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Advocacy Handbook

Created for the Council on Social Work Education by

Updated 2017

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Adv oca cy Han d book: A Re sour ce Gu i de for Soc ial Worker s

Prepared by Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, February 2015, Updated February 2017

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Dear CSWE Member,

On behalf of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), I would like to thank you for taking the time to educate your federal policy makers about the importance of social work education. Your efforts are a critical contribution to CSWE’s coordinated advocacy efforts to advance policies that enhance social work education and promote the public policy goals of CSWE.

CSWE Government Relations created this CSWE Advocacy Handbook to provide you with the tools you need to make your meetings on Capitol Hill a success. In this handbook, you will find information about Congressional committees, the House and Senate office buildings, and tips for conducting successful meetings with Congressional staff.

Through its Public Policy Initiative, CSWE promotes the value of social work education on the national stage by protecting, developing, and implementing thoughtful public policy that provides the very best education, training, and financial assistance to social workers. Through monthly newsletters and targeted outreach, the Public Policy Initiative keeps CSWE members informed about the latest legislative and executive branch issues affecting social work educators, students, and practitioners.

With the help of members like you, CSWE advocates for issues that are important to social work education—including loan forgiveness, training, and workforce development opportunities—by interacting with Congress, federal agencies, and other nongovernmental organizations throughout the social work and higher education communities.

CSWE works with Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a leading full-service government relations firm specializing in advocacy for the public policy interests of institutions of higher education and research organizations. Lewis-Burke helps CSWE set and implement advocacy priorities for social work education.

By making the decision to advocate for CSWE’s public policy goals on Capitol Hill, you are effecting change for the betterment of social work education on the national level. Members of Congress receive their most valuable and influential information when they have the opportunity to hear directly from informed and active constituents like you. Again, thank you for the contribution of your time and efforts.

For more information about CSWE’s Public Policy Initiative or for additional resources to use in preparation for visits to Capitol Hill, please see the Public Policy Initiative Web site: http://www.cswe.org/CentersInitiatives/PublicPolicyInitiative13785.aspx.

Sincerely,

Darla Spence Coffey, Ph.D. President & CEO, CSWE

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Contents Section I: Frequently Asked Questions ……………………………………………………………………………………4

Section II: Understanding Congress and Congressional Committees……………………………………………..8

Overview of Congress ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Legislative Process …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Congressional Committees ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

House Committees…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Senate Committees………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15

Section III: The Basics of Advocacy and Outreach ……………………………………………………………………17

Timing of Advocacy Activities ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18

Communicating with Congress ………………………………………………………………………………………… 19

Identifying your Member of Congress …………………………………………………………………… 19

Crafting a Message …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19

In-Person Meetings with Members of Congress and Staff ……………………………………….. 20

Writing a Letter or an Email …………………………………………………………………………………. 22

Making a Telephone Call……………………………………………………………………………………… 23

Common Acronyms………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 24

Helpful Links………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25

Legislative Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26

Section IV: Navigating Capitol Hill ………………………………………………………………………………………..28

Navigating Capitol Hill …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

House of Representatives Office Buildings ………………………………………………………………………… 30

Senate Office Buildings …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Congressional Office Building Security ……………………………………………………………………………… 32

Section V: Supplemental Documents ……………………………………………………………………………………33

About the Council on Social Work Education …………………………………………………………………….. 34

One-Page Summary Guide ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35

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Section I: Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is it important for CSWE members to spend time advocating on Capitol Hill?

• Members of Congress are in office to serve two main functions:

1. To represent the interests of the people residing in their state, district, or territory; and

2. To negotiate policies that are in the best interests of the United States. CSWE members who participate in Capitol Hill meetings will help ensure that our interests—promoting awareness of and funding for programs that benefit social work education and the social work profession—are communicated to our elected representatives.

• Advocacy is the process by which ordinary citizens make their needs known to members of

Congress. And the lessons are clear—advocacy is the key to inducing members of Congress to take action on the issues that are important to us.

• An individual who takes the time to visit his or her members of Congress puts them on notice

that there is an issue that requires their attention.

• Successful advocacy often requires a disciplined, persistent, and concerted effort to communicate an organization’s interests.

• If those in the social work education community become complacent and allow others to

communicate their interests to Congressional offices, it should not be a surprise when Congress does not provide the needed support.

• It is an opportunity to educate Congressional members and their staff about the vital role of

social work in helping to meet the needs of the nation.

