for Passing Local Policyfor Passing Local Policy

Brian Peterson, Project DirectorThe Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing

Funded by Proposition 99, the California Tobacco Tax Initiative of 1988

Strategic CoalitionDevelopment

“Cut spending”Intrastate travel Interstate travelTime travel

In the next half-hour… Policy change and coalitionsThe most effective type of coalition for passing local tobacco policies. Building coalition power. Key elements of coalition recruitment

PPolicy Change olicy Change

CoalitionsCoalitions&

The Draft.

AKA, the, “I really, REALLY, need You” approach

The FreeLunch.

Cloning.

TheRhythm Method.

Changing Norms About Tobacco

Key objective of CA’s tobacco control programNorm change requires a comprehensive approachMost effective de-normalization strategies:Change public policyEnforce policies we have

Changing Public PolicyBegins at grassroots, not from the topExample: Why has California been called “America’s Non-Smoking Section?”195 increasingly tough smoke free indoor

air local ordinances passed in California 1989-1995

AB 13 passed by legislature in 1995

Calif. Coalition StatusMany local coalitions are unable to effectively pursue policy change Information-sharing not actionCounty staff says don’t rock the boatFew coalition members can lobbySome LLAs adverse to strong leadershipMinimal community participation

TThe most effective type of he most effective type of Coalition for Policy Change Coalition for Policy Change

Calif. Tobacco Control Coalitions

Advisory CoalitionPrimarily public agencies, managed tightly

by county staffMeets every 2-3 monthsAdvocacy limited to members testifyingLobbying is discouraged

Calif. Tobacco Control Coalitions

SubcommitteePurpose is to pursue policy changeUnites activist coalition membersCampaign needs determine frequency of

Meetings and pace of work Effectiveness limited by membership of

parent coalitionDifficult to win when faced by serious

opposition

Coalition Type for Passing Local Policy

Separate Campaign TeamSingle purpose, time-limited, community-

based, action oriented policy campaignSheds look and feel of gov’t coalitionCounty staff assists, but does not direct or

manage Campaign TeamCommitted to recruitment, developing new

leaders and winning tough, contested battles for policy change

BBuildinguildingCCoalitionoalitionPPOWEROWER

Power and Policy ChangePolicy change requires political powerCoalitions can build political powerSome coalition members can legally lobbyCan organize by political districtCan mobilize large numbers of residentsHave resources for mounting a campaignMember organizations are credible with

public

CoalitionPowerNot every coalition builds powerAdvisory Coalition doesn’tSubcommittee develops the latent power in

an Advisory Coalition Only the separate Campaign Team actually

builds & can USE power

Lobbying/AdvocacyPowerA campaign needs both, so the coalition

needs bothLobbying is the tip of the spear

Organizing By DistrictPower

Demonstrate political strength by district Identify member organizations and

organizational members by districtCreate delegations by districtUtilize pressure points within the districtDevelop on-going political allies not just

“issue” friends

Mobilizing Large NumbersPower

What does It take to turnout numbers It takes practice It takes leaders It takes action It takes courage It takes work

ResourcesPowerA variety of organizational partners yields a variety of resourcesFundingRegular newsletters and mailingsSpecialized staffLeadersVolunteersOffice resources and phone banksPress and community contacts

CredibilityPowerEffective media promotion yields public trust of coalitionMembers highly regarded by publicVoluntary health associationsDoctors, dentists, nursesHospitals, health care systemsPTA, schools, youth sportsYouth organizations

KKeyey ElementsElementsofof

RecruitmentRecruitment

Why recruit?

You have a policy goalRelative political weakness of anti-tobacco movementNeed for new energy Need for new leaders

Recruit Individuals/Orgs that:

Have clout/contact with campaign “target” Have public credibility Have strong self-interest in campaign issue Can lobby

It’s not selling …it’s MATCHMAKING

Research:

Figure out the connection between your issue and their concerns Professional activitiesHobbies Social activities Family

The recruiting meeting Face-to-face is bestKnow what you want to ask for – have a few options Listen and adjust Forget about being “right” Follow up

LLeadershipeadershipDDevelopmentevelopment

Or, “Parenting 101”

A true leader: Inspires Facilitates Gets resources out of others

How do you develop leaders?

Give them control Give them responsibility Ask them to do things Keep them supported Make sure their resources and capabilities fit the task

How do you develop leaders?

Discussion questionsWhat can you let go ofWhat is your biggest challenge

ConclusionPolicy change precedes norm change

and begins at grassroots level.A separate Campaign Team is needed to effect policy change.Recruiting is matchmakingDevelop & support REAL leadership