Policy Advocacy Simulation:

Representative
KJ Davis
You will meet
Rep. KJ Davis
Democratic Party

Libertarian Party

Republican Party

No Party
You will meet
Rep. KJ Davis In Oklahoma there are four party
designations possible. Representative Davis
is registered as “No Party.”
Democratic Party There are no “No Party” elected officials in
Oklahoma.

“No Party” would be the equivalent of an

Libertarian Party “Independent" person. It is possible this
could be someone from a third party like
the Green party, but that has not been tested
Republican Party yet.

No Party
Who Is
KJ Davis?
 Age

Sex/gender/gender expression

History, employment, education

Family status
You will usually know these things about your
legislator. For this exercise, though, You will not. You
Voting record
should be careful not to make assumptions about Rep.
Davis regarding any of their identities or attributes.
Use your cultural humility skills. Political platform

Hobbies, interests, etc.

 Preparation for
Policy Advocacy Simulation
Know Your Bill…
Name, Number, Any Unintended
Author, Sponsors? What does it do?
Consequences?

Is this “model What is the reason Who is in favor &

legislation?” for it? opposed?

Passed in other Who wins, loses,

What’s the cost?
places? gets exploited?
 Prepare a
1-Pager

 Few words
 Infographics
 Colorful
 Simple

https://theradiancefoundation.myshopify.com/products/voting-rights-act-of-
1965-infographic-factsheet
There is no need to print the infographic.

Just be ready to share your screen with Rep.

Davis.

All students can share their screen, one at a time.

Work it out in advance so you know who goes
first.

It is not necessary for all students to share. Your

team can choose one infographic to share. It’s up
to you.

https://theradiancefoundation.myshopify.com/products/voting-rights-act-of-
1965-infographic-factsheet
Preparation: Questions & Answers
 Preparation: Questions & Answers
Consider:
What questions would you ask if you had to vote?
If you practiced on a friend, what questions would they have?
Imagine the Legislator knows nothing – Questions may be easy.
Imagine the Legislator knows everything – Questions may be hard.
Don’t get too bogged down in this part. You’ll be fine.
Going into Simulation:

Know Your Role

 Know Your Role
You are a voter in the district of this Representative. They represent you.

You are a social work student. You are smart. You may be more of an expert on the topic than
anyone else who speaks to the Representative.

You did the research. You know the bill and more about it than most people.

The Representative is likely a lay-person on most topics.

Going into Simulation:

Check Yourself
 Check Yourself
Be confident, but not arrogant.

Be direct, but not rude.

Be super-nice to the aids, secretaries, front-office staff, etc.

Be non-partisan, as much as possible.

Use rapport-building & listening skills.

Use cultural humility.

Be a fan. Ask for a selfie, autograph, etc.

Dress nicely, but not too formally.

THE SIMULATION
You will have 10-15 minutes to make your presentation and answer questions.
Your Representative will end the meeting as time winds down.
After the simulation, you will have 5-10 minutes for feedback.
 RECORD THE MEETING
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE RECORD FUNCTION
IN ADVANCE.
YOU WILL UPLOAD YOUR RECORDING TO A FILE LATER
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELVES
2. PRESENT THE INFORMATION
3. MAKE THE ASK
 Who are you?
Make an What about you?
Introduction:
Why do you care?
Avoid their suspicion by
telling them about your If you can’t answer these things, they
motivation: will think someone sent you to lobby
them.
 Introduction: My name is…

Who are you? I’m a voter in your district and

& I’m a student at…
What about you?
I’m the parent of…
Talk about your
identities, like: I’m an employee of…
Present the
Information Be Persuasive
 Introduce the bill name & number

Overview of the bill

Pros and Cons of the bill

Present the Statistical information

Information A personal story

Share the one-pager

Answer questions

Make an ask
 Make an ask

“I’m asking you to vote against passing this bill.”

Or

Make the Ask “I’d like you to vote for this bill.”

Or

“Please (insert action) because it matters to my family.”

 Be polite, courteous, and respectful

Use non-verbal communication

Refer to your resources

Tips If you don’t know, say so & offer to

follow up
Offer a copy of your whole paper

Smile

Don’t read
YOUR TO-DO LIST
 Decide who will contact your legislator

Schedule your meeting ASAP.

Decide who will record.

Schedule of To- Practice with your Team.

Do’s Conduct your meeting by April 29th

Upload your recording by April 30th

Upload your paper on time, too.

 Address your actor as Rep. Davis. They will be
“in character” from the start.

One person: Email your Rep. Davis.

Ask for an appointment date/time.

Schedule your meeting ASAP. You can use a Doodle Poll if needed.

Explain why you want to meet with them.

I will send you contact information
for your “Rep. Davis” in the coming Send a calendar invitation and a Zoom Link.

days.
Copy your teammates on the invitation.
 THE END
T T HIS ; H AVE F UN!
YOU’VE GO