• Advocating on Capitol Hill is an exhilarating experience. Walking the halls of Congress and

viewing democracy in action is one of the most informative and eye-opening opportunities you will experience.

• EVERYONE IS QUALIFIED—no matter his or her title or position. Prior to your advocacy

activities, CSWE government relations staff will provide you with information and materials to ensure that you are fully prepared and comfortable for your meetings.

• Any individual who is willing to take the time to visit his/her Congressional office is extremely

respected and viewed as an effective advocate by those on Capitol Hill.

What are these meetings like? How long do they last?

• You will most likely be meeting with the staff member (either a legislative assistant or legislative

correspondent) who advises the member of Congress on the issue that you will be discussing.

• Do not be surprised or discouraged if the staffer you meet appears young and inexperienced; it is his or her job to convey your message to the senator or representative. Treat staff the same way you would treat a member. Staffers are extremely influential.

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• Be courteous to everyone, no matter how they act, and do not convey a hostile attitude toward Congress, politics, or politicians. Stay on message.

• Be on time but do not be surprised if you are kept waiting when you arrive. Members and staff

are very busy and sometimes fall behind schedule.

• Meetings on Capitol Hill can last as little as 15 minutes or as long as 1 hour. A realistic timeframe is about 30 minutes. Be aware of the time and don’t prolong the meeting if it would seem forced to do so.

• Congressional offices are small. It is common for spaces to serve a variety of purposes. A

waiting area may also include staff members’ desks. Do not be surprised if a staff member takes you into the hallway or a public space for your meeting. While waiting for your meeting, be mindful that staff members are working and can hear your conversations.

What should I do to prepare for my visit?

• Read all materials provided for you by CSWE or government relations staff.

• Familiarize yourself with the offices that you will visit; peruse the websites of the members of

Congress or committees. Read all pertinent biographies.

• Organize your thoughts and be familiar with your talking points.

• Make sure you have materials to leave with the staffer (e.g., one-page summary or CSWE packet of information) and your contact information.

• Due to ethics rules and regulations, members of Congress and staff are prohibited from

accepting gifts. Do not bring any gifts, including baked goods and other perishable items. However, we do encourage you to send thank you letters after your meeting.

How will I get to Capitol Hill?

• You can travel to Capitol Hill by taxi or Metro (subway).

• Maps and fare information can be found in the back of this book.

• Remember to bring business cards if you have them.

How should I dress for these meetings?

• You should dress as you would for any professional meeting—formal business attire is expected.

• A significant amount of walking may be involved – wear comfortable shoes but be business

appropriate.

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What will I talk about?

• These meetings tend to be very basic and educational; introduce yourself, discuss CSWE, and explain why you are visiting (to ask them to support the issues that are important to CSWE’s mission).

• Present your business cards and any additional handouts at the beginning of the meeting.

• You will educate the staffer about the impact of social work in helping meet the needs of the

nation and how important it is to provide sustainable funding for federal social work programs.

• If you are meeting with staff from your congressional district or state, make local connections that your audience will understand (e.g., talk about new developments at your university or the impact social work is having on the local community).

• Don’t worry about being an expert on CSWE. Talk about what you know by using examples from

your own experience.

• Try to discuss CSWE’s priorities in simple, common terms that anyone could understand; keep

the message focused and brief.

• Do not use technical jargon; however, do be specific when discussing legislative context (e.g., “support [specific bill name]).”

• Do not assume that members and staff are familiar with your subject. If they are, they will tell

you, and then you can elevate the discussion.

• Be a good listener. Don’t expect to control the meeting. The best meetings occur when you

understand that you are not on your own turf.

• If you don’t know the answer to a question, offer to look into it and provide the answer after the

meeting.

• If a staffer should ask for assistance on a related or separate matter, answer the question to the

best of your ability by calling on your own expertise, or offer to follow up with them after the meeting with additional information or resources.

What should I do to follow up after the meetings?

• Provide members or staff with any additional information requested.

• Write thank-you letters.

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Section II: Understanding Congress

and Congressional Committees

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Overview of Congress

The U.S. Congress is the branch of the Federal Government that is primarily responsible for making laws, overseeing finances, and declaring war. It is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The 115th Congress took office on January 3, 2017 and will serve until the 116th Congress convenes in January 2019.

Senate

The Senate has 100 Members, with two Senators representing each state. Senators serve six-year terms without defined term limits. The Senate has certain powers the House does not have, such as approving treaties and confirming the appointments of cabinet secretaries and federal judges.

