ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
CONTACT INFORMATION:
CHRISTINE MURPHY
ARIN ASSERO
MEGHAN BUZBY
DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY GRASSROOTS LIAISON
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
6534 MARLO DRIVE
12650 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SUITE 206
12650 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SUITE 206
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA 22042
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91607
PHONE: 703 738-1498
PHONE: 800-452-CURE (2873) EXT. 232
PHONE: 410-252-3457
FAX: 703 349-5879
FAX: 818-487-7454
FAX: 818-487-7454
E MAIL: CMURPHY@MYELOMA.ORG
E-MAIL: AASSERO@MYELOMA.ORG
E-MAIL: MBUZBY@MYELOMA.ORG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ADVOCACY PROGRAMS & RESOURCES ...................................................................1
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS......................................... 3
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR ....................................................... 6
VISITING YOUR LEGISLATORS .............................................................................. 8
TEN RULES FOR CONGRESSIONAL VISITS............................................................. 9
DO'S AND DON'TS IN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ...............................................10
GUIDE TO LEGISLATIVE STAFF TITLES................................................................13
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW..............................................................................14
GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS .....................................................................15
TEMPLATE ADVOCACY LETTER.......................................................................... 20

ADVOCACY PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
dvocacy is more than just understand-
Web site at www.advocacy.myeloma.org, it
ing the issues. To make a difference,
contains information on the important is-
Ayou have to make your voice heard. suesthatIMFistrackingforyou.Youcan
The involvement of myeloma patients and
send messages to your legislators directly
their caregivers is vital to the success of IMF's
from the site. The Action Center also in-
grassroots efforts. To assist you in your advo-
cludes such features as:
cacy activities, IMF provides the following
services and information:
i ATemplate Letters@ which are provided
to send via e-mail or fax to your Members
` Advocacy Toolkits
of Congress on crucial policy issues.
AAdvocacy Toolkits@ contain material to
assist myeloma advocates in developing
i ASponsor Track@ which attaches informa-
collaborative strategies to educate legisla-
tion on relevant bill sponsorship on the
tors on topical issues affecting patients.
bio pages of Members of Congress.
The toolkit includes information such as:
(1) How a Bill Becomes a Law; (2) Building
i A AVote Scorecard@ listing every Member
Relationships with Legislators; (3) Do's and
of Congress and how they voted on bills
Don'ts in Government Relations; (4) Glos-
of interest to the myeloma community.
sary of Legislative Terms; and, (5) Guide to
Legislative Staff Titles. The Packets are
i ACongress Today@ providing daily sche-
available for downloading from the Advo-
dules of House and Senate activity includ-
cacy section of IMF's web site at
ing committee hearing schedules.
www.myeloma.org.
i ATell a Friend@ which enables users to
send Alerts, Votes, and other legislative-
` Myeloma Action Network
related information to one or more mye-
Becoming a member of the Myeloma Ac-
loma advocates.
tion Network allows us to focus our
"E-Mail Alerts" directly to those myeloma
i A searchable "Guide on National and
advocates who reside in the state or district
Local Media" including newspapers,
of the legislators we need to target. These
magazines, and TV networks and stations;
Alerts provide strategic information to af-
users can send e-mails, faxes or printed
fect key policy issues of interest to IMF
letters to newspaper journalists, radio talk
and the myeloma community. To receive
show hosts, and television commentators.
the E-Mail Alerts, you must sign up on the
homepage of the IMF Advocacy Action
Center at www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
` Cancer Statement of Principles
IMF developed the Cancer Statement of
Principles to:
` Advocacy Action Center
IMF=s Advocacy Action Center offers "one
i Focus and establish the priority issues to
stop" shopping for federal legislative and
be addressed by IMF.
regulatory information. Found on the IMF
1
i Inform myeloma patients, colleague or-
` Public Policy Statements
ganizations, government officials, the me-
IMF produces statements and letters
dia, and the public about IMF's public
aimed at decision-makers on a variety of
policy concerns.
public policy issues. These documents can
be found on the Advocacy homepage at
i Provide a continuing framework for IMF
www.myeloma.org.
to review and report on actions that ad-
dress current and past policy concerns.
` Advocacy Updates
Advocacy updates on issues and legislation
The Cancer Statement of Principles can
important to myeloma patients are e-
be downloaded from the Advocacy sec-
mailed to the Myeloma Action Network
tion
of
IMF=s
web
site
at
biweekly as well as included in the e-mail
www.myeloma.org.
newsletter Myeloma Minute and the
quarterly publication Myeloma Today.
Don=t forget that the Principles are ex-
These advocacy updates can also be view-
cellent Aleave behinds@ when you meet
ed online on the Advocacy homepage at
with your Members of Congress!
www.myeloma.org.
