Advocacy Tools
- Topics:
Tired of standing on the sidelines? Do you want to change something in your community but don't know how to get started?
It truly takes a village to work toward change. Whether you are a social service provider, consumer, or simply a passionate individual who understands that our communities are healthier and safer when residents have access to bedrock public services, YOU can make a difference.
Illinois Partners' toolbox is designed to start you on the path to effective advocating and organizing.
RAISE YOUR VOICE WITH LOCAL MEDIA
TEMPLATE: Letter to the Editor - Spring 2012
Share Your Story
VISIT ELECTED OFFICIALS
Tell the legislators what's important to you and your community. Call, schedule a meeting, or send a fax.
SCRIPT: Tell Your Legislator "No Cuts to Human Services"
SCRIPT: Make an Appointment with Your Legislator
TEMPLATE: AGENDA for Meeting with Legislator
Illinois Partners for Human Service continues to meet with our state's legislators to have open and honest dialogue around important issues and changes to the human services sector, and how they impact Illinois residents to whom service is provided.
When meeting with your legislator, you may find these documents helpful. The first is a fact sheet on how human services have been cut so that our legislators can see the disproportionate cuts for themselves. The second provides the language you need to use when describing your programs and how they help constituents. The third is a revenue fact sheet which details why revenue is a human service issue and what the projections are for the FY12 budget.
Human Services Have Been Cut: Fact Sheet
Making the Case: Documenting Outcomes
Illinois Partners Revenue Fact Sheet
HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
It is our hope that you will continue reaching out to local legislators on behalf of our sector, even as the FY'12 budget discussion winds down. Below, please find three documents to help with your local advocacy:
Human Service Recommendations to Protect the Sector
Illinois can't afford to lose $600 million in FY'12 budget revenues
Maximize reasonable existing revenue to reduce harmful budget cuts - without new taxes
INVESTIGATE THE ISSUES AND STAY INFORMED
The Three “Ws:” “What” are human services? “Why” are they critical to the community as well as cost effective? “Who” uses them? What is the Return on Investment (ROI) in the sector?
Why Human Services Matter
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
What is Community Based Organizing?
The Fundamentals of Community Based Organizing
INTERNET RESOURCES
State of Illinois Website
Find Your Local Legislators
National Council of Nonprofits