The Vice President of the United States presides over the Senate with the President pro tempore, who is selected by the chamber and performs the Vice President’s duties in his absence. Each party is represented on the Senate floor by the majority and minority leaders. Leaders are chosen by their respective parties at the beginning of each new Congress. The primary responsibilities of the leaders include managing their party’s legislative agenda and keeping Members informed on pending issues. The leaders are assisted by their party’s whip. A meeting of the party members to discuss various pressing issues is called a caucus. Caucuses can also refer to informal groups of Members who share a common policy interest, such as the Congressional Mental Health Caucus or the Congressional Social Work Caucus.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has 435 Members who serve two-year terms without defined term limits. The number of Members from each state is based on population with every state guaranteed at least one Representative. Additionally, a Resident Commissioner represents Puerto Rico and serves a four- year term, and five non-voting delegates represent American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The House has certain powers the Senate does not have, such as the ability to choose the President in the event of an electoral tie. Also, the House introduces all bills pertaining to financial measures, such as taxation and government spending.

The Speaker of the House presides over the chamber, but he can choose any Representative to perform his duties in his absence. The structure of party leadership is essentially the same as in the Senate, as each party is primarily represented by the majority or minority leaders that are chosen by members of the party. Also like the Senate, leaders are assisted by party whips and hold caucuses to discuss matters of common interest or concern.

For further information on congressional history, individual members, and committees, please visit http://www.house.gov and http://www.senate.gov.

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Legislative Process

As an advocate, it is important to have a general understanding of the legislative process to determine the best time to engage with policymakers. However, it is not necessary to be an expert on Congress and the legislative process in order to interact with your elected officials.

When a Member of Congress introduces a bill on either the House or Senate floor, they become that bill’s sponsor. After a bill is introduced, it is assigned a number beginning with “H.R.” if it originated in the House (e.g. H.R. 1106) or “S.” if it was introduced in the Senate (e.g. S. 584). The bill is then printed and referred to an appropriate committee by the Speaker of the House, the presiding officer in the Senate, or by the House or Senate parliamentarian.

The committee studies the bill, conducts hearings with expert testimony, makes necessary changes, and discusses its chances to pass. Each committee has jurisdiction over a particular subject, such as Agriculture or Foreign Affairs. The bill can be analyzed by the committee as a whole or referred to a subcommittee, which specifically focuses on a subset of areas under the committee’s purview. The committee or subcommittee may hold hearings and call upon individuals and organizations with a strong interest or expertise in the policy area under review. Witnesses share testimonies with the Members of Congress supporting or opposing the proposed legislation. A bill can die if the committee either fails to act or votes against recommending it to the House or Senate floors.

If a bill makes it out of committee, it can go to the floor where it can be debated, amended, and voted on. Sometimes bills don’t make it to the floor. The decision as to if or when a bill reaches the floor is determined by the Speaker and the Majority Leader in the House and the Majority Leader in the Senate. In the House, there are very specific rules that determine the conditions and amount of time allocated for general debate, and amendments must be relevant to the bill. The Senate does not have rules limiting debate. The lack of restrictions can lead to a filibuster, in which a bill is purposefully stalled through measures such as unnecessary debate. The Senate can end a filibuster by invoking “cloture,” which requires a two-thirds vote to enact. Also, the Senate does not have any rules regulating the relevance of proposed amendments. Sometimes bills are passed as amendments to completely unrelated bills.

To pass in the House, the bill needs a simple majority or 218 votes, and in the Senate, the bill needs 51 votes to pass with the Vice President casting the deciding vote in the event of a 50-50 tie. If the bill passes, it is then referred to the other chamber to be voted on. If either chamber does not pass the bill, it dies, and if both chambers pass the same legislation, it goes to the President. Usually, the House and Senate pass different versions of the same legislation and it is referred to the Conference Committee, which is typically composed of the senior Members of the committees in either chamber that originally considered the legislation. The Conference Committee works to resolve any differences with each chamber’s version of the legislation and generates a single, compromised bill that is referred back to each house for approval.

If the bill passes both chambers, it is sent to the President who has three options: (1) he can sign the bill, turning it into a law; (2) he could veto the bill and send it back to Congress with a note of his reasons (the chamber where the bill originated can override the veto with a two-thirds vote. If it is overridden in both chambers, it becomes a law); or (3) he could not sign it and if Congress is in session, the bill

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becomes a law after ten days; if Congress adjourns before ten days has expired and the President still hasn’t signed the bill, it is a “pocket veto” and the bill is dead.

