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CFAN One Voice for Children and Families in Southwest Louisiana

Children & Families Action Network Dec. 18, 2007

Linda Nguyen, Director of Civic Engagement, from the Alliance for Children and Families provided members with a training session on the media leg of Mission-Based Advocacy, where attendees learned how to effectively engage the media in public policy and/or mission work. Below you will find a quick summary from the training that Linda provided:

Why “use” the media?

Media can mobilize and educate the grassroots- often for free
Media can influence the actions of elected officials
Media gives you, your organization and your issues legitimacy
Media offers a way to counteract misinformation about your organization, your clients and your issue

Media Relations:

Compile a detailed media list and update quarterly
Establish relationships with media representatives
Follow up on news items
Provide correct and reliable information
Write press releases like news stories

When to Pitch:

Daily newspapers: 2-3 weeks for feature stories; 1-2 days for news
Weekly newspapers: 3-4 weeks for features; 1-2 weeks for news
Monthly magazines: 3-4 months before publication date
Local TV/Radio: 3-4 weeks for feature; 1-2 days for news

Ernest LeBlanc, Senior Budget Analyst for LANO gave an overview of the Louisiana Budget Project at the Members’ Meeting as well. Below you will find a few highlights from the presentation:

Why Should Nonprofits Care About the State Budget and Taxes?

It’s our government
It’s our money
And, it is our right to voice our opinions on fiscal issues which impact our lives and the future of our state

Education Unmet Needs:

Louisiana achieved minimal academic growth
97.7% or 1,093 schools are performing at a level of academically unacceptable to passable, based upon a 5-star grading system.
19.5% of Louisianans aged 25 or older do not have a high school diploma, ranking Louisiana 46^th out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia

Governor’s Executive Budget

Must be presented to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) 45 days before session
A printed copy must be given to each legislator on the first day of the session
Governor’s Executive Budget and supporting documents for current and prior years are on the Internet at: http://www.state.la.us/opb/pbb/ebsd.html

CFAN members also participated in a panel discussion with guests from local media outlets. Anthony Bartie (KZWA radio), John Bridges (KPLC television) and Hector San Miguel (American Press) educated members on how to successfully engage the media. In addition, they provided helpful tips on how to reach the right contact person, how to make an event newsworthy and some of the do’s and don’ts that go along with getting your issue heard.

Dr. Ordinario accepts the National Family Week Advocacy Award on behalf of Vangie Ordinario. The award was presented by Linda Nguyen, from the Alliance for Children & Families, during Child Advocate Night

CASA Volunteer Becky Perry receives the Light of Hope Award during Child Advocate Night

Tammy Vincent, RN receives the Light of Hope Award during Child Advocate Night

Mark Your Calendars…

Connections Count! Family Focus Professional Development Conference is a two-day conference held on February 20-21, 2008 at L’Auberge du lac Casino Resort. The conference is designed to enhance the competency of professionals and practitioners working with individuals, children, youth and families. The conference provides a forum for learning, networking and discussing subjects relevant to supporting individuals and families.

Conference Tracks
Workshops will cover five general themes that are divided into tracks. Participants are welcome to attend workshops of their choosing. The tracks are listed below:

Track 1- Clinical & Professional Practice
Track 2- Working Together for Children & Families
Track 3- Intervention & Prevention
Track 4- Philanthropy & Fund Development
Track 5- Health Care

Registration Fee
Registration fee for the Connections Count! Family Focus Professional Development Conference is $200. Early bird registration fee is $180 (up to February 6, 2008). Fee covers two lunches, snacks during breaks, workshops and CEUs for qualifying participants.

Discounts
A discount of 20% will be given to Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) members, United Way agency staff members, Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families members, Children and Families Action Network (CFAN) members and university students.

For more information visit www.fyca.org or call Roxanne at 337-436-9533.

In This Issue

CFAN & Advocacy

Connections Count! Family Focus Professional Development Conference

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