Advocacy Summer Camp Session One Wrap-up

Texas Impact Policy Intern Jenny Parker, legislative staffer Perla Cavazos, Brother Richard Daly, Representative Scott Hochberg, and Beaman Floyd at Advocacy Summer Camp.

Texas Impact kicked off Advocacy Summer Camp this morning with our first panel discussion entitled, "How to Have a Successful Meeting with a Legislator or their Staff." If you were unable to come, don't worry because you will have three more opportunities to learn how to effectively engage in public policy throughout the summer. 

Click here to download materials from Session One. 

This morning's diverse panel included legislative staffers Amy Chamberlain and Perla Cavazos, lobbyists Beaman Floyd, Miriam Bujanda, and Richard Daly, and Representative Scott Hochberg. While each panelist had their own unique insights, all could agree that it is important to enter a legislative office with factual information and rational policy proposals, and to continue in ongoing discussions with your representative or their staff member.

The panelists didn't agree on every point. Beaman Floyd encouraged rational, drama-free meetings, while Miriam Bujanda disagreed, chiming in that a little bit of drama is a good thing because it keeps people passionate.

Amy Chamberlain offered perhaps the most influential tip for approaching legislative staffers: "Food isn't a must...but it's always nice." All the legislative staff members emphasized the need to maintain a civilized attitude with legislative staff, and to be available for legislative staff to follow up--sometimes on very short notice--as legislation moves through the process.

Representative Hochberg reminded us all that when we visit with legislators, we are all serving others. However, he urged everyone to think of themselves as a salesman in the Capitol. Hochberg observed that social service-oriented groups and individuals are often uncomfortable in a "sales" role and need to practice thinking of policy ideas and proposals as commodities that must be marketed effectively in the context of the legislative process.

Advocacy Summer Camp continues on July 21 with "How to Build a Relationship with a Legislator" where we will be joined by part of the Travis County delegation and friends. August 4th will be "Building Media Savvy" and we will end on August 18th with “Backstage at the Capitol.

A special thanks goes out to the Honorable Eddie Rodriguez and his staff for helping set up this event; to the Baptist Christian Life Commission and People for the American Way for partnering with Texas Impact on Advocacy Summer Camp; to Craig Long and GoGo Gourmet for the delicious scones, juice, and coffee; to Texas Impact Policy Intern Jenny Parker for organizing the event, and to Texas Impact Resource Council members Judy Morgan, Ted Ziehe and Gaye Kopas for their assistance in planning and promoting the event.

For questions regarding Advocacy Summer Camp, please call 512.472.3903 or email Jenny@texasimpact.org.