Topic outline

  • Introduction: What to Know Before You Go!


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    The National PACE Association (NPA) advances the efforts of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®). PACE programs coordinate and provide all needed preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so older individuals can continue living in the community. We have a long history of bipartisan support among members of Congress committed to ensuring quality care is available to vulnerable individuals in our communities.

    This course is designed to help PACE members deliver policy messages that will not only be heard, but agreed with as well!



    Your Instructor

    Stephanie Vance is a 25-year "veteran" of Washington, DC. She's worked as a Congressional Chief of Staff, Lobbyist and Grassroots Consultant. Here she shares insights on the importance of citizen advocacy.

                   


  • Welcome to DC! Some Frequently Asked Questions


              This module covers the basics of what to expect during your time on Capitol Hill -- the layout of the Capitol "Campus", what security is like, where the bathrooms are, etc. Meeting with legislators and their staff is the number one way to influence policymakers. Let's get you started on the right path!
  • What You Want: Making the Ask


    Making an ask is essential to the process.

    You'll find PACE's 2018 Congressional Asks in the resources section below.


    Four Keys Overview

                  
    There are four keys to effective advocacy. Start here for the overview. Then let's look at each one!

     

       Check out the PACE Take Action Page for Additional Information

     Believe it or not, the number one reason elected officials don't get on board is because people don't ask.

    Sure, it's important to have a good argument, but if you don't ask for something specific, how will they know what you want?

         
  • Who You're Talking To: Understanding Your Audience





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    ABOUT LEGISLATORS


                             
    To be most effective, you'll want to know a little something about the people you're talking to.
    In this section, you'll learn about understanding your legislator, and their all important staff.

    ABOUT STAFF


    Note that all your research into the legislator's policy and political interests apply to the staff as well. They're there to represent their boss, so what's of interest to the boss will be of interest to them as well.
  • How to Talk to Them - Developing Your Story


    Your job is to tie the strange things that happen in Washington, DC back to the district, and you do that through effective stories. Use the following materials to create yours!
                           
    Now tie all of that into a strong message with the message formula.


  • How to Follow Up - Building Relationships


                            
    Your trip to DC doesn't stop here! Long term relationships are essential to winning your policy issue