSA and partners who are committed to compromise on your stated your goal and have something goals. For example, a local concrete to contribute. Democratic Party might have a lot of sway over a
14 BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
When considering potential (goal, strategy, tactics, coalition partners, it’s timeline). Is there anyone in important to think about what your chapter with a natural your campaign needs are that connection to a potential other groups may be better- partner? For example, a equipped to fulfill. Policy member of a union you want developers and researchers to partner with? It’s usually fall into this category. As do easier to go through existing organizations with access connections rather than to specific people (ie, labor, contacting someone out of medical workers, a target’s the blue. constituency). Does your coalition have any groups If you’re not sure how best to who have a high level of get in touch with your coalition knowledge of the medical partners, is there someone you field? Does your coalition know who might know the reflect the demographics of lay of the land a little better? the congressperson’s district? If your chapter doesn’t have Have any of your potential the know-how to take a sole partners demonstrated an leadership role in a coalition ability to influence your target effort, you might be able in the past? to find a coalition partner more suited to that role who lacks your chapter’s energy, HOW DO YOU GET enthusiasm, and membership YOUR COALITION OFF numbers. Groups like National THE GROUND? Nurses United are putting a lot of resources into this campaign Once you’ve identified your but can’t always turn out potential coalition partners, activists in the same number reach out to them with the that DSA can. basics of the campaign you’re proposing. Ask to have a Once you’ve identified conference call or an in- coalition partners and person meeting to discuss the arranged an initial meeting parameters of the coalition or call, it’s important to set
15 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL specific parameters for your Who handles coalition. This could mean communication for the coming to an agreement coalition? Can coalition on some of the following partners release their questions: own statements, or does everything need to go What is the goal of this through the coalition coalition? before going out to the public? What is this coalition’s strategy towards winning How will you announce that goal? your coalition to the This can be as basic as “an world? Will you hold escalating pressure campaign on the a town hall? A press congressperson” or include a detailed timeline with specific tactics tied to conference? A rally? specific dates. How long do you expect What tactics will you use the coalition to last? to win your coalition’s How often will goals? What tactics are representatives from off limits? coalition partners meet?
How much coordination should your coalition CONCLUSION expect? Building a strong, well- For example, when DSA holds a defined coalition can make canvass, should we expect every your pressure campaign a coalition partner to turn out lot more powerful, but it members, or will coalition partners takes deliberate preparatory hold their own events with limited coordination? work and clear, honest communication. Once your
16 BUILDING A LOCAL COALITION
coalition is together, make sure to keep the lines of communication open, and make sure everyone in the coalition is contributing as expected. Try to make sure your campaign is not too reliant on any single coalition partner. Partners can always drop out unexpectedly, and you should try to make your coalition robust enough to make adjustments on the fly. Keep talking to your partners, check in regularly to make sure everyone is on the same page, and you’ll have the foundation for a strong campaign.
17 2
SETTING UP AND PREPARING FOR A MEETING WITH YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE*
*Adapted from materials for Our Revolution’s Summer for Progress
18 SETTING UP AND PREPARING FOR A MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
1.PREPARATION • What objections might your representative and/or their BE KNOWLEDGEABLE staff raise? How will you ABOUT HR 1384 respond?
The more you know about Medicare for All, the better your KNOW YOUR pitch to your representative will REPRESENTATIVE be. Included in this organizing The more you know about guide is a summary of and a your representative, the better set of talking points about HR you can move them. Things to 1384, but do your own research consider when researching your and make the issue your own. representative: Some particular things to think about as you prepare: • What has your representative said about • Check to see if there are healthcare in the past? Is any studies about how there anything you can use Medicare for All impacts there to pressure them? your state, or conduct your • What caucuses and own research if you have committees does your the capacity. Phoenix DSA representative sit on? recently conducted such • What organizations research and has created are close with your a simple half-sheet of the representative? Would it findings. Having leave- be particularly helpful to behind material like this have representatives from can be very helpful. these organizations in your congressional meetings? • Have some specific facts and figures ready to hand • Has your representative (i.e., 27,000 people in your accepted money from district do not have health insurance companies or insurance). other healthcare groups? How much and when?
