Our Message │ Educational Advocacy Strategies │ Connecting with the Capitol
Engage coalition members to educate state leaders. Use this toolkit as you plan community events, communicate and meet with state leaders, strategically network with stakeholders, and outreach to media.
Our Message
Use the following resources when educating stakeholders.
See also:
- Tobacco, COVID-19, and Racism - A one page (front-and-back) resource explaining the interconnected relationship of tobacco, COVID-19, and racism as public health issues.
- Tobacco, COVID-19, and Racism (Customizable) - This version contains a blank space at the bottom for partners to add their own contact information.
Educational Advocacy Strategies
Review the Educational Advocacy vs. Lobbying page before getting started.
Personal Meetings
Meeting with local or state policymakers provides an invaluable opportunity for you to educate them about your coalition's outstanding work, and to establish your group as a "go to" resource for information on tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and other pressing public health issues. Here are resources to help you prepare:
Community Events
Community events, like a legislative breakfast or community forum, allow you to educate the community, local decision makers, and legislators about our key messages and the progress we've made to reduce tobacco's burden. Visit the Community Events page for specific tools to help you host a community event.
Presentations
Formal presentations to community groups not only help to raise awareness of the issue, they define the urgency of our work and motivate community members to take action. This Tobacco in Wisconsin presentation template will help you get started.
Public Testimony
Testifying in front of local decision makers or state committees is an important strategy to educate stakeholders on the importance, needs, and successes of the Program. Compelling stories demonstrate that we are doing a good job, highlight important accomplishments, show that we are making a positive difference in the lives of real people in Wisconsin, and justify a continued investment in tobacco control. Visit the Public Testimony page for tools to help you make the most of testimony and to refresh/solidify your knowledge of the difference between educating and lobbying.
Earned Media
Media outreach such as letters to the editors, press releases, and photos are an effective way to draw attention to issues in your community. Media coverage is also monitored by local decision makers, meaning earned media outreach can help ensure they see your message. You can get started with this General Constituent Letter to the Editor Template, or you can find ideas and other templates for media outreach at Media Opportunities.
Connecting with the Capitol
What happens in Madison matters to all of us. The tools below can connect you with your policymakers and help you stay up to date on the latest happenings at the Capitol.
Connect with Legislators
Click on the links below to see Senate or Assembly districts
Get Notified of Legislative Activity
- Legislative Notification Service: get emails based on legislative activity
- Wispolitics and The Wheeler Report: stay up-to-date on political news
- Wisconsin Eye: watch the Senate, Assembly, and other state governmental bodies in action
Research the Legislature
- Government Accountability Board: understand who lobbies for and against which bills
- Wisconsin Democracy Campaign: search campaign finance records
- Wisconsin Blue Book: study how a bill becomes a law
