How to InfluenceDomestic Violence Policy & Legislation
Jill Morris, NCADV Public Policy DirectorJen Winkelman, NCADV Public Policy Associate
NCADV Public Policy Office
Introduction
• NCADV Public Policy Office• How Public Policy Effects You• Government Overview• How YOU Can Get Involved• Organizing in Your Community• DVAM• Resources• Legislative Update
NCADV Public Policy Office
The NCADV Public Policy Office
• National leader on Federal legislation and policy related to domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Distribute legislative updates and action alerts to the advocacy field.
• Produce educational materials and resources for advocates and the
general public.
NCADV Public Policy Office
How Public Policy Effects YouCreates criminal and civil laws
Creates government programs and services
Funds local programs (Appropriations)
Regulates nonprofits, government agencies, business, etc.
Develops trends for future policy, programs, etc.
NCADV Public Policy Office
The Structure of Government
Executive BranchPresident, Cabinet, and all
agencies such as FBI, Dept of Justice, Health and Human
Services, and Housing and Urban Development
Judicial BranchSupreme Court
and
Federal Courts
State and Local Gov’tMost state governments are similar to
the Federal government, and have a House and Senate. Counties, cities and towns also have their
own governing bodies.
Legislative BranchThe US Congress: House and
Senate
Each state has 2 Senators (100) and House representation is
determined by state population.
NCADV Public Policy Office
Congressional Staff• Chief of Staff: reports directly to Member
and supervises all aspects of staff.• Legislative Assistant: focus on specific
issues and meet with constituents.• Scheduler: creates the Member’s
schedule and answers requests for appointments.
• Caseworker: respond to constituent requests and are located in district offices.
NCADV Public Policy Office
How a Bill Becomes a LawThe Senate
Legislation is introduced in the Senate.
The bill is assigned a number and sent to a
committee and possibly a subcommittee.
Subcommittees and committees hold public
hearings on the bill, make changes, and vote on the bill.
If the bill passes out of committee, the Senate leadership schedules the debate and
determines the rules for debate.
The bill is debated and voted on.
If the bill passes, it is sent to the House or to a conference committee to resolve difference
with an already existing House bill.
The House
Legislation is introduced in the House.
The bill is assigned a number and sent to a committee and possibly a subcommittee.
Subcommittees and committees hold public hearing on the bill, make changes, and vote
on the bill.
If the bill passes out of committee, it goes to the Rules Committee to determine limits on
debate and amendments.
The bill is debated and voted on.
If the bill passes, it is sent to the Senate or to a conference committee to resolve
difference with an already existing Senate bill.
NCADV Public Policy Office
How YOU Can Be Involved in the
Legislative Process and Positively Impact
Domestic Violence Public Policy
NCADV Public Policy Office
Contact your Members of Congress About Domestic Violence Issues
• As a constituent, you need to tell your Member about the services you offer.
• Provide statistics about the victims you serve.
• Tell your Member about your funding needs.
• Describe your programs and success.• Provide client stories.
NCADV Public Policy Office
ACTION ITEM
Write a letter, FAX or email.• Obtain sample letters from the NCADV
Legislative Action Guide (LAG) or Website.• Provide local information.• Include supporting documents, news stories, etc.• Keep letters brief and concise (1-2 pages)• Locate contact information at www.congress.org.
(mailed letters will not be received for 2 months)
NCADV Public Policy Office
ACTION ITEM
Make a phone call• Phone calls are best for time sensitive policy
issues.• Ask to speak to the staffer handling the issue.• State that you are a constituent and tell where
you live.• Briefly state why you’re calling, what you wish
the Member to do, and why it’s important to the community.
NCADV Public Policy Office
ACTION ITEM
Meet with your Member or staffer• Schedule an appointment in your district office;
say you’re a constituent.• Explain why a piece of legislation is important to
your program and how it effects the community.• Bring a prepared written statement, news
articles, program description, statistics, etc.• Follow up the meeting with a Thank You letter.
-Thank you letters can be found in the NCADV LAG or on the NCADV website.
NCADV Public Policy Office
Organize in Your Community
You can impact public policy by raising awareness in your
community about domestic violence.
NCADV Public Policy Office
ACTION ITEM
Write a Letter to the Editor• Congressional staff read local papers every day.• Obtain a sample letter from the NCADV LAG or
website.• Research the requirements for Letter to the
Editor in your local paper, and comply with all formatting and word limits.
• Write how your issue effects the community. Cite statistics.
• Keep your letters focused and on point.• Send a copy of the letter to your Legislators.
NCADV Public Policy Office
ORGANIZE DVAM EVENTS
October is great time to raise awareness• Host a candle light vigil, charity walk or rally• Participate in a cell phone collection drive• Distribute purple ribbons, hotline cards and
posters• Write letters to the editor• Sponsor a teen dating violence essay or art
contest• INVITE LOCAL & STATE Legislators and
MEMBERS of CONGRESS to your events!
NCADV Public Policy Office
ACTION ITEM
Have an event at your facility and invite your Member of Congress
• Plan an open house or other event at your facility or a public venue during DVAM to honor victims and advocates.
• Call your Member’s scheduler well in advance and invite the Member. Also send a written invitation.
• Contact your local media outlets and ask them to cover your event.
• Plan a program that highlight your success, celebrate survivors and remembers victims.
NCADV Public Policy Office
RESOURCES
US Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121
NCADV PPO (202) 745-1211
www.ncadv.org
www.thomas.loc.gov
www.congress.org
www.house.gov
www.senate.gov
NCADV Public Policy Office
How Can You Use These Tools Today???
Update on Current Legislation/Events
VAWAAppropriationsDVAM Events
Elections
NCADV Public Policy Office
Anecdotes
A “thousand hand written letters”
Clogging up the switchboard
One victim, one letter, one very important law.
Women’s March April 2004
NCADV Public Policy Office
Contact Us (please!)
(202) 745-1211
Fax: (202) 745-0088
www.ncadv.org