CONTACT
Christine Murphy
Arin Assero
Director, Government Affairs
Director of Advocacy
International Myeloma Foundation
International Myeloma Foundation
6534 Marlo Drive
12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Phone: 703-738-1498
Phone: 800-452-CURE (2873) EXT. 232
Fax: 703-349-5879
Fax: 818-487-7454
E-mail: cmurphy@myeloma.org
E-mail: aassero@myeloma.org
Meghan Buzby
Advocacy Grassroots Liaison
International Myeloma Foundation
12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Phone: 410-252-3457
Fax: 818-487-7454
E-mail: mbuzby@myeloma.org
2/6/2011
2
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS
veryone realizes that the effectiveness
sonal connections or interests when speaking
of your work often depends on the
with elected officials whose opinion you are
Equalityofyourrelationships,likethe tryingtoinfluencewithyourfactsandper-
bond you form with your myeloma care pro-
sonal story. Additionally, treat their staff with
viders. It is similar with elected officials, as
the same importance as the elected official as
you must develop relationships with legisla-
staff members can hold valuable sway with
tors and their staffs long before you turn to
their boss and influence your relationship and
them for assistance on an important issue you
success on issues.
care about. Strong interpersonal relationships
are the best means of influencing legislative
Become a fountain of facts. Know the specif-
decision making. Personal visits, letters, phone
ics needed to accomplish the goal of curing
calls, faxes, filling out website forms, and e-
myeloma and related issues. Also, be aware of
mails also are important, especially when they
the advocacy platform and important issues
come from constituents who are well-known,
identified by the IMF, as a coordinated effort
highly regarded, and have gone out of their
is needed to accomplish the goal of curing
way to be helpful in a variety of ways in the
myeloma.
past. Building these relationships takes time
and effort, but it's the most effective way to
Phases for relationship-building for effective
shape the thinking of those who shape public
legislative advocacy include:
policy.
1. Write and/or call legislators on current
So how do you go about building these strong
issues.
relationships with legislators? In much the
same ways as you cultivate friendships: by be-
2. Make personal visits either in Washington,
ing personable and helpful. Being helpful to a
D.C., your state capitol, or in the home
legislator cannot be over-emphasized. Become
district offices on current issues or broad
a useful and trustworthy source of sound in-
problems.
formation on issues affecting myeloma pa-
tients. Utilize your unique insight as a cancer
3. Organize group visits on issues of mutual
survivor, family member or caregiver to pro-
importance.
vide elected officials with contributions of
your time to help them with their own pro-
4. Invite legislators to attend a support
fessional and political needs and interests. Par-
group meeting to learn more about the
ty affiliation (Democrat, Independent, or Re-
latest research and issues facing myeloma
publican) should not restrict you or your ef-
patients today. These events might result
forts as elected officeholders represent an en-
in legislators becoming a cancer advocate.
tire state, legislative district, or local govern-
ment and all the voters in those jurisdictions.
5. Get personally involved politically in legis-
You don't have to be a member of the legisla-
lators' campaigns and the activities of your
tor's political party to work together and even
political party.
to become friends.
IMF is seeking your help in advocating for the
Be sure to do some homework about the key
prevention of and a cure for myeloma. Specif-
issues your elected officials are interested in
ically, here are some ways you can work with
and working on currently. Try to tie in per-
3
IMF staff to build relationships at the federal
come known as a campaign contributor,
level:
political activist, or myeloma leader who
can muster support on the issues from a
1. Develop relationships with your elected
variety of groups through your coalition
officials so they can use you as a reliable
activities.
and authoritative source on myeloma is-
sues.
2. Be prepared to meet with key legislative
personnel or committee staff members if
2. Participate with IMF in advocacy activities
the legislator is unavailable at the last
and with other coalitions who are on simi-
moment. Briefing these people before
lar missions to cure cancer and improve
your visit also may be useful so that they
health status.
can prepare the legislator. Staff aides are
often more knowledgeable about details
3. Where appropriate, provide financial sup-
of a specific issue than lawmakers them-
port for legislators' campaigns by making
selves.
individual contributions.
3. If several individuals join you in the visit,
These steps will progressively build your cre-
decide in advance who will be the
dibility with the officeholder. Establishing a
principal spokesperson. That individual,
reputation as an objective data source, for ex-
of course, should encourage others to par-
ample, builds credibility for subsequent com-
ticipate in the discussion to share particu-
munications expressing opinions on issues.
lar expertise or experiences.
Political activity establishes you as a friend
whose views are likely to receive more weight
4. If you want to discuss a specific issue,
than those of someone who writes from time
make sure you are thoroughly familiar
to time.
with all aspects of it before going into the
meeting.
PERSONAL VISITS
Personal meetings with legislators and their
5. When talking to legislators, try to be con-
key staff members are the most effective way
cise, well organized, and mindful of the
to make your case on an issue. Such visits also
other person's time. State your view firml-
are a good way to introduce you as a constitu-
y, but be attentive to the elected official's
ent. A personal meeting can be difficult to
position also.
accomplish with the elected officials them-
6. Open the discussion by reminding the
selves, but remember that you are offering an
legislators who you are and why IMF and
important contact. You can arrange the meet-
you are seeking assistance related to cur-
ing with the legislator directly or through staff
ing myeloma. If your visit is about a spe-
aides.
cific piece of legislation, know the issue
and the bill number. Clearly state your
The following suggestions will help make the
concern about the issue, how it will affect
best use of your time and the legislator's:
you personally and others in your similar
situation, their families, caregivers, etc.