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PREPARE A TEAM, DIVIDE UP ROLES
If you’ve reached out to other groups about being part of your pressure campaign and are prepared to go in to your representative’s office with a team of people representing The more diverse constituencies, you will make a much greater impact you know on your representative. Once you have this group assembled, about decide who is going to be in the room for the first visit with Medicare your representative and divvy up roles as follows:
for All, • 1 Facilitator to open and moderate the meeting and the better bring leave-behind material for the representative and your pitch their staff to your rep- • 1 Note Taker to take notes resentative during the meeting • 1-4 Issue Speaker(s) to will be. review the basic talking points and share personal accounts of how our broken healthcare system has impacted their lives
• 1 Broadcaster who will record your encounter with your representative and/
20 SETTING UP AND PREPARING FOR A MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
or their staff, and either 2. SETTING livestream it or immediately post the content UP A MEETING
• 1 Hard Asker who will Pick a weekday when they’ll deliver the final “ask” to be in their office. You can your representative check the congressional calendar and look for legislative • 1 Validator who follows up recesses at https://www. with the representative’s house.gov/legislative-activity. office to make sure their And you can find in-state answer to the ask is a contact information for your credible one congressperson at https:// www.congress.gov/members. People in these roles should prepare note cards for themselves of the basic rap Call and ask to set up an they hope to deliver the day of. appointment to meet with This will give you something to them, explaining that you are reference when you’re called to their constituent, and that you speak, and will help you keep on are representing a coalition point and give you something of groups that want to win to talk about even if your mind Medicare for All. Make it clear goes blank. that you plan to show up with a team of people representing a diverse constituency. If they are entirely unable to meet, ask if you can meet with their staff.
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Sample Meeting Request Letter
Dear [STAFF],
We would like to request a meeting with [REPRESENTATIVE] in their district office to discuss HR 1384, spearheaded by a coalition of groups working to win Medicare for All.
Medicare for All is a single health insurance system, administered by the federal government, which provides comprehensive coverage that is free at the point of service, provides coverage to all residents regardless of immigration status, and creates a jobs transition program for those currently working in the private healthcare industry. HR 1384 is a true Medicare for All bill that would fix our broken healthcare system.
[IF A SUPPORTER:] We are pleased to see that [REPRESENTATIVE] has already been a co-sponsor of HR 1384 and are hoping to talk to them about becoming a vocal proponent of Medicare for All.
[IF NOT A SUPPORTER:] We are hoping to talk to [REPRESENTATIVE] about becoming a co-sponsor of HR 1384.
We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with [REPRESENTATIVE]. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact [GROUP REPRESENTATIVE] at [PHONE] [EMAIL].
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
22 SETTING UP AND PREPARING FOR A MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
3.MEETING • Tell your legislator what you do, if it relates to your AGENDA ask. A nurse’s aide or the parent of a disabled child A standard meeting is 15 will carry more weight on minutes. Go early, so you can this issue. Use job titles, not find their office and not miss acronyms! the window of time which they have set aside for the meeting.
Before the meeting you want to B. SHARE TALKING do a practice session with all the POINTS & PERSONAL people on your team. Everyone STORIES who is part of the visit should • Have a mix of 1-4 issue know their roles and know what speakers who can both relay they’re speaking about. our talking points about Your meetings should run HR 1384 and also share according to the following personal stories about their rough agenda: self-interest in winning Medicare for All.
• If you don’t have one of A. INTRODUCTIONS your own, don’t hesitate to share the story of a friend or • Try to convey only the most colleague, so long as you’re important information in sure you have accurate your introduction, so you information. Or, better yet, have time to talk about the bring them along to tell it! bills. • Keep it short, keep it on • Be sure to mention if you point, but don’t be afraid to or others in your group are make an emotional appeal. the legislator’s constituents! If you didn’t feel strongly This has a lot of extra about these issues, you impact, as your legislator wouldn’t be there. will know they have to work to earn your vote.
