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You as a Caregiver Advocate: How Coalitions Can Impact Federal and State

Legislation Today

Amy Friedrich-Karnik, Legislative Consultant, NAC

7th Annual National Conference for Caregiving CoalitionsMarch 13, 2013, Chicago

Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts

ARIZONA: Public Awareness CampaignEducating consumers (voters) about the importance of family caregivers to societyTargeted specific campaign elements to policymakersHelped to initiate public support for coalition work

PENNSYLVANIA: Proactive Legislative CampaignSuccessful, multi-year advocacy effort to pass legislation expanding the state’s caregiver support program

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Examples of Coalition Advocacy Efforts

CALIFORNIA: Defensive campaign against spending cutsTestified at state budget hearingsOnline petition through change.org Petitions from local organizations & allied organizations

HAWAII: Comprehensive, ongoing advocacy activitiesEstablishing relationships with policymakers through annual events, one-on-one visitsAnnual Aging and Disabilities Issues Booklet – a guide for legislators and others on key policy issues for the year

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Advocacy Tips For Coalitions

Tap your grassroots – Use family caregivers whenever possible to tell their story and/ or make an ask

Reach out to allied organizations to support your cause or effort – it may be in their best interest too!

Raise awareness and educate your community – informing voters about your issues and turning THEM into advocates can be as important as educating policymakers directly

Understand the political context – create long-term and short-term goals, think big and be realistic, be bold and be patient

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How the Alliance Can Support You

Provide up-to-date information on federal policies through Caregiving Exchange Newsletter, Legislation section on website, listserv

Quarterly Caregiving Coalition Calls/ Webinars Topics often focus on aspects of policy advocacy Always include a federal legislative update

Guide to Establishing and Growing Your Caregiving Coalition will contain advocacy module

Policy campaign templates for local engagement Let Your Voice Be Heard, National Family Caregivers Month

One-on-one support for your coalition’s advocacy work

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Contact Us

National Alliance for Caregiving

www.caregiving.org

Amy Friedrich-Karnik

amyfk1@gmail.com

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