1. Always make an appointment. Arranging
Avoid harsh accusations. Be polite and
the first meeting may require patience on
respectful. Often, we forget how we
your part, but be persistent. Later, as you
sound when we are particularly passionate
become known as a resource, gaining ap-
about an issue.
pointments will be less difficult. This situ-
ation will occur especially if you also be-
4
7. Always be truthful and never mislead.
9. To gain a favorable vote, follow up with
Your personal credibility and that of IMF
letter(s) and calls to legislators and their
is at stake. If you don't have the answer to
key staff advisors at appropriate points as
a question, do not improvise. Promise to
the issue progresses.
get back to them with the necessary in-
formation, and be sure to do so promptly.
10. Maintain the relationship. Get your name
on legislative e-mail lists. Find occasions
8. Come prepared with a brief (one-page)
to see the legislators again in appropriate
position paper that summarizes your
circumstances, and write to them on the
points with facts, and leave it behind with
issues from time to time. If you obtain re-
the legislators or staff aides. If a lengthier
ports or data that will be useful to legisla-
document or answers to questions are re-
tors and their aides and that you can share
levant, send them later with a thank-you
with them, send those documents with a
letter for taking the time to meet with you.
brief personal cover note. Eventually, you
may even find the legislator coming to you
for information, help, or your point of
view on new issues.
2/6/2011
5
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR
LEGISLATOR
face-to-face meeting is the most effec-
tify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. #,
tive way of communicating with your
Senate bill: S. #.
Alegislators. However, such meetings
tend to be the exception and not the rule.
` Address only one issue in each letter; and,
What then are the other ways of communicat-
if possible, keep the letter to one page.
ing and what is the preferred method? One
rule that applies no matter which method you
` Be courteous and include key information,
choose --- make sure you use a communica-
using examples to support your position.
tion means that will get your opinion to your
Explain how the legislation would affect
legislator BEFORE a vote on an issue you
you, others with myeloma, and the cancer
care about is taken .
research community.
` Ask for a reply from your elected officials
TIPS ON PREPARING AND SENDING LET-
explaining their position on the issue you
TERS
care about. This should prevent the typical
The letter is the most popular choice of com-
form-letter response, and help them keep
munication with a congressional office. How-
your views in mind should this legislation
ever, because of several incidents on Capitol
come up for a vote. Reminder: as a consti-
Hill, you are advised to fax your letters to
tuent, you are entitled to know the posi-
your Members of Congress unless time is not
tions of your Members of Congress.
a factor.
` Thank your elected officials if they vote in
If you decide to fax a letter, this list of helpful
a way favorable to myeloma or other can-
suggestions will improve the impact of the
cer related issues. They appreciate compli-
letter:
ments and will remember positive feed-
back.
` Write on personal stationary.
` Do not hesitate to state your displeasure,
` Be sure your return address is on your let-
but always be polite. Even if they oppose
ter, as well as the envelope. Envelopes
your position, you will want their help on
normally get detached, discarded, or mis-
another issue on another day.
placed before the answer is written.
` Be accurate. Spell names correctly and veri-
Addressing Correspondence:
fy information. You can check names, ad-
dresses, and fax numbers by going to the
To a Senator:
IMF Advocacy Action Center at
The Honorable (full name)
www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
(Room #), (name of) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
` State your purpose for writing in the first
Washington, DC 20510
paragraph of the letter. If your letter per-
tains to a specific piece of legislation, iden-
Dear Senator (last name):
6
To a Representative:
the aide who handles the issue on which
The Honorable (full name)
you wish to comment.
(Room #), (name of) House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
` After identifying yourself, tell the aide you
Washington, DC 20515
would like to leave a brief message, such as:
"Please tell Senator/Representative (Name)
Dear Representative (last name):
that I support/ oppose (S. #/H.R. #) ."
` State the reasons you support or oppose
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Com-
the bill. Ask for your Senator's or Repre-
mittee or the Speaker of the House, it is prop-
sentative's position on the bill. You may al-
er to address them as:
so request a written response to your tele-
phone call.
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
or
TIPS FOR DECIDING WHICH OFFICE
TO CALL
Dear Mr. Speaker or Madam Speaker:
Call the Washington D.C. office when you
want to discuss the technical aspects of the
bill in question.
TIPS ON TELEPHONING
If there is not time to fax your letter stating
Call the district office when you want to make
your concerns/support, make a phone call
a political statement by contacting your legis-
instead. To find your legislator's phone num-
lator's top political person in the district. That
ber, go to the IMF website's searchable on-
person will make sure your message gets to
line congressional directory which is con-
the elected official.
tained in the IMF Advocacy Action Center
at www.advocacy.myeloma.org
or call the
U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121
TIPS ON E-MAILING CONGRESS
and ask for your Senator's and/or Representa-
If you cannot fax your letter or call, then e-
tive's office.
mail. Generally, the same guidelines apply as
with writing letters to your Members of Con-
` Remember that telephone calls are most
gress. You can e-mail your legislators directly
often taken by a staff member, not the
from IMF's Advocacy Action Center at
Member of Congress. Ask to speak with
www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
2/6/2011
7
VISITING YOUR LEGISLATORS
Important Points to Remember
s you visit your state or federal
< How will the bill affect the legislator's
legislators, you will want to be mindful
reelection prospects?