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C. YOUR ASK build on this! Thank them in person, on social media, and • Never leave without in the press. Give them the making your ask! This is kind of positive press that lets why you’re there. If your them know they don’t need big representative is not a donors if they have working supporter of HR 1384, this people on their side. should be your primary ask. If your representative is already a co-sponsor, ask them to join the Medicare 4. TOWN HALLS for All caucus, or to sign on If you can’t track down your to our 5 principles. legislator for a meeting, you • Don’t allow your might consider going to one representative to divert of your representative’s town from answering by asking halls to put pressure on them. an open-ended question. DC DSA successfully pushed Make sure there’s a clear Representative Don Beyer to way to respond to your ask: support HR 1384 in this way, “Yes, I will sign on to these and you can read more about 5 principles.” their action and preparation at https://medicareforall.dsausa. org/organizing-guide/showing- D. ANSWER ANY up-at-a-town-hall QUESTIONS THEY MIGHT HAVE
After the meeting be sure to have your Validator follow up with the representative and their staff to make sure they’ve done what they said they would do.
And if you find that your legislator is very supportive,
24 SETTING UP AND PREPARING FOR A MEETING WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
Sample Pledge Sheet
As a Congressperson from the [#] District of [State] serving in the United States House of Representatives, I am proud to represent the will of my constituents in calling for a universal health program for all residents of the United States, also known as “Medicare for All.” Nothing less than legislation that meets or exceeds the following five principles will truly fix our broken healthcare system.
A Single Health Program Everyone will be covered by one health insurance program, administered by the federal government, and have equal access to all medical services and treatments.
Comprehensive Coverage All services requiring a medical professional will be fully covered. You go to the doctor of your choice. Dental, vision, mental health, and pharmaceuticals are all included.
Free at the point of service All healthcare costs will be financed through tax contributions based on ability to pay: no copays, no fees, no deductibles and no premiums. Ever.
Universal Coverage Coverage for all United States residents — non-citizens included.
Jobs A jobs initiative and severance for those affected by the transition to government-run healthcare.
S I G N AT U R E ______D AT E ______
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ESCALATING PRESSURE ON YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
26 ESCALATING PRESSURE ON YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
If your representative does not for a single-payer system that reply to your “ask” positively, guarantees comprehensive, it’s time to escalate pressure on free-at-use coverage to them. Below are a few tactics everyone. Let your rep know you can use to make them feel that 85% of Democrats and 52% the heat. of Republicans want this, and that we won’t accept any carve- outs for the private insurance LOW PRESSURE TACTICS industry.
Social Media: A simple-but- Writing Letters/Postcards: important way to publicize your pressure campaign is through An easy ask at a chapter meeting regular posts on your chapter’s is to get everyone to write a social media platforms. You can letter to their rep asking them boost petitions, share public to sign on to HR 1384, to join the statements, and publicize your Medicare for All caucus, or to town halls, canvasses, and sign on to our 5 principles. other campaign events. Twitter and Facebook are also good Self-Published Public platforms to supplement your Statements: Stay up-to-date birddogging and letter-writing on healthcare news and health efforts — politicians’ staffs pay policy news, especially in your attention to their mentions, and community. Is a local hospital a concerted effort to pressure about to close down? Did a new them via social media (and report come out highlighting getting others to do the same) health disparities in your can be an effective way to county? These are news hooks: get your message across. Tag opportunities to release a them into your posts directly statement from your chapter whenever appropriate. Be firm or coalition, pointing out how in your social media messaging, Medicare for All would address but try to make the positive case this problem, how you are for Medicare for All as much fighting for Medicare for All, as possible: highlight our five and how new people can get principles and the mass demand involved with this fight. These
27 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL events are also opportunities to they support it enough to vote submit a Letter to the Editor or for a politician because of that an Op-ed (see below). issue, or engage in a concerted campaign to win it. Medicare for • If you ever have any All already has popular support; questions about how now we need to push for deeper Medicare for All would engagement and mobilization address a particular health around the issue. That being issue in your community, said, the online petition is easy email the campaign at to deploy, and you can rack up a [email protected] lot of signatures with minimal to connect with our Policy effort, which is especially useful Subcommittee. for building a list of supporters Online Petitions: Online in the early stages of this petitions can be a helpful way of campaign. gauging the size of your base of support because they are so easy MID-PRESSURE TACTICS to create and sign. Though for this same reason, they are easy Canvassing Voters: The best way for representatives to dismiss to get elected representatives to as meaningless. Just because a care about a particular issue is person supports Medicare for to get their voters to care about All enough to sign an online it, and to do that, there’s no petition does not mean that better tactic than canvassing.
