Ohio’s Center for Community Solutions has a terrific workshop about state tax and budget policy, and the impact on human services, education and health care. The workshop was given in Cincinnati yesterday.  After hearing all the dreary news about our structural problems, we are given three rules for advocating:

1.       Relationships matter – don’t wait until you need something to begin,

2.       ID your targets – determine who the decision-makers are and where they sit on the issue, and

3.       Be prepared – be ready with your points anywhere and anytime.

Here’s my story to illustrate the importance of that last point.  Most mornings on the way to work, I stop at the nearby UDF to get my mega-decaf coffee (what can I say?)  One morning during the height of the budgeting process, I ran into Senator Eric Kearney in the UDF, at the end of his morning run, dressed in his sweats.  Right then and there, we had a chance to talk about the major changes impacting families and child care.  He asked me to follow up with a meeting, where we could get more specific about what he could do to help.

Later that same day, as I was getting gas, at the pump opposite me, was state Representative Tyrone Yates. And of course, we had the same conversation – “here are the main state budget issues related to early care and education – and here’s where I need your help.”  I knew he did not sit on any of the key committees, but he is thoughtful, wise and caring, and it would not hurt to bend his ear a bit.  Eventually bills come to the House or Senate floor so every advocate helps.

No matter where we live - big city or small town – state legislators live and work there too. The chances of chance encounters are high, and if you are prepared with you issues, and have done a bit of homework on your legislators (at least to know what they look like!) you’ll be ready.

The photo is of 4C staffers Annetta Rutland, Stephannie Kennedy and Janet Keller en route to Columbus for an advocacy day.