Aof various characteristics of the <What are constituents (citizen voters)
legislative process. These qualities influence
saying about the issue?
how policy is made, including the effect of
< What are the views of the news media,
your interaction with congressional staff.
community and business leaders, and
Remember the following points about the
local interest groups?
legislative process, knowing that policymaking
< What will be the impact on the economy
is not a straightforward process:
and jobs?
< Are any significant local campaign
1. The legislative process is deliberately
supporters taking a public position on the
complex, ensuring that proposed new laws
issue?
and policies receive the fullest possible
< What is the advice from the legislator's
consideration. Most bills introduced never
staff members and advisers?
receive any action at all, and few of those
< Is this issue consistent with the
considered become law. Also, a legislative
legislator's previous votes on related
proposal may be introduced year after year
matters, and with his or her political and
before it gains consideration. Hang in there;
economic philosophies?
evaluate how you might approach your goal
< Do these political factors need to be
when you try again.
addressed
explicitly
during
your
congressional visit, or implicitly as you
2. Every legislative body has informal
shape and practice the message you are
customs and practices. These customs
attempting to deliver?
and practices can be as important as the
body's formal rules. For example, key
5. The legislative process is customarily
policy decisions are made by the leadership
very open. Every interested citizen usually
in some legislatures, by a policy committee
has the opportunity to offer input and
in others, and by the majority party
express opinions at various stages of the
members in yet others. Who is making the
process. Public comments are welcome.
decisions?
Although the process is complex, with
many hidden and open factors influencing
3. All of the government including the
it, the government is of and by the people.
legislature is political. Candidates for
Do not be shy about expressing yourself;
most legislative seats are nominated
just approach your meetings in full aware-
through partisan political processes and
ness of the context in which you are
chosen in partisan elections. The political
working.
party that wins a majority of seats in each
legislative body also wins the right to pick
When you participate actively in the
the leaders of that body, and often the staff.
political process, you are joining a lively
Consider how party politics might shape
discussion on public policy. Legislators
your approach to your goal.
lobby (attempt to influence) each other and
are influenced, in turn, by the executive
4. Legislative proposals may be weighed
branch of government, other public and
subjectively. They are often considered
private interests, and self-styled activists.
not only on their merits but also on these
basic political questions:
8
CONGRESSIONAL VISITS
HYMEL'S* TEN RULES FOR DEALING
WITH STAFF
1.
Keep it short ­ both your message and your visit.
2.
Know the arguments on the other side.
3.
Document your position. Prepare a summary and supporting papers. Leave them
with the staffer.
4.
Promise (and keep your promise) to supply answers and documents requested as
follow-up actions from your visit.
5.
Never threaten.
6.
If you see a member alone, make sure you follow up with a staffer.
7.
Tell them why the legislators might be interested in your position, from a local or
issue-related point of view.
8.
If you have allies, tell them who they are.
9.
If they agree with your position, leave soon.
10. As former Representative Lindy Boggs said, "Always say please and always say
thank you." The basic rules of courtesy apply.
* Gary Hymel served as Chief of Staff to House Majority Leader Hale Boggs (D-
Louisiana) and Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill (D-
Massachusetts) and is well known as one of the most effective Washington, DC
insiders.
2/6/2011
9
THE DO'S & DON'TS IN
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
t's easy to find reasons not to get in-
secure a commitment from the official that
Ivolved: "I don't have time to make a he/shewillsupportyourposition.Forexam-
phone call." "No one will listen to me." "They
ple, you might say in closing, "So we can
don't care what I have to say." "I don't have
count on your support on Wednesday?" or
any experience." "What if they ask me a ques-
"We hope you will recognize this amendment
tion I can't answer?" The rationale is endless.
is important for the quality care of our pa-
Deep down, many people may simply be
tients, and we hope you will agree to cospon-
afraid of embarrassing themselves. The fol-
sor it." Even verbal commitments are tough
lowing list of do's and don'ts provides useful
to break.
tips to help ensure that your government rela-
tions experiences are positive and successful.
Do realize that talking to the staff is like
talking to the elected official. Treat staff
DO'S
the same way you would treat the elected offi-
cial. Officials often rely on staff to advise
Do remember that you have knowledge of
them on how to vote or craft legislation, and
myeloma that ordinary citizens do not and
they also develop interpersonal relationships
that makes you a trusted and respected
with trusted staffers. If you alienate the staff
source. Legislators and their staff seek spe-
you are asking for trouble.
cialized knowledge that they don't have. Trust
that they will listen to you and respect you
Do be early for meetings. An elected offi-
because you are an expert.
cial's schedule can be filled down to the
minute. They don't have time to wait for you,
Do consult your IMF Advocacy Toolkit
even though you may have to wait for them.
for specific tips on letter writing, personal
visits, e-mail, and phone calls. Detailed in-
Do avoid jargon. Although you are an ex-
formation is available for your reference, so
pert, try to frame your comments as small bul-
use your resources.
let points of information that can be easily
understood by a layperson. While your know-
Do try to personalize the issue by giving
ledge may be impressive, if you lose your au-
examples of how you, your family, and
dience your message will be lost.
your community are affected by myeloma.