How many of your representative’s constituents lack healthcare? Then why don’t they support a cost-effective universal healthcare system?
28 ESCALATING PRESSURE ON YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
We gave a basic run-down of Op-eds and Letters to the Editor: how to organize a Medicare Politicians and their staff read for All canvass in our original local papers, and they’re sensitive organizing guide. There we to negative press. Placing Op- encouraged chapters to take a eds and Letters to the Editor is a “knock every door” approach great way to get their attention. to canvassing, as working-class When writing these pieces, use issues transcend the narrow the research you conducted to limits of electoral canvassing. prepare for your initial office But if you want to focus your visits. How many of your canvasses specifically on representative’s constituents lack your CD’s voters, contact the healthcare? Then why don’t they campaign at medicareforall@ support a cost-effective universal dsausa.org, and we’ll try to healthcare system? Perhaps provide assistance in getting because they took $20,000 your started. from BlueCross BlueShield? To do this effectively, it can be helpful to have a partial draft Phone Zap: Even better than written ahead of time, and then getting members at a chapter wait for a health related news meeting to sign letters is hook (and they happen all the getting member constituents time), tweak it to fit the specific to call their reps. Office staff do circumstances, and then submit make a note of how many calls it to the local paper. That way you they’ve gotten in favor of, or in aren’t rushing to get the draft opposition to, a particular bill out while the news is fresh. In and report that information to your LTE/Op-ed, you will want the representative. You can do to reference the membership/ this in an ongoing fashion, as coalition that you represent, as part of your ‘Ask’ when you talk this demonstrates political power to voters about Medicare for and might make it more likely All, or you can do this in a phone that they’ll respond to you. Also, bank event, where everyone is don’t forget you can create your calling at the same time. own news hook by organizing a rally or a press conference!
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• If you ever want any their action on our website at feedback, edits, or policy medicareforall.dsausa.org/ advice in crafting your organizing-guide/showing-up- LTE/Op-ed, don’t hesitate at-a-town-hall to reach out directly to us at [email protected]! 1. Conduct Research: First, find your representative’s Plan a Large, Public-Facing public events schedule. Some Event, like a Rally, Barnstorm, representatives will post it on Press Conference or a Town Hall: their website, but if not, you In our previous organizing can call their office and ask to guide, we ran through a speak to the person in charge of detailed how-to about holding the representative’s schedule. an educational event about You may have to call their D.C. Medicare for All, and the office to reach this person, and same basic steps apply for you may not reach them on any outward-facing event. the phone, so be prepared to Especially if you can drum up have to email them. Also, sign some inspirational speakers and up for your representative’s get your rep’s constituents out newsletter and follow them on to an event, these can be very social media, so you can stay effective in building excitement up-to-date on what they are for your pressure campaign. doing. And know their position Be sure to build your press on Medicare for All: where list beforehand and invite they stand on the issue and the local media. reasoning and rhetoric they’ve employed publicly to outline HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS their position. This will be important for crafting effective Birddogging: “Birddogging” a birddogging questions. politician means calling them out in public and in person for 2. Assemble a Team: Ideally, their actions or inactions. DC you’ll want to have about 10-15 DSA successfully birddogged people with flexible schedules Representative Don Beyer, “on call.” Public events can and you can read more about pop up pretty quickly, and
30 ESCALATING PRESSURE ON YOUR REPRESENTATIVE they might be scheduled in the for All. If you think it is likely middle of a weekday. That being that you can get a number of said, don’t hold back if you only people to ask questions of your have two or three people on rep and have them respond, the your team: you can still birddog conversational route is probably effectively with a small group! best. If you are unlikely Once you’ve got a few interested to really get a word in, the folks onboard, get everyone confrontational is better. Either together beforehand and way, be sure to arrive at the practice. Agree on the questions event early, so you can be sure to you’ll ask at the event, and get in! practice responding to things your rep might say. The Confrontational Approach: Wear your Medicare for All Also make sure you have t-shirts. Get as many people someone take responsibility to go as you can. Sit together. for recording the action and Make a ruckus (clapping