 |
Home | Search | Browse | About IPO | Staff | Links |
|
Home | Search | Browse | About IPO | Staff | Links |
|
STATEHOUSE INSIDER  There is compelling evidence that park districts, forest preserves and conservation agencies are doing a terrific job providing services to their communities. A review of seasonal brochures offered by most agencies shows the wide breadth of recreation programs being offered to Illinois citizens. Progress on protecting open space is also evident in many districts across the state as districts struggle to keep up with sprawl. You are doing a great job, but many boards of commissioners and executive staff members either forget or fail to share the good news. Telling your story is critical to the success of your agency and to the perception that members of the community, policymakers and lawmakers hold of your agency. We all know that being able to deliver services most effectively is done when you create relationships. Many boards also know that building relationships with their representatives and senators makes a key difference when seeking funding for grants and special projects. The questions all boards need to ask are: "How effective are we in building these relationships?" and "What have we done lately?" In 2008, I encourage each agency to create an advocacy calendar along the lines suggested below. January Give yourself a pop quiz on advocacy. Do you know the answers to the following questions? • Who are my elected state and federal officials and where are their local district offices? • What are their legislative records and general philosophies related to parks and recreation? • What issues are they passionate about? Do I have any personal connections with any of my elected officials? Hobbies, service clubs, church, alumni events and shopping at the same grocery store can all be the basis for building a better long-term relationship. Remember, legislators are just like you. They are "joiners" and like to be over-committed, so find the overlap and get to know them.
February Become familiar with your state legislators and their staffs, who are the lifelines to the offices of those legislators who represent you. Visit the local district office to get to know the people on the front line. Speak with them about opportunities for your legislator to get out in front of the parks community. Discuss the legislative breakfast your district will participate in.
March Nothing shows commitment like traveling to where a legislator has his or her state office. Visiting legislators in Springfield sends a two-fold message: First, that you are committed to the missions and goals of your district. Second, that you are interested in how your legislator represents you at the State Capitol. Getting a Statehouse view of the pressures and demands of the legislative process will help you understand how best to interact with your legislator.
April This year the legislative calendar calls for a May 29 adjournment. If that is met, legislators will be returning to their local district offices and hitting the campaign trail.
May The grass is turning green and recreational programs will be hitting their full stride. It is a perfect time to help your legislators understand what you really offer the community.
June Many park districts have special events that revolve around groundbreakings, tree plantings, dedications, etc. For legislators -especially in an election year - nothing is more important than positive public visibility. So, when it comes to positive public relations, share the wealth with the legislators that so diligently serve your district in Springfield. 10 Illinois Parks & Recreation www.ILipra.org
July This month is typically designated as parks and recreation month, and many districts celebrate it with special events. Join the celebration by getting involved in the recreation you provide the community. Play golf or tennis with your legislator. A great opportunity to do this is during the IAPD/IPRA Legislative Golf Outing to be held this year on July 24 at the beautiful White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville.
August As summer heats up, it's time to build relationships within the community. In today's economic environment, collaboration is the key to success. Since all relationships need to be nourished, spend time with the mayor and superintendent of schools and other leaders.
September Discuss among board and staff new ideas to share information on your agency. The following are a few suggestions.
October With a general election taking place on November 4, next month may be the most important one for elected officials. As you know, the impact of this election can be felt for years to come. Remember the old adage, "If you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain." Recent electoral history shows clearly that every vote counts. Make sure that you vote and get the vote out among your constituents.
• Contact a candidate's headquarters to learn what help is needed. • Make a contribution to a candidate. • Volunteer at the campaign headquarters. • Walk a precinct. • Make telephone calls. • Work on election day. • Send postcards to your friends and neighbors. • Host an event in your home. • Place a yard sign in your yard. • Put yard signs or posters up. November Now that the weather has turned and you've gotten all your leaves raked up, it's time to head to the computer. Understanding the nuances of the legislative process is fun and can be accelerated by the Web-based information at your fingertips.
December Congratulations, your comfort level for advocacy has reached a new high. It's time to take a well-deserved break, but don't forget to add your legislators to your Christmas card list.
Have fun. 2008 Legislative Session Deadline Dates House Friday January 11, 2008 - House deadline forLegislative Reference Bureau Requests Friday, February 15, 2008 - House deadline forintroduction of House bills Friday, March 14, 2008 - House deadline for substantive House bills out of committee Friday, April 18, 2008 - House deadline for the 3rd reading of House bills Friday, May 9, 2008 - House deadline for substantive Senate bills out of committee Friday, May 23, 2008 - House deadline Senate bill 3rd reading Senate Friday, February 15, 2008 - Senate deadline introduction of substantive Senate bills Thursday, March 13, 2008 - Senate deadline substantive Senate bills out of committee Thursday, April 17, 2008 - Senate deadline third reading substantive Senate bills Thursday, May 15, 2008 - Senate deadline for substantive House bills out of committee Friday, May 23, 2008 - Senate deadline 3" reading of substantive House bills IAPD Calendar Thursday, January 24 -Saturday, January 26, 2008 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Thursday, July 24, 2008 Thursday, November 6, 2008 www.ILparks.org January/February 2008 11 |Home|
|Search|
|Back to Periodicals Available|
|Table of Contents|
|Back to Illinois Heritage 2008|
|
This month commit to inviting your legislator to join your agency at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Awards Luncheon scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Hilton Chicago.