The document discusses lobbying and advocacy efforts around sex education. It notes both positive and negative outcomes from the 2006 midterm elections in terms of supporters for reproductive rights. However, it states that legislative progress has been slow with everything tied up in large bills and concerns over presidential vetoes. It provides examples of misleading claims from abstinence-only education programs and argues they are bad policy. The REAL ACT is highlighted as a way to fund sex education programs that have been shown to work and are supported by young people, teachers and medical experts. Tips are provided on effective lobbying techniques.

1. Lobbying & Advocacy On Sex Education

2. 2006 midterm elections and reproductive justice more reproductive rights supporters in Congress friends in top leadership positions in House and the Senate pro-choice members remain a minority

3. Good and Bad Some good things: vote to overturn the Global Gag vote funding for Title X national family planning program vote to repeal abstinence-only restrictions for HIV prevention programs Some bad things: Democrats support ineffective abstinence-only-until-marriage programs Susan Orr appointed to head nation’s family planning program

4. But nothing has really happened Everything tied up in mega bills President threatens vetos: “You’re fixin’ to see what they call a fiscal showdown in Washington:”

5. Campaigns have started! Everyone in election mode Presidential concern for budget

6. In their own words. . . “ [No one] “under 16 should be dating ever ever ever for any reason. You’re brain damaged, it gets better.” (Pam Stenzel) “ One in 5 times condoms will fail for pregnancy.” ( Passion & Principles , Leader's Guide, 10) “ Research confirms that 14 percent of the women who use condoms scrupulously for birth control become pregnant within a year.” Choosing the Best, The Big Talk Book

7. Abstinence Only = Bad Policy Waxman Report Mathematica Report

8. REAL ACT What Does It Do Create the ONLY funding stream for sex education that teaches about the benefits of contraception and abstinence.

9. REAL ACT A Wise Investment Funds programs that research shows can work. Funds programs that young people, teachers, and medical experts support. Funds programs to prepare young people with information and skills they will use the rest of their lives.

10. Lobbying is no mystery Lobbying is: trying to influence those who make policies that affect our lives You can make a difference: Legislators want to be re-elected our opponents have defied reality and turned the world on its head. Speaking from a faith perspective

11. Goals of lobbying To educate and change minds To develop relationships with policymakers and their staffs To become a resource for trusted information

12. Legislator classification Champions: leaders; bill sponsors Allies: legislators on your side but not activists Fence Sitters: the uncommitted Mellow Opponents: against the issue, but not actively so Hard Core Opponents: those lawmakers who are leading your opposition.

13. Your meeting Identify yourself, the organization you represent and the issue you’re interested in Thank him/her for taking the time to see you Explain why you support this legislation Support your views with facts and stories Say what action you’d like taken and why Ask what happens next Send a thank you

14. Things to remember Know about the legislator Keep your message simple: focus on one issue YOU DON”T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT Engage the person in a conversation