You would be amazed at how much more
Do leave something behind. At the mini-
weight is given to a constituent's concerns
mum, leave your business card or contact in-
than to those of a lobbyist; but the message
formation so the staff or elected official can
must be meaningful. Legislators and their staff
contact you with questions. Optimally, you
know that organizations try to mobilize their
should provide a useful "leave-behind" that
members to send e-mails or letters on certain
summarizes your position on an issue in di-
issues. If the letter reads like a form letter, it
gestible tidbits. Statistics and their reference
will not have the same impact as a personal
are always a plus, as staff will often use infor-
letter that includes examples and personal ex-
mation from "leave-behinds" in speeches or
periences.
as talking points on the issue.
Do get a commitment. At the close of a per-
Do be realistic. Thousands of bills are intro-
sonal visit or meeting, you should attempt to
duced during each legislative session, but few-
10
er than 10% are enacted. Don't be discou-
your cue from the person with whom you are
raged if your bill does not pass. You have es-
meeting.
tablished relationships, educated staff and
elected officials, and built support for your
Do make friends before you need them.
position. If you have accomplished these
Whenever possible, develop relationships be-
things, you have laid the groundwork and in-
fore you have to ask for something. Try to
creased your chances that a bill will pass the
become familiar with legislators who work on
next time.
issues of interest to you, even if nothing is
developing on that topic or in his/her com-
Do come prepared to defend your posi-
mittee at the time. One obvious place to start
tion. You always have to know what your op-
is by getting to know the members of the
position is up to. If you anticipate questions
health care committees at your federal, state,
and are prepared in advance to defend your
or local levels.
position, you will cut your opposition off.
Do disagree respectfully. If a legislator has
Do dress appropriately in business attire.
an opposing position on an issue and you are
Remember the purpose of your visit is to talk
unable to change his/her mind, remain res-
about professional issues. To be most effec-
pectful of the time he/she gave you to state
tive, you should appear organized and profes-
your position. If possible, compliment the
sional.
legislator on his/her work on another issue. -
The legislator will appreciate your under-
Do be loyal to your friends. Like-minded
standing and be impressed by your knowledge
individuals who work on issues similar to
of his/her record.
yours can be powerful advocates in public
policy. They might call you with inside infor-
Do say thank you. Whether you are follow-
mation or invite you to participate in an out-
ing up after a personal visit or thanking a
reach activity. If you undermine your friends,
member for fighting in committee for one
they will not be around the next time you
small provision that was important to you, it
need help.
is always nice to recognize another's efforts.
Legislators and their staff work hard, and
Do recognize the value of compromise.
most have great intentions, so your sincere
You may not get everything you want. How-
thanks are always appreciated.
ever, isn't it better, for instance, to get some
money for cancer research than a full amount
Do provide helpful information whenever
specifically for myeloma? Think about areas in
possible. Providing information is always ap-
which you are prepared to compromise and
preciated. If you send a copy of a current re-
identify those that are not negotiable. In some
port or an article you think the staff or elected
cases, you may even want to anticipate com-
official would find interesting, you present
promise by asking for more than you actually
yourself as a considerate, alert person who
want. But be careful and don't concede any-
wants to help. When you provide useful in-
thing until the timing is right.
formation and are not asking for any specific
action in return, in effect, you are reminding
Do keep your phone call or visit brief and
the recipient of who you are and are providing
to the point. While staff or the elected offi-
them with a nonthreatening communication
cial will usually be polite, it is incumbent on
that will be appreciated.
you to recognize that they are very busy. Keep
your meeting pleasant and brief, and start
Do ask IMF for help. We are committed to
looking for clues that it's time to wrap things
helping you. If you need help, contact the
up after fifteen minutes. Meetings should rare-
members of IMF's advocacy team.
ly last more than twenty minutes, but take
11
Senator John Doe's office on a related issue
DON'TS
last year or that you testified before a commit-
tee on the issue. But it is probably not appro-
Don't participate in political activities in
priate to mention that you played tennis with
the name of the IMF unless you are advo-
Senator Doe last Thursday.
cating an issue on which the IMF has tak-
en a position.
Don't make threats. Any threats, veiled or
overt, are usually recognized for what they
Don't pretend to know something that
are. Nothing is more offensive and inappro-
you don't. If you make up information or
priate than threatening someone to get them
skirt around an issue, you'll come off as disin-
to do what you want and it will backfire one
genuous and lose your credibility. Most
hundred times out of one hundred.
people can spot a phony.
Don't become cynical. Keep the faith! Re-
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
member that most people who serve in public
Legislators aren't expected to be experts on
office do so because they want to make a dif-
everything, and neither are you. Admitting
ference. Try to give them the benefit of the
you don't know the answer to something can
doubt.
be a good thing, because it gives you the op-
portunity to say, "I don't know, but I can re-
Don't disparage other elected officials.
search that and get back to you." Then, when
This will make your contacts wonder if you're
you have an answer, you have another op-
saying the same thing about them to a staff
portunity to make contact with the staff or
member from a different office. It will always
elected official.
make you look bad.
Don't name-drop unless it is directly rele-
Don't promise something you can't deliv-
vant. It is okay to mention in passing, for ex-
er. You must be as good as your word or you
ample, that you worked with someone from
will lose your credibility.
