This document provides an overview of advocacy and the legislative process for museums. It discusses the differences between advocacy and lobbying, how to develop an advocacy plan including creating a case statement and inventory, and tips for getting involved in the legislative process. The presentation emphasizes developing relationships with legislators, understanding budget cycles, and participating in advocacy opportunities through organizations like Museums Alaska to help advance statewide museum priorities.

1. Advocacy 101

2.  Introductions
 What is the difference between Advocacy &
Lobbying
 Museums can make a difference
 How does the legislative process work
 Who, how and when do you approach
Legislators
 How can Museums Alaska help
 Q&A

3.  Moderator
◦ Jane Lindsey – Juneau Douglas Museum
 Presenters
◦ Patricia Relay – Valdez Museum & Historical Archive
◦ Heather Beggs – Museums Alaska
◦ Clark Gruening – Lobbyist

4.  What is Advocacy?
◦ Advocacy occurs when you make the case for
museums broadly.
 What is Lobbying?
◦ Lobbying is one form of advocacy and usually
involves an attempt to influence legislation.

5. Taking an Advocacy Inventory
Make a compelling case statement
Developing a Plan for Advocacy
Get involved

6.  Be prepared! Before you reach out to a
potential ally, you do your homework, right?
 An Advocacy Inventory should not be left to
one person alone. It is a perfect activity for
your board of Directors to work on.
 Part I – About your Museum
 Part II –Identifying your Elected Officials
 Part III – Lifecycle of Elected Bodies
 Part IV – Gathering the Facts
 Part V – Gathering Testimonials and Stories

7.  What is the purpose of a case statement?
 How important is a case statement?
 Preparing the Case Statement
 Developing central themes
◦ Educational Pillars
◦ Museums are Economic Drivers
◦ Community Assets

8.  Section 1: Introduction
 Section 2: Background on the Organization
 Section 3: Statement of Need
 Section 4: Related Objectives
 Section 5: Summary of Longer Range Goals
 Section 6: Financial Information
 Section 7: Leadership and Partnership Profile
 Section 8: Support Options
 Section 9: Recognition Opportunities
 Section 10: Conclusion and Wrap-up

9.  What is an Advocacy Plan?
 When you should create a plan for advocacy
 Making your plan
 Putting it all together

10.  Get involved. It’s not just about your
Museum
◦ American Alliance of Museums Advocacy
Committee: http://www.aam-us.org/advocacy
◦ Museums Alaska Advocacy Committee:
http://museumsalaska.org/advocacy-materials/
 Use the tools that MA and AAM provide
◦ Write opinion pieces to your local newspaper
◦ Write letters to your local, state and national
representatives.
◦ Invite government officials to your Museum.

11. The Governor’s Budget
Capital Budget Requests & Operating Funds are different
Know who your Legislator is, this is a powerful tool
Be involved with the Legislative process
How do you use your LIO?

12.  Understand Capital and Operating Budget
cycles and timelines (October-April)
 Develop a relationship with your Legislators
and their staff. Invite them to your museum.
 Participate in the Process

13. How do I find out what committees my Legislator is involved in?
When do I approach my Legislator?
How do I get in the door?
Who and what ?do I take with me

14.  Find your legislators with AAM’s online tool
 Visit your local legislators during the
interim (May-December)
 Participate in Advocacy Day in Juneau

15. MA can speak on a statewide level
MA works on goals that benefit all museums statewide
MA will provide you informational briefs based on our collective priorities
How can we help your Museum?

16.  Planning for Advocacy Day 2014
 Possible Legislation mirroring library
funding
 Participate in the Annual Meeting to identify
Museums Alaska’s annual legislative
priorities

17. Make a compelling
case for support
Get involved!
Understand the
legislative process
Start Advocating TODAY!