MIAMI — When meeting with elected officials to advocate on behalf of children in your community, build rapport with the legislator, know your topic—including the positive and negative aspects—and leave a brief written summary of your position.
These are among the tips for successful advocacy outlined by Florida pediatrician Joseph J. Chiaro.
“Speaking about children's issues can be very empowering, and I recommend it to all of you,” Dr. Chiaro said at a pediatric update sponsored by Miami Children's Hospital. Provision of medical insurance from the moment of birth, bicycle helmet use, and swimming pool protections are examples of issues for which advocacy by pediatricians made a difference in Florida and elsewhere.
Advocacy is not always easy, however, such as calling for pool safety requirements. “You can imagine how strong the opposition was from home builders and the pool industry,” Dr. Chiaro said. “Despite our efforts … Florida still leads the country in drowning deaths of children under age 4 [years].”
“I am not here to tell you how to advocate within your community. But I submit to you it's important to speak up,” said Dr. Chiaro, deputy secretary of Health and Children's Medical Services, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee.
Before you meet with elected officials, Google them, he suggested. “There is no excuse for not knowing your elected officials.” Are they lawyers, for example, or physicians, or married to a physician? In addition, get to know their staff. Frequently, staff members understand the system far better than many elected officials, and they often remain beyond the next election cycle.
Meet with legislators in their local offices whenever possible. “Most people think most advocacy happens in [the] state capitol. That is not true. They are very busy when they are in the capitol,” Dr. Chiaro said.
When you enter a legislator's office, begin with observation. Are there diplomas on the wall? Where did he or she graduate from? “Take a clue from [the] office—any kind of rapport you can build with this individual can be key.”
Then disclose whom you represent, Dr. Chiaro said. Are you there as a pediatrician, a parent, and/or on behalf of a medical society?
Know your topic thoroughly. To get a little training or practice, find people you know who disagree with you strongly, he suggested. Try to persuade them, and they will show you the fallacies in your argument. “Trust me, more often than not, legislators or elected officials will know how to counter your arguments.”
If you get a question you don't know how to answer correctly, “don't fake it,” Dr. Chiaro said. “Say 'Sir or Madam, I don't know the answer to that question, but I will get back to you with an answer in a day or two.' And do so.”
Remember your Latin—quid pro quo. This means “you are not getting something for nothing,” he said. Most elected officials want to be reelected. What does it take? Money, recognition. If you have the opportunity to support an elected official, do so.” Also, know which lawmakers tend to vote for legislation favorable to children.
“Never get angry or threaten,” Dr. Chiaro said. “If you are advocating for children, you will cross paths with these same people again.”
Prepare a written summary of your position. Half a page of large print written at a fourth-grade English level is recommended. Be willing to negotiate when you advocate. “We advocated last year for $4 million for abused and neglected kids in the state.” Florida did not give $4 million—it gave $400,000, Dr. Chiaro said. “Some folks were disappointed, but be happy for what you get. You might get legislators to at least start changing their minds.”
After the meeting, send a thank-you note. “This is a skill many people have forgotten. Make it on personal or business stationery, and make sure it's handwritten,” he recommended.