Capitol Hill Day at CADCA
Hello Fellow WA State DFC Funded Coalition Leaders and Friends of SA Prevention,
Each year, many of us make the journey back to the “other Washington” to attend CADCA’s National Leadership Forum (NLF) in early February. This year I’m happy to be attending and offered to help us coordinate our WA State Delegation for Capitol Hill Day. For those that have not attended, that is the day during the NLF when all attendees are invited to head to Capitol Hill (transport provided), hear from some elected officials, and then attend meetings with our own WA State Electeds to whom we can chose to bring a prevention message (see pasted email below). Advocacy at its finest!
You can help coordinate by doing the following:
1. See below about Hill Day and attend the webinar in January.
2. Send me a list of members (and emails) from your coalition who are attending the NLF. Please differentiate youth vs. adults (and which youth track your youth will attend—there are new choices this year!) I will coordinate an email list and we can plan some of our messaging early, if needed. Note, when SeaHawks are in the Superbowl (Sunday, Feb 5)— note that many flights arrive in-time to see the game. We can coordinate viewing parties if there is critical mass to do so. Go. Hawks.
3. Take note that CADCA will help by setting-up appointments with our Senators (Murray and Cantwell). You (we/us/me/I) need to schedule appointments with our own Representatives. I suggest doing this now. You can contact the CADCA Public Policy Associate for assistance (see contact below for Chris Naso).
4. Plan to show up the night before Hill Day (Tuesday) during the scheduled state meetings where we are provided a chance to coordinate with support from CADCA. This meeting is built into the conference schedule. That evening, I will present some info from WA State, and we will have a chance to hear from our DBHR leader, Sarah Mariani. It is also when we can decide which youth want to present to our elected the following day. This is a GREAT time for youth to take a leadership role—I hope adults will help prepare a salient message with youth ahead of time. All youth attending should plan on attending Hill Day and consider (100% optional) taking a speaking role with our electeds.
5. Show up!! If you can swing it, WA tends to have great turn-out at this event. A few years back, we had the second most attendees of any state (or territory). Wow! Let’s show up and advocate/educate our elected leaders about the importance of prevention.
Note: Hill Day is always optional. Speaking personally, however, I think it is the highlight of the NLF and one of the best leadership/advocacy opportunities around for youth interested in prevention work.
Thanks all-see many of you at the NLF,
Derek
2015: WA Delegation of adults and youth meet with Senator Murray
2015: WA Youth address Senator Cantwell
Capitol Hill Day 2017 at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum
The Day – Wednesday February 8, 2017
Coalitions are critical to Engineering Healthy Communities across the country. In the midst of a deepening opioid epidemic, substance abuse prevention funding has never been more needed. We know that your coalitions are on the front lines fighting to prevent youth abuse of drugs and alcohol, and we need you to communicate this to your federal legislators. Capitol Hill Day is one of the most exciting events at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum, providing participants the opportunity to meet and educate policymakers in Congress about the importance of substance abuse prevention.
The kickoff event, the Capitol Hill Day Plenary, will feature remarks from members of Congress and Sue Thau about what’s going on in Washington D.C. that affects our field. Following the Plenary is the Capitol Hill Day Reception, where Members of Congress will address attendees over light refreshments. After that, it’s time to make your mark in Washington D.C. and drive home the importance of substance use/abuse prevention in meetings with your Congressional representatives.
Making Your Capitol Hill Day Appointment
As in the past, CADCA is ready and waiting to arrange your Capitol Hill Day appointments for you. Simply complete and submit this online form and CADCA will contact you with your confirmed appointments in January. The deadline to request an appointment through CADCA is January 13th. After January 13th, appointments can still be made, but you must contact your Congressional delegates’ offices directly. If you have any questions, contact Chris Naso at cnaso@cadca.org or (703-706-0560 ext. 244).
Given the budgetary constraints our nation is currently facing and the fact that substance abuse prevention funding has been cut by more than 48% over the last decade, it is critical to take advantage of this opportunity! CADCA will provide complimentary transportation so Forum participants can meet with their U.S. Representative and both Senators between 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Template for Your Hill Meetings’ Handouts
Make your Capitol Hill Day visits as effective as possible. We encourage you to use the attached template to create your own one-pagers to showcase the names of your coalition’s members in all 12 sectors, and to display your successes/outcomes visually (from baseline to current) to present to your Congressional delegation during your meetings. Chris (contact information above) can help in formatting the one-pager, if needed.
Webinar on Capitol Hill Day Priorities
CADCA will host a Capitol Hill Day webinar in January to provide you with a sneak peak at the legislative kits that will be handed out onsite and provide you with tips to ensure that you make the most out of your congressional meetings. Details regarding the webinar will be coming soon!
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Chris Naso Public Policy Associate |
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CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 |
T: 703.706.0560 ext 244 F: 703.706.0565 |
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Derek Franklin
Administrative & Professional Services Manager
Project Director, Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition
Mercer Island Youth & Family Services
2040 84th Avenue SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040-2222