2/6/2011
12
GUIDE TO LEGISLATIVE STAFF TITLES
ach legislator has staff to assist
Press Secretary (Press Secy)
him/her during a term in office. To be
Communications Director (Comm Dir)
Emosteffectiveincommunicatingwith ThePressSecy'sresponsibilityistobuildand
your legislators, it is helpful to know the titles
maintain open and effective lines of
and principal functions of his/her key staff.
communication between the Member, his/her
constituency, and the general public. The
Press Secy is expected to know the benefits,
Administrative Assistant (AA)
demands, and special requirements of both
Chief of Staff (CoS)
print and electronic media, and how to pro-
The AA reports directly to the legislator. He
mote the Member's views or position on
or she usually has overall responsibility for
specific issues most effectively.
evaluating the political outcome of various
legislative proposals and constituent requests.
The AA is usually the person in charge of
Appointment Secretary (Appt Secy)
overall office operations, including the
Personal Secretary or Scheduler (Sch)
assignment of work and the supervision of
The Appt Secy is responsible for allocating a
key staff.
Member's time among the many demands that
arise from congressional responsibilities, staff
requirements, and constituent requests. The
Legislative Director (LD)
Appt Secy may also be responsible for making
Senior Legislative Assistant (Sr. LA)
necessary travel arrangements, arranging
Legislative Coordinator (LC)
speaking dates, visits to the district, etc.
The LD is the staff person who monitors the
legislative
schedule
and
makes
recommendations regarding the pros and cons
Caseworker
of particular issues. In some offices there may
The Caseworker is the staff member assigned
be one LD or Senior LA, but several LAs. In
to help with constituent requests by preparing
this case, each LA has responsibilities assigned
replies for the legislator's signature. The
to them based on their particular expertise in
Caseworker's responsibilities may also include
specific areas. For example, depending on the
helping resolve problems constituents present
responsibilities and interests of the Member,
in relation to state/federal agencies, e.g.,
an office may have a different LA for health
Social Security and Medicare issues, veteran's
issues, education, family and children, etc.
benefits, passports, etc. Congressional offices
often have several Caseworkers on staff.
2/6/2011
13
HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW
nyone can draft a bill; however, only
Step 4 - Mark Up
Amembers of Congress can introduce When the hearings are completed, the sub-
legislation, and by doing so become the spon-
committee may meet to "mark up" the bill,
sor(s). There are four basic types of legisla-
that is, make changes and amendments prior
tion: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolu-
to recommending the bill to the full commit-
tions, and simple resolutions. The official leg-
tee. If a subcommittee votes not to report leg-
islative process begins when a bill or resolu-
islation to the full committee, the bill dies.
tion is numbered (H.R. signifies a House
bill and S. a Senate bill), referred to a com-
Step 5 - Committee Actions to
mittee, and printed by the Government Print-
Report a Bill
ing Office.
After receiving a subcommittee's report on a
bill, the full committee can conduct further
Step 1 - Referral to Committee
study and hearings, or it can vote on the sub-
With few exceptions, bills are referred to
committee's recommendations and any pro-
standing committees in the House or Senate
posed amendments. The full committee then
according to specific rules of procedure. The
votes on its recommendation to the House or
names of the standing committees can be
Senate. This procedure is called "ordering a
found on the IMF Advocacy Action Center
bill reported."
at www.advocacy.myeloma.org.
Step 6 - Publication of a Written
Step 2 - Committee Action
Report
When a bill reaches a committee, it is placed
After a committee votes to have a bill re-
on the committee's calendar. A bill can be re-
ported, the committee chair has staff prepare
ferred to a subcommittee or considered by the
a written report on the bill. This report de-
committee as a whole. It is at this point that a
scribes the purpose and extent of what the
bill is examined carefully and its chances for
legislation will do, its impact on existing laws
passage are determined. If the committee does
and programs, the position of the executive
not act on a bill, it is the equivalent of killing
branch, and the views of dissenting members
it.
of the committee.
Step 3 - Subcommittee Review
Step 7 - Scheduling Floor Action
Often bills are referred to a subcommittee for
After a bill is reported back to the chamber
study and hearings. Hearings provide the op-
(House or Senate) where it originated, it is
portunity to put on the official printed record
placed in chronological order on the calendar.
the views of the executive branch, experts
In the House there are several different legis-
(e.g., myeloma patients or researchers), other
lative calendars, and the Speaker and majority
public officials, and supporters and opponents
leader largely determine if, when, and in what
of the legislation. Testimony can be given in
order bills come up. In the Senate there is on-
person or submitted as a written statement.
ly one legislative calendar.
14
Step 8 - Debate
the differences between the House and Senate
When a bill reaches the floor of the House or
versions. If the conferees are unable to reach
Senate, there are rules or procedures govern-
agreement, the legislation dies. If agreement is
ing the debate on legislation. These rules de-
reached, a conference report is prepared de-
termine the conditions and amount of time
scribing the committee members' recommen-
allocated for general debate.
dations for changes. Both the House and the
Senate must approve of the conference re-
Step 9 - Voting
port.
After the debate and the approval of any
amendments, the bill is passed or defeated by
Step 12 - Final Actions
the members voting.
