Policies & Legislative Advocacy

Advocating for what they believe in comes naturally to for us at GCCYF, but there are a host of good reasons why we engage in legislative advocacy in particular.

Often legislative action–making something into law or appropriating public money–is the most effective way we bolster our cause or make the gains you hope for.

Sometimes legislative action is the only way to accomplish your goal. Appropriating public money, for instance, can only be done by legislative bodies, at least at the highest level. (Funding may come from a state or local agency, but that agency’s funding comes from the state, county, or municipal budget.) If you want to assure public funding for something, the best way to do it is to build that funding into the federal, state, or local government budget.

Legislative advocacy lends focus to your issue. At GCCYF, our Advocacy is usually motivated by the right force of action that defines clearly what it seeks to achieve, and to communicate that clearly to others. We also make it necessary for everyone to speak with one voice, and to stick to a common purpose in order to accomplish what you set out to do.

 Advocacy creates its own positive publicity. We speak out on behalf of issues, conducting various kinds of public events and taking part in public hearings, and getting coverage in the media all add to public awareness and understanding of what you’re advocating for.

 Legislative advocacy often gains you powerful allies. Working with and getting to know lawmakers and familiarizing them with your concerns can make them into advocates for your cause as well, and will increase the likelihood that they’ll listen to you and your constituents on other issues. Establishing personal relationships with legislators gives you credibility with other lawmakers and with the community at large.