Lobby Day 2021 – Lutheran Office of Public Policy

Thank you for joining us!

Couldn’t come or want to listen again?

Update on Bills: As of Thursday, May 20, 2021, 3 of our 4 active bills passed out of appropriations to the floor of their respective houses. AB 221: Emergency Food4All, SB 464: Food4All, and AB 937: The VISION Act (No ICE transfers) have the opportunity to continue to move forward in the legislative process.

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Lutheran Lobby Day 2021

Wednesday, May 19
9 AM – 3 PM
with The Rev. Cornell William Brooks

Advocate with us as we respond to our baptismal calling as Lutherans to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. We are grounded in Lutheran theology, and all are welcome regardless of faith or lobbying experience. We will gather virtually on Zoom to pray, learn, and meet with California’s legislators. This year’s priority bills are centered on food justice and immigrant rights as racial justice issues.

This event is now over. Please reserve the third Wednesday in May 2022 for next year’s Lobby Day!

FAQ

What is a legislative visit?

A legislative visit is a meeting with a legislator or their staffer. A meeting with a staffer is just as valuable as a meeting with a legislator because they often are more in the weeds in particular policy areas and legislators rely on staffers for information. All meetings will be virtual.

Will I meet with my district legislators?

You might meet with your legislators, but we will be spreading our network out to meet with key decision makers for the particular bills we are following. This means focusing on legislators on certain committees and who might be on the fence on their vote.

If you are not able to meet with your legislator during Lobby Day, you can always schedule a meeting, call, or email to share your thoughts. Because we have more political power when we come in numbers, organizing a small group of 5-10 people from your church can increase your impact on your representatives.

What kind of technology do I need?

Please plan to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. You will need to download Zoom on your computer to participate. You can download Zoom here.
It is possible to dial in with a phone number as well or to use your phone for audio while on the Zoom call. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to you via email.

Will there be translation services?

Right now, we are not providing any translation services, however please reach out to nicolenewell@loppca.org if you would like access to translation services.

How will I know what to do when?

For legislative meetings, we are still working out what technology can best coordinate smooth transitions and clear directions for everyone involved. We appreciate your patience as we prepare integrations to manage the many meetings links for legislator visits.

I’m juggling work and family obligations. How can I participate?

Please join us for as much as you can. You do not need to be on video (although we love seeing your faces) and are free to step out if needed to tend to professional or personal matters. Please make a note in your registration form if you cannot join us for the whole day.

What will the workshops be like?

We will offer workshops throughout afternoon for you to participate in when not in visits with legislators and staffers. Each workshop will be 30 minutes long. Register for Lobby Day to stay tuned for access and workshop details in your inbox.

I’ve never done lobbying before. What is it?

Lobbying is a form of advocacy work that involves directly meeting with political decision-makers, whether elected or appointed. Many of us have heard of lobbyists in Washington, DC, and while we tend to think of lobbying as something only corporations do, anyone can lobby. Lobbying is simply talking with your legislators about your priorities and asking them to listen, and bringing your network to the table to back them up when decisions get hard, and stakeholders pull legislators in multiple directions.

Who is my legislator?

California has two legislative houses, the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. Both base representation on population, but the Assembly has 80 members and the Senate has 40 members.

Find your representative here.

How do bills work?

Bills may be introduced in both chambers. Each bill must pass through the first chamber’s committees before being voted on by the whole chamber “on the floor.” After passing the first house, the bill moves through the same process in the other house. If successful, the bill goes to the governor’s desk. The governor can sign or veto a bill.

What should I wear? Do I need to bring anything?

We suggest wearing what you would wear to the Capitol–business casual–something you feel comfortable in.

You need to have a notebook and pen or pencil to take notes. You may want to have this website up for reference during your legislative meetings. Otherwise, just bring your interest and enthusiasm!

Videos

Got other questions?

Please email Nicole at nicolenewell.loppca@gmail.com.