After a bill has been approved by both the
House and Senate in identical form, it goes to
Step 10 - Referral to Other Chamber
the President for signature. If the President
When a bill is passed by the House or the Se-
approves the legislation and signs it, it be-
nate it is referred to the other chamber where
comes law. Or, the President can take no ac-
it usually follows the same route through
tion for ten days, while Congress is in session,
committee and floor action. This chamber
and it automatically becomes law. If the Pres-
may approve the bill as received, reject it, ig-
ident opposes the bill, it can be vetoed. If the
nore it, or change it.
President takes no action within 10 days after
the Congress has adjourned its second session
Step 11 - Conference Committee
(second year of a two-year period), the effect
Action
is a "pocket veto" and the legislation dies.
If only minor changes are made to a bill by
the other chamber, it is common for the legis-
Step 13 - Overriding a Veto
lation to go back to the first chamber for con-
If the President vetoes a bill, Congress may
currence (mutual agreement by both cham-
attempt to "override the veto." To do this,
bers). However, when the actions of the other
Congress requires a two-thirds roll call vote of
chamber significantly change the bill, a confe-
the members who are present in sufficient
rence committee (with members appointed
numbers for a quorum.
from both chambers) is formed to reconcile
2/6/2011
15
GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS
Act B Legislation that has passed both
Closed Hearing B Hearings closed to all but
chambers of Congress and become law.
Members, staff, and witnesses testifying; also
called Executive Hearings.
Adjourn B To close a legislative day.
Closed Rule B In the House, a prohibition
Amendment B A change in a bill or
against amendments not approved by the
document by adding, substituting, or omitting
committee that brought the bill to the floor.
portions.
The House must either accept or reject the bill
"as is."
Appropriations Bill B Legislation that
provides funds for authorized programs.
Cloture B Method of limiting debate or ending
a filibuster in the Senate. At least 60 Senators
Authorization Bill B Legislation establishing a
must vote in favor before cloture can be in-
program and setting funding limits.
voked.
Bill B Legislation introduced in either the
Cosponsor B Member who joins in spon-
House or Senate.
soring legislation but who is not the principal
sponsor or the one who introduced the
By Request B Phrase used when a Member
legislation.
introduces a bill at the request of an executive
agency or private organization but does not
Commit B To refer a bill or matter to a com-
necessarily endorse the legislation.
mittee.
Calendar B List and schedule of bills to be
Committee B A group of Members assigned
considered by a committee.
to give special consideration to certain bills.
See Joint Committee.
Caucus B Meeting of Republican or
Democratic
Members
of
Congress
to
Committee of the Whole B A mechanism to
determine policy and/or choose leaders.
expedite business in the House whereby the
House itself becomes a committee, allowing
Chair B Presiding officer.
for less rigid rules and a quorum of 100
instead of 218.
Chamber B Place where the entire House or
Senate meets to conduct business; also, the
Companion Bills B Identical bills introduced
House of Representatives or the Senate itself.
separately in both the Senate and the House.
Clean Bill B A bill that has been revised in
Concurrent Resolution B Legislative action
mark-up. Amendments are assembled with
used to express the position of the House or
unchanged language and the bill is referred to
Senate. Does not have the force of law.
the floor with a new number.
Conference Committee B Meeting between
Cloak Rooms B Small rooms on the House
Representatives and Senators to resolve differ-
and Senate floor where Members can rest and
ences when two versions of a similar bill have
hold informal conferences.
been passed by the House and Senate.
16
Congressional Record B Official transcript
Germane B Having some relation to the bill in
of the proceedings in Congress.
question. In the House all amendments must
be germane.
Continuing Resolution B A resolution
enacted to allow specific Executive Branch
Hearing B Committee sessions for hearing
agencies to continue operating even though
witnesses.
funds have not been appropriated for them for
the following fiscal year.
Hopper B Box on the desk of the Clerk of the
House where sponsors submit their bills.
Discharge Petition B A petition for the
purpose of removing a bill from the control of
Joint Committee B Committee composed of
a committee. A discharge petition must be
Members of both the House and Senate.
signed by a majority of Members in the House
or Senate.
Joint Resolution B Legislation similar to a bill
that has the force of law if passed by both
Engrossed Bill B Final copy of a bill passed
chambers and signed by the President;
by either the House or Senate with
generally used for special situations.
amendments. The bill is then delivered to the
Lame Duck B Member of Congress (or the
other chamber.
President) who has not been reelected but
whose term has not yet expired.
Enrolled Bill B Final copy of a bill that has
passed both the House and Senate in identical
Lobbying B The process of attempting to
form.
influence the passage, defeat, or content of
legislation by individuals or a group other than
Extension of Remarks B When a Member of
Members of Congress.
Congress inserts in the Congressional Record
material not directly related to the debate
Logrolling B Process whereby Members help
underway.
each other get particular legislation passed.
One Member will help another on one piece
Filibuster B Tactic used in the Senate where-
of legislation in return for similar help.
by a minority intentionally delays a vote.
Main Motion B Motion that introduces the
Final Passage B Adoption of a bill after all
business or proposal to the assembly for
amendments have been voted on.
action.
