CFAN One Voice for Children and Families in Southwest Louisiana

Children & Families Action Network          May 21, 2007

School Readiness Tax Credit – A Call for Action! 

As many of you know, the Leadership Council of the Children and Families Action Network issued a letter to the Governor in support of the School Readiness Tax Credit and Senate Bill 189.

Dr. Geoffrey Nagle, Director of the Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine writes: “I am excited to be back in touch with everyone to report that the School Readiness Tax Credits are scheduled to be heard this week in committee.  The current schedule is for the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee to hear SB 189 on Monday, May 21 at 10am, in the Hainkel Briefing Room.”

Dr. Nagle encourages everyone to attend these committee hearings.  He will be happy to submit a “Card of Support” on your behalf if you are unable to attend.  If you do want a card submitted, please let me know the name, organization, address, and phone number you want to appear on the card and e-mail Dr Nagle at gnagle@tulane.edu. 

Dr. Nagle adds that “If all goes well in the committees, the next step will likely be consideration on the Senate floor by Wednesday (5/23) or Thursday (5/24).  Please feel free to contact your Senator via e-mail to express your support for SB 189.  You may also want to indicate that we have over 30 co-authors and that they too are welcome to join.” Dr. Nagle has provided leadership in support of Senate Bill 189.

Mission-Based Advocacy: A Toolkit for Human Service Nonprofit Organizations

The Mission Based Advocacy Toolkit, produced by Building Community Voices workshop leader Nancy Amidei and the Alliance for Children and Families’ Public Policy Office staff, is available for review at the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana’s office by calling Susan Poston at 337-436-9533.”

"The toolkit gives you the opportunity to review and understand the principles of building community voices and promoting civic participation to support your advocacy goals” said Julio Galan, Executive Director of Family and Youth Counseling Agency in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The toolkit designed by Dr. Amidei, is an outstanding tool for nonprofit organizations. Training opportunities can be arranged as needed.

The 100-page plus toolkit contains nine chapters:

• Mission-Based Advocacy: A Toolkit
• Part I—The Basics of Government
• Part II—Addressing Common Barriers
• Part III—Helpful Advocacy Techniques and Framework
• Tools for Community/Grassroots
• Tools for Capitol
• Tools for Media/Communications
• Resources
• Appendices

Included in the appendix:
• Sample of Internal Revenue (IRS) forms
• A letter from the IRS answering questions related to nonprofit lobbying
• An IRS letter providing guidance to 501(c)(3) organizations during an election year
• US Senate and House of Representatives lobbying and registration forms
• Alliance public policy principles
• An Alliance time sheet for recording lobbying activities
• An explanation of earmarks; how to prepare a good fact sheet
• Other related material

CFAN offers 2007 Louisiana Legislative Directories while supplies last. To reserve your copy call Susan at 337-436-9533.

Office Location

The Family Foundation of
Southwest Louisiana
220 Louie Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601

Susan H. Poston, Program Coordinator
Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana

337-436-9533
337-439-9941 fax

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April 2007

May 1, 2007