How Grassroots Advocacy Can Impact Public Policy (Timothy Foley)

Question: SEIU was a leading force in healthcare reform in MA. With the nation now facing this battle, what lessons do you have to share?

Timothy Foley: Lots of organizations were critical for our success. You have to build community support and coalitions with other organizations. It must be broad based, organizing on a core set of principles. You can't get caught on long conversations about complex issues. We all believed there would be a set of criteria we could all agree that a reform must have. Also, we learned that grassroots can hold politicians feet to the fire to ensure action is taken. Also, having an organized grassroots message and strength gives everyone a seat at the table. Decision makers know that voters will be evaluating the bill. So you may not be physically in the room, but you are being thought of when decisions are being made. It's not just what the message is but who delivers the message. It looks like people are taking a good start here. We need to be organized and focused and center around the principles that we all share.

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