Fiscal Year B Accounting year. For the
Majority Leader B Chief spokesperson and
federal government, the fiscal year (FY) is
strategist for the majority party, elected by
October 1 to September 30 of the following
Members of the majority party.
calendar year.
Marking Up a Bill B Process, usually in com-
Floor Manager B A Member who attempts to
mittee, of analyzing a piece of legislation
direct a bill through the debate and amend-
section by section and making changes.
ment process to a final vote.
Member (of Congress) B A U.S. Senator or
General Consent B A unanimous silent vote.
U.S. Representative.
If there is no objection to the matter, it is
resolved without a formal vote.
Minority Leader B Chief spokesperson and
strategist for the minority party, elected by
Members of the minority party.
17
Motion B Proposal presented to a legislative
Public Law B Designation used for legislation
body for consideration.
that has been passed by both chambers and
signed by the President.
Motion to Table B Proposal to postpone
consideration of a matter in the Senate.
Quorum B The number of Senators or
Representatives who must be present before a
Omnibus Bill B Bill regarding a single subject
legislative body can conduct official business.
that combines many different aspects of that
subject.
Quorum Call B In the Senate, a method of
determining whether there is a quorum. Often
Open Rule B In the House, permission to
used to suspend debate without adjourning.
offer amendments to a particular bill during
floor debate.
Ranking Members B The Members of the
majority and minority party on a committee
Override a Veto B Two-thirds majority vote
next in seniority after the chair.
by both the House and Senate to set aside a
Presidential veto of legislation.
Recess B Temporary halt to proceedings, with
a time set for proceedings to resume.
Petition B Plea by an individual or
organization for a chamber to consider
Record Vote B Vote in which Members of
particular legislation.
Congress indicate their vote orally for listing in
the Congressional Record.
Pocket Veto B An indirect veto. When the
President does not sign or veto legislation
Rescission Bill B Legislation that revokes
submitted to him/her by Congress within ten
spending authority previously granted by
days of adjournment, the bill dies.
Congress.
Point of Order B An objection that language,
Resolution B A measure passed only in one
an amendment, or a bill is in violation of a
house to express the sentiment of that
rule. Also used to force a quorum call.
chamber. A simple resolution does not have
the force of law.
President of the Senate B The Vice President
of the United States is designated by the
Rider B A measure added to another, often
Constitution as the President of the Senate.
unrelated, bill with the purpose of one piece of
The President of the Senate casts a vote only
legislation passing on the strength of another.
in the case of a tie.
Roll Call Vote B In the House, an oral vote
Previous Question B In the House, a request
for which a record is kept.
to end all debate and force a vote.
Seniority B Length of unbroken service, often
Private Bill B Bill designed to benefit a certain
used to determine rank in committees.
individual or business.
Sine Die B Final adjournment at the end of a
President Pro Tempore B Senator who
session. Bills under consideration but not
presides over the Senate in the absence of the
enacted must be reintroduced in the next
U.S. Vice President. The President Pro Tem is
session.
usually the longest-serving Member of the
majority party.
Speaker B The presiding officer of the House,
elected by Members of the House.
18
Sponsor B The Representative or Senator who
Whip B Assistant leader for each party in each
introduces a measure.
chamber who keeps other Members of the
party informed of the legislative agenda of the
Suspend the Rules B Procedural action in the
leader. Also tracks sentiment among party
House whereby a two-thirds majority can vote
Members for certain legislation and tries to
to bring a measure to a vote after forty
persuade Members to be present and vote for
minutes of debate.
measures important to the leadership.
Table a Bill B Motion to kill a bill by cutting
Yield B Permission granted by the Member
off consideration of it. Such motions are not
who has the floor to another Member who
debatable.
wishes to make a comment or ask a question.
Unanimous Consent B A procedure whereby
a matter is considered agreed to if no Member
on the floor objects. Unanimous Consent
motions save time by eliminating the need for
a vote.
19
IMF Constituent Template Letter to Member of Congress
Date
The Honorable INSERT FIRST/LAST NAME
United States House of Representatives/Senate
Room Number and Office Building
Washington, DC 20515/20510
Dear Representative/Senator LAST NAME:
I am writing to you as your constituent and as a myeloma (patient, doctor, nurse, caregiver, etc)
to INSERT YOUR PURPOSE FOR WRITING (If your letter pertains to a specific piece of
legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____).
INSERT PERSONAL INFORMATION HERE: Tell your own story or a patient's (being
mindful not to use anyone's real name) and explain the relevance to the issue at hand.
Personal stories and illustrations of local impact are remembered more easily by
policymakers and their staff than statistics and generic examples. Moreover, personal stories
often are what spur policymakers to action, not statistics. The reality is that our
policymakers often legislate by anecdote.
Myeloma is a cancer in the bone marrow affecting production of red cells, white cells, and stem
cells. It is also called "multiple myeloma" because multiple areas of bone marrow may be involved.
Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer after lymphomas. Each year, approximately
20,000 Americans are diagnosed with myeloma and 10,000 lose their battle with this disease. At any
one time there are over 100,000 myeloma patients undergoing treatment for their disease in the U.S.
Thank you very much for your attention to my correspondence and for your continued commitment
to finding a cure for myeloma. If I can be of any assistance to you or your staff, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
E-MAIL
20

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