R&R Advocacy Week

R&R Advocacy Week is here!

In 2024, we've planned a special advocacy week: Network members across the state are inviting state (and local) representatives to visit their local R&Rs during the state legislative recess (3/21-3/29) and throughout April. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and showcase your impact on the community you serve.

To participate in R&R Advocacy Week 2024, here is the step-by-step process:

PRE-RECESS PREP:

1. Sign up here to receive Advocacy Week information.

2. If you missed R&R Advocacy Week launch call, watch the video clip.

3. Send invitations to your state legislators.

Here's a template to get you started:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear [insert legislator’s name here - ex: “Assemblyperson Ortega,” “Senator Menjivar”]

-Introduce yourself and your agency. Say a bit about what you do to serve the community (i.e., the legislators’ constituents). ----Make it clear that you are located within their district.
-Tell them you would like to speak with them about child care access and affordability, and the importance of your R&R in serving constituents in their district.
-Invite them to come visit your R&R (ask their availability OR offer a few possible days/times to select from).

Thank you in advance for supporting child care access and affordability.

Sincerely,
[R&R Coordinator Name & Phone Number]

_________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Prepare for your meeting (here's a guide to help you and talking points will be distributed at the 3/19 kickoff).

5. Add the scheduled date and time to our Statewide Advocacy Week Appointment Tracker or forward the confirmation email to lstewart@rrnetwork.org.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE:

1. Join 3/15 drop in office hours from 11am-12pm to ask last-minute questions or get ideas from other R&Rs.

2. Follow up with confirmed legislator(s). Include key details, such as day/time/address.

3. Get your materials ready, including RRIP report copies, business cards and brochures, and your cheat sheet of talking points.

-Talking points will be distributed electronically at the 3/19 kickoff and training held from 10am-12pm and by email to the designated R&R Week Coordinator.

-View/Download the California RRIP reports here.