The most important piece of the puzzle is you, the advocate, as you participate in strengthening the voice of all Utahns. 

Public policy advocacy is probably the most well-known type of advocacy. Public policy advocacy is about “systems change.” Instead of focusing on the immediate needs of a particular individual, we work together strategically for long-term social change that will affect numerous individuals. Every time you write, call, or meet with an elected official, you are doing public policy advocacy.

Interim: Just because the session is over, it does not mean our work is done! Utah's legislative session is only 3 months, so it is important to become involved during Interim.  During this time the legislature holds committee meetings to discuss what's on the table; this is when policies and priorities are set for the next session. Check out the legislative interim calendar of meetings and highlights from past meetings.

The Utah State Legislature & the Interim Session:

• Interim Calendar
• Interim Highlights
  
• Utah State Legislature Website
• About Committees
• Organization of the Utah State Legislature
• Glossary of Legislative terms
  

Advocacy:

• Take Five - Advocacy Made Easy for Busy People
• When Your Elected Official Seems Hopeless
• Worksheet to plan your testimony at a public hearing
• Writing a letter to the editor

Contacting Your Legislator:

• Legislator contact info - perfect for mail merge!
• Writing your legislator
• Visiting with your legislator - tips for an effective meeting
• Sample 60 second speech
• Fact sheets to take with you
  

Our hope is that your participation in the advocacy process will be ongoing - writing to elected officials, telling your story to decision makers, talking to the media, attending community hearings and forums - it is easier than it sounds! Advocacy - especially during this tranformative period in history can be very rewarding and will help us work to make a lasting impression for proper implementation of reform in Utah.