PEPP trains parents to be effective participants in public policy advocacy on issues affecting their children, particularly in the areas of education and health.
Martha Brecher, with extensive legislative and policy experience, coordinates this project, conducts the trainings, develops ongoing Action Alerts on important public policy issues, and provides ongoing technical assistance to parent participants to support their engagement in the public policy debate.
A comprehensive how-to guide on "Grassroots Advocacy for Public Policy" is now available from SPAN at a cost of $10.00 per copy. Please see SPAN publications to order.
PARENTS CAN INFLUENCE LEGISLATION
Keeping up with new and proposed legislation and regulations is often far down the “to do” list when parents are juggling myriad other responsibilities. Part of the reason may be that families do not realize they have the power to influence legislation that impacts their child’s education, health and, eventually, their quality of life.
The following are tips on how busy parents can affect legislation with minimal time and energy.
Be informed. Families can learn about legislative issues through the media and the publications of advocacy organizations such as SPAN. Many sources summarize legislative issues in an easy-to-read format to help parents be up-to-date without much effort. Then, when an issue of importance to them appears on a legislative agenda, they are ready to respond.
Contact your state legislator or member of Congress. A quick phone call or a one-page letter to an elected official’s office is all it takes to express a view. Elected officials pay attention to communications from constituents. SPAN can provide telephone numbers and mailing and e-mail addresses of legislators and the congressional delegation.
Share your family’s story. Parents don’t need to provide detailed information about policy. When parents tell a representative about how proposed legislation would affect them and their child, however, it puts a “face” on the issue.
Use campaign opportunities to tell your story. In an election year such as this one, political candidates are at fairs, speaking at community meetings, and knocking on doors. Parents can share personal stories about what education, and other health government services have done for their family. In addition, they can explain about their need for additional services and funding.
Follow up. When things go well in the family because of action taken by a representative, parents can tell him or her. A phone call or short thank-you note will be greatly appreciated – and remembered.
To be put on alert… SPAN maintains a list of parents who wish to be informed about legislation and regulations affecting children and families and are willing to contact lawmakers on short notice. Contact Martha Brecher at SPAN, print and complete the form below, or send e-mail to martha.brecher@spannj.org, including the information below, to be added to the Parents Engaged in Public Policy Network.
Name:______________________________________ Address:__________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State, Zip:_________________________________________
Home Phone: ________________________________ Work Phone:_______________________________________
Fax: _____________________________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________
Child’s disability (if any): __________________________________ Date of Birth:______________________________
If you are
interested in Parents Engaged in Public Policy trainings,
please contact Vivian DeWitt at trainings@spannj.org
For more information
about Parents Engaged in Public Policy,
contact Martha Brecher at (973) 642-8100,
or send her e-mail at
martha.brecher@spannj.org
