Lobby Day in Sacramento
Meet on the Capitol steps at 9AM for a picture. We will walk together to the Capitol Annex for individual meetings with legislators and staff in their respective offices.
How to prepare & what to bring:
• Ask God for guidance & discernment.
• Dress is business professional.
• Have an oral short story about the impact of your services on a patient/client.
• Bring info about your center or a 1 page summary of facts & annual stats; bring copies for both your Senator & Assembly Member.
Meeting Tips:
• Be respectful.
• Find common ground on critical issues such as women’s health care, support for families; refrain from making it a pro life vs. pro abortion debate.
• Be clear on the services you provide/don’t provide or refer for. See clinic and resource center talking points below. Steer clear of abortion pill reversal, but be prepared to answer questions if it is a service you provide & do not let that take up much time. Mention the bills that have come through this year which misrepresent the work you do. Be respectful of their time, max 15 mins, if the conversation is going well, ask if they have time to continue talking. Request to schedule a tour of your facility with their scheduler.
- Clinic Example: We are a community clinic licensed by the state of California. We provide excellent women’s healthcare including limited/obstetric ultrasounds, STI testing, well-woman care etc. We have Board Certified OBGYN/PA/NP/RN on staff/who serves as our medical director. We refer our clients to prenatal care, housing, and social services, providing that warm hand-off as a crucial link to other community agencies. And our free pregnancy verification helps clients access MediCal, WIC, CalWORKS, and other crucial supports they need proof of pregnancy for right away. Last year, we served over ___ clients.
OR
- Center Example: We are a community-based organization providing free resources for low-income families. We provide community health and social service referrals, material assistance including diapers and baby items which public assistance does not cover, along with parenting classes, education, reproductive loss, grief counseling and support groups. Our most requested services are diapers, wipes, and baby food which we offer for free along with clothes, strollers, car seats. We are proud of our partnerships with WIC, CalFresh, Covered California, First 5, and the county department of health. Many of our clients have been with us for years and we serve as a trusted navigator and link to other services in our community. Last year, we served ___ clients including immigrants and refugees, survivors of intimate partner violence, and any woman who wants and needs our help.