Driving meaningful change is a fundamental part of social work, and engaging with legislators is one of the most effective ways to influence policies that support the communities we serve. Whether you're heading to Tallahassee for LEAD, or even using social media to raise awareness, making a strong case for policy change requires preparation, strategy, and confidence.
Dr. Claudia Parvanta, an expert in social marketing and strategic communication, recently participated as a speaker in the USF Activist Boot Camp, where she shared valuable insights on how to present compelling arguments to policymakers. She later extended her expertise in a personalized LEAD UP Learning session for the Social Work Society, offering practical strategies for engaging with legislators. Here are some key takeaways to help you prepare for your next policy discussion.
1. Know Your Issue
Before stepping into the conversation, be clear about:
- What the issue is – Define the problem concisely.
- Why it matters – Use data and personal stories to demonstrate the real-world impact.
- What solution you propose – Offer a clear, actionable recommendation.
- What happens if nothing changes – Emphasize the consequences of inaction.
"Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, not a complaint." This powerful quote, shared by Dr. Claudia Parvanta, resonated deeply with participants, emphasizing the importance of presenting solutions rather than just highlighting problems.
A common mistake when speaking with legislators is focusing solely on the issue without offering a clear path forward. Lawmakers need to know exactly what action you want them to take—whether it’s supporting a bill, allocating funding for a program, or initiating a policy review. A well-structured message that pairs a compelling vision with a concrete solution is far more effective in driving change.
2. Understand Your Legislator’s Perspective
Legislators have their own priorities, beliefs, and political constraints. To effectively communicate your message:
- Research their stance – What issues have they supported in the past? What committees do they serve on?
- Identify shared values – Find common ground that aligns your advocacy with their interests.
- Speak their language – Avoid jargon and frame your argument in a way that resonates with them.
If a legislator cares about economic growth, frame your argument in terms of financial benefits: “Investing in youth mental health saves the state money in emergency interventions and long-term care.”
3. Keep It Short and Persuasive
You may only have a few minutes to make your case. Structure your message using the “Value Sandwich” approach:
- Start with a shared value – “Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school.”
- Present the problem and solution – “Right now, funding cuts mean fewer mental health resources for students. We need to reinstate funding for school-based counseling programs.”
- End with a clear ask – “We urge you to support Bill XYZ to restore these critical services.”
Avoid overwhelming them with statistics—one powerful data point paired with a compelling personal story is far more effective.
4. Build Trust Through Storytelling
Facts inform, but stories persuade. Personal narratives help legislators connect emotionally with an issue. Follow this simple storytelling framework:
- Introduce a protagonist – “Maria, a bright 8th grader, started skipping school due to anxiety.”
- Describe the obstacle – “Her school counselor could only see students in crisis due to staffing shortages.”
- Show the breakthrough – “With access to consistent counseling, Maria improved her attendance and grades.”
- Tie it to your ask – “This is why we need to fund school mental health programs.”
Your goal is to make them care by showing the real human impact of policy decisions.
5. Prepare for Resistance
Not every legislator will be on your side. Some may outright oppose your stance, while others might be neutral or uninformed.
- For neutral policymakers: Educate them and show why the issue matters.
- For mild opponents: Find a small point of agreement and build from there.
- For strong opponents: Avoid direct confrontation. Instead, focus on persuading those who are more open to change.
6. Follow Up and Build Relationships
Systematic change is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. After your meeting:
- Send a thank-you email/letter reiterating your key points.
- Provide additional resources if they requested more information.
- Stay engaged by following up before key votes and attending town halls.
Building a relationship with policymakers over time increases your influence and helps keep your issue on their radar.
Final Thoughts
As future social workers, your voice is powerful. Legislators rely on you to bring real-world experiences to their attention. By preparing thoroughly, framing your message effectively, and connecting through stories, you can make a meaningful impact in policy discussions.
Link to presentation slides