or posting it to social media. It is booing) when the representative tremendously important that says anything about the video that is produced at healthcare. Agree beforehand these actions is shared widely on coordinated actions, like through your networks. starting a chant or taking off 3. The Action: Confrontational your jackets and revealing your or Conversational? t-shirts all at once in the middle of the event. From here, you can go one of two routes. You can either The Conversational Approach: opt for a high confrontation/ Dress in regular clothes. Sit in visibility approach, or you can different parts of the room. work within the parameters It’s less important to have a big of the event, trying to be more group (although that’s great) respectful and hoping for as it is to be organized and a real dialogue. You should practiced. choose the route (or some combination of them) that is • When the moment arrives, most likely to actually move perhaps at the beginning of your representative on Medicare a Q&A session, make sure
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all of your people are waiting them about why you are fighting in line at the mic or have their for Medicare for All. If your rep hands in the air. agrees to your demands, follow up with their staff and keep the • Don’t ask questions that can pressure up until their verbal be answered with a simple commitment is made actual. yes or no — ask “How…” and “Why…” questions — but be 5. Repeat! Sometimes a rep needs sure to make it clear that you to hear these questions over and are really asking why they over again before they reconsider aren’t supporting Medicare their position. A lot of Medicare for All. for All questions at one event is annoying, but Medicare for All • Practice ahead of time and questions at every event during write your questions down every recess no matter where on notecards. You won’t get in their district they go makes many opportunities like this, them feel they are confronting a and you don’t want to waste movement. it. Prep follow up questions. Try to keep them talking as Organizing Sit-Ins or Die-Ins: long as you can. A sit-in is a resource intensive, • As soon as they finish high intensity tactic that will answering one question, have involve significant planning someone else on your team and coordination with your prepared with another. The chapter and coalition. If you’re questions you prepare should going to engage in an action be similar but not identical. that might risk arrest and/ You’re trying to give your rep or might attract significant the impression that a wide press attention, it is crucial to variety of their constituents articulate specific demands; to are very concerned about have raised sufficient funds to Medicare for All. bail out your comrades (reach out to the campaign to signal boost 4. After the Event: Keep an eye fundraising efforts); to have a out for any reporters that are clearly defined plan and roles at the event, and try to talk to ahead of time.
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A sit-in is likely not an effective new member recruitment might tactic for representatives you be necessary before you are able to think you can move on Medicare escalate to birddogging. for All. It is better reserved for representatives who are not likely Use the knowledge you and to move but who have significant your coalition have about support for Medicare for All your representative and your amongst their constituents. This community, and get creative. is an opportunity to gain visibility, What is your representative attract new members, highlight passionate about? Where have contradictions in your rep’s they caved before? What are their positions, and weaken their base of pet interests? Who are their key support. supporters and donors?
A sit-in (like all tactics) should be Defining a win ahead of time is strategically timed: it will be most also important. Getting your rep effective when the general public’s to sign on the HR 1384 is obviously call for Medicare for All has a win. But sometimes a win can reached a fever pitch, and we’re simply be taking a public stand close to a win (or a loss). on Medicare for All. Some reps — mostly because they are bought and paid for by the insurance There are many more pressure industry — will never sign on to tactics than the ones listed HR 1384, but it is still valuable here, and these don’t need to be to pressure them because you deployed in ascending order. You can highlight the contradictions can be running a birddogging between what they support and campaign at the same time as you what their constituency wants are trying to schedule a legislative while building your chapter’s visit and doing weekly canvasses, if political power. Medicare for All you have the resources and people is really popular: no matter the power in your chapter. And if you politics of their district, just about don’t, think first and foremost every rep who doesn’t support about how you can use this HR 1384 is failing to represent the campaign to effectively grow your will of their constituency, and they chapter. A month of tabling and should know it.
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