A Better Way Foundation Welcomes You

LaResse Harvey, BSWPolicy Director

ABWF engages in research, education, advocacy and organizing in order to enable progressive drug policy reform and criminal justice agendas. ABWF develops and trains future activists of the drug policy, criminal justice reform and public safety communities by using organizing principles with a focus on resident and community empowerment. ABWF’s local and national work is governed by the following ethics, beliefs and principles:

We do not do for others what they can do for themselves. People directly affected by the issue are the best representatives Organizing thrives when new knowledge is built and existing knowledge is analyzed

and criticized. Targeted direct action and occupying political spaces are forms of communication. Employing existing networks are just as valuable as establishing new networks. Measuring success through leadership development and victories around an issue.

ABWF Principles:ABWF Principles:

Who Has The Power?Who Has The Power?

MoneyMoneyPeoplePeople

Who has the power to make changes What are your maximum goals What are your minimum goals

We organize people because we don’t have money!

Who Is A Leader?Who Is A Leader?

YOU ARE!!!YOU ARE!!!

A leader is someone who: can influence and inspire others to support and accomplish a common goal.

A Leader is accountable to everyone!!!

What Does Advocacy Mean?

Advocacy is NOT Lobbying. You have the right to speak to your public officials!

Is Supportive Action: You are interceding on behalf of yourself or someone else to protect personal, and legal rights, and to insure a dignified existence. 

There are many types of advocacy.  System advocacy, is useful for changing "the system;" additionally, it

is used to promote causes. Legislative advocacy is designed to change laws.

Campaign is long term Issue organizing has a beginning and end

A Problem has a solution. That solution may not fit everyone. We find issues out of problems that are measurable to assess our progress.

IssueIssue

An issue you can do something about. You can make a change to improve your quality of life.

Keeping Libraries Open Overdose Death Prevention Ban The Box Street Lights Turned On

CampaignCampaign

Goals Targets & Decision Makers Potential Allies Potential opponents Resources Needed Resources Have Research Needs Building the Organizations Tactics:

Actions and ActivitiesDebriefing Specific Objectives: What went well; What can be

done better; other objectives

Getting Your Message AcrossGetting Your Message Across

Framing the Language Who is your target audience Identify Leaders, Cultural Agents, Partners and Allies

to carry your message Media Interest – Tell your story Talk to your political leaders

Next StepsNext Steps Do your research (Get

Information) Develop Factsheet Do 1:1s (One on Ones) Plan a Meeting Outreach – Inspire others Strategy Caucus Media Action Alerts Change happens when we

make it happen -Innovation

Thank You for Coming

Visit Our Booth #221