How a Member of Congress Decides How to Vote Members of Congress are influenced by their personal opinions and backgrounds, staff, constituents, colleagues, interest groups, the President and the Executive Branch, party leadership, and the media. Deciding how to vote requires a personal and a political calculation. Members of Congress must weigh the issue and bill with the anticipated consequence of the vote.

Many Members of Congress consider constituents’ opinions the strongest influence in deciding how to vote. As their electorate, constituents determine the political future of each candidate, and a highly- publicized vote against the majority can sway the electorate to a new candidate come election season.

As an expert in the social work community and a constituent, your voice is especially powerful. By engaging in advocacy and meeting with your Member of Congress or staff, you have the opportunity to educate and inform, influencing how a Member may vote. Additionally, when advocating for a broad topic or specific piece of legislation, consider all of your audiences. While more likely you will meet with staff than the Member, remember staff are positioned to advise and inform their bosses directly. Speak as if you are communicating with the Member directly. Similarly, when meeting with one Member of Congress or office staff, consider the impact they might have on their colleagues. Members and staff regularly communicate to share information informally, as well as formally through committees, caucuses, and delegations.

Implementing Legislation at Federal Agencies A bill passed by Congress and enacted into law provides an outline or framework for implementation. It is up to the appropriate Executive Branch agency, which is either specified by Congress through the law or delegated by the President, to interpret each law and develop and implement regulations supporting the law’s intent. Regulations explain how laws will be applied, and they ensure uniform applications of laws and guide respective agencies’ activities, functions, and operations.

When an agency receives a law to implement, it must follow an open public process to issue the regulation. Generally, the agency formulates proposed regulations by gathering information informally through conversations with interested organizations and individual experts. Proposed rules are then publicized and opened up to rule-making proceedings. Rule-making proceedings allow the public, experts, and other interested parties to testify at public hearings and submit comments on the proposals in a structured, formal setting. Comment periods usually last between 30 and 60 days, but can be extended.

Following the open process, the agency then crafts the final rule based on the comments and testimony, rule-making record, scientific data, expert opinions, and facts gathered throughout the pre-rule and proposed rule stages. The agency must demonstrate the final rule will solve the identified problem or accomplish the specific goal, as well as compare the final rule to alternatives in terms of cost and benefit effectiveness. The President also has the opportunity to review the rule prior to its implementation and integration into the Code of Federal Regulations.

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Congressional Committees

Congressional committees develop, debate, and approve legislation prior to vote on final passage. Most Members serve on multiple committees and subcommittees.

House committees that have jurisdiction over policy areas relevant to CSWE include:

• Appropriations

• Education and the Workforce • Energy and Commerce

• Veterans’ Affairs

Senate committees that have jurisdiction over policy areas relevant to CSWE include:

• Appropriations

• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)

• Veterans’ Affairs

• Indian Affairs

• Special Committee on Aging

The specific jurisdictions of each of these committees are described in the following pages.

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House Committees

House Committee on Appropriations http://appropriations.house.gov/

The House Committee on Appropriations is responsible for passing legislation each year that allocates federal funding to government agencies, departments, and programs. Each of the 12 subcommittees is responsible for crafting the bill for which it has jurisdiction. These subcommittees review the President's annual budget request, hear testimony from government officials and public witnesses, and draft the spending plans for the coming fiscal year. The Committee is also responsible for supplemental spending bills, which are sometimes needed in the middle of a fiscal year to compensate for emergency expenses.

The subcommittee that funds most federal programs of interest to CSWE is the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. This Subcommittee provides funding for the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, among other agencies.

House Committee on Education and the Workforce http://edworkforce.house.gov/

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has jurisdiction that includes, but is not limited to, the following education, health-care, and labor issues:

• Early childhood and preschool education programs, elementary and secondary education

initiatives, higher education programs, and adult education • School lunch and child nutrition programs • Financial oversight of the U.S. Department of Education • Programs and services for the care and treatment of at-risk youth, child abuse prevention, and

child adoption • Antipoverty programs, including the Community Services Block Grant Act and the Low Income

Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) • Pension and retirement security for U.S. workers • Access to quality health-care for working families and other employee benefits • Job training, adult education, and workforce development initiatives, including those under the

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity

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