Legislative Advocacy Toolkit

In our continuing fight for social justice, the policies and laws enacted at the state level have profound impacts on our communities. State governments control a wide range of issues directly affecting our daily lives, from education and healthcare to voting rights and criminal justice.

By engaging in state lobbying, we can:

• Influence Legislation: Lobbying provides us an opportunity to influence lawmakers on legislation that can either advance or hinder our fight for civil rights and equity.

• Educate and Inform: Through direct dialogue, we educate legislators about the issues our communities face and advocate for solutions that benefit everyone.

• Amplify Voices: A State Lobby Day amplifies the voices of those often un heard in the legislative process, ensuring that our diverse experiences and needs are considered.

Any Week of Action, particularly a State Lobby Week, is a powerful tool for advocacy and change. It's a designated period when our state conferences meet with state legislators to advocate for policies that align with our collective mission. This guide provides a structured approach for state units to organize an effective lobby effort.

The toolkit includes:

• Steps to consider before, during, and after an advocacy event
• The importance of state lobbying
• Helpful dos and don'ts
• Details on the federal legislative process
• Sample email invitation and social media messages