Blueprint for California Advocates

I'm happy to share today my excellent conversation with Lauren Babb. Lauren is the chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She is a change-maker and community leader. Last year, she was recognized as one of four black policy movers and shakers by the Women's Foundation.  Lauren shares the amazing work that the Commission has accomplished around the state and her vision for the future. She highlights resources and opportunities from the Commission now available for grassroots organizations that serve women and girls, including grants and youth leadership development.  There's a ton of information in today's episode. I encourage you to take notes and spread the word.  02:20 — What is The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls  04:04 — How to get on a regional Commission  05:05 — Everyone has a skill set to be on a Commission  09:40 — Why advocating for yourself is how we transform policy  10:22 — Opportunities to collaborate with the Commission  11:15 — Youth Advisory Council and Women's Recovery Response grant opportunities 14:46 — The California Blueprint For Women’s Pandemic Economic Recovery report 16:11 — Get Commission support for your legislation  Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/california-commission-women-and-girls  RESOURCES About Lauren: https://women.ca.gov/Commissioner-lauren-babb/  California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls:  https://women.ca.gov/ California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls — Youth Advisory Council https://women.ca.gov/ccswg-youth-advisory-council/ 2023- 2024 Women’s Recovery Response Grant: https://women.ca.gov/2023-2024-womens-recovery-response/  California Blueprint for Women’s Pandemic Economic Recovery: https://women.ca.gov/california-blueprint-for-womens-pandemic-economic-recovery/ Online Application for Appointments: https://www.gov.ca.gov/appointments/ 📱SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEXT MESSAGES I share actionable tips and insight on how to make legislative and political campaigns succeed. Plus, you’ll receive reminders about every episode so you don’t miss these valuable conversations.  https://joinsubtext.com/kbhadvocacy 📱BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento? Book a free consultation to see how we can work together on legislative advocacy, budget advocacy, or campaign strategy. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/book ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues.  CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy 🌐 Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton 🦣 Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUzqjDz0RWXOEUo1PTQuXQ/videos © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

We all know getting positive press coverage is an essential part of a winning legislative strategy. But for those of us without high-powered PR firms on retainer, where do we even start? Byrhonda Lyons, an investigative reporter with the Sacramento-based news organization Cal Matters, shares her valuable insight on producing national award-winning news stories and the role advocates can play in the process. We outline steps advocates can take to elevate their stories and gain more attention. 07:08 — How advocates can help reporters 09:08 — Crafting a powerful email subject line 14:37 — How to build relationships 16:53 — Create your own press list 19:34 — Become the “go-to” on your issue 21:26 — What about social media? 26:12 — Why you need to create educational content Click here for the full transcript and video: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/capitol-press-corp-reporter-byrhonda-lyons RESOURCES Byrhonda Lyons’ work: https://calmatters.org/author/byrhonda/ Byrhonda Lyons TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilovepublicrecords Check out CalMatters: https://calmatters.org/ Join the Sacramento Press Club: https://sacpressclub.org/ 📱SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEXT MESSAGES I share more insights on how to make legislative and political campaigns succeed. Plus, you’ll receive reminders about every episode so you don’t miss conversations or ideas that you can apply to your work. https://joinsubtext.com/kbhadvocacy  📱BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento? Book a free consultation to see how we can work together on legislative advocacy, budget advocacy, or campaign strategy. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/book ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review and share it with a colleague who is also an advocate for California. CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy 🌐 Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUzqjDz0RWXOEUo1PTQuXQ/videos © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

We are nearly three years into the pandemic. At the same time we face an escalating climate crisis and are fighting to protect democracy from the rising tide of fascism.  Add to this our "normal" struggles of every day life and work.  We are coping with a lot. Too much.  During this traditional time of reflection and rest, I am sharing my conversation with Victor Narro, faculty at the UCLA Labor Center, author, and renown labor and immigrant rights activist. Mr. Narro recently released his latest book, "The Activist Spirit: Toward a Radical Solidarity".  We talk openly about the toll ongoing crises take on our spirit and mental health and how we can heal and rejuvenate by tapping into the spiritual core of our social justice work.  Drawing on the words and ways of historic activists St. Francis of Assisi, Cesar Chavez, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others, Mr. Narro uplifts the concept of "radical solidarity" - a recognition that our individual struggles, and, conversely, joys, are deeply interconnected to the struggles and joys of the broader community.   "This is true solidarity in action in the social justice movement - our interconnectedness and the spiritual force of love and compassion for one another..."  - V. Narro In other words, we are in this together.  Purchase "The Activist Spirit: Toward a Radical Solidarity" today! Available here.   Link to Transcript Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy.  Like this episode? Please share with your family and friends and leave a review!  For more content like this, subscribe to the free text list. No spam - ever.  © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

It's mid November and California budget revenue collections are way below projections. Paired with historically high rates of inflation, the Legislature may be facing a $25 billion deficit in FY 23-24. One big difference from budget deficits of the past, however, is the state has $23 billion saved in rainy day funds. Experts agree: Is the situation serious? Without a doubt. Is it a crisis? No.  So what does this mean for advocates? Lobbying for new program investments is going to be hella difficult. Does that mean we close up shop and go home? Heck no! In this episode, recorded live on Monday, November 13, 2022, I talk with a California budget expert and fellow budget lobbyists about perilous budget conditions and what this portends for advocates in the new year. I am joined by: - Scott Graves, Director of Research at the California Budget and Policy Center - Christopher Sanchez, Policy Associate at the Western Center on Law and Poverty  - Jennifer Fearing, President of Fearless Advocacy We discuss: What’s on your fall budget prep check list? (10:57) The pros/cons of running a companion policy bill when you are lobbying a budget request (15:40) How the state’s Budget reserves work (21:49) Knowing how to lobby the budget will make you a better lobbyist (25:18) How repurposing existing budget funding works (35:00) What budget advocates might expect in the Governor’s second term (43:17) What should we expect from our legislative champions? (51:36) Persistence versus being a pest (55:11) Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Share your thoughts on today's episode with me on Twitter. Click here  to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy. This episode is sponsored by: • FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. • Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

How do you compel  lawmakers to take the hard votes needed to pass bold worker's rights and  climate action policies when they have Corporate America breathing down  their necks? Last fall I had the honor to interview Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-27 - San Jose) during my advocacy webinar “All Politics is Local”: How Communities can Build Political Power. Mr. Kalra represents the city of San Jose and made history in 2016 as the first Indian-American elected to the California Legislature. An unapologetic champion for workers and their communities, he is Chair of the California Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment and was elected last year Chair of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus. Mr. Kalra offers his  unique insight as a former community advocate turned elected official.  Tune in for actionable advice on organizing voters locally to grow  outsized influence at the California Capitol. We discuss: Building real relationships means you don’t just show up when you want something (2:33) Local government is where the real power lies (7:38) Why groups without Political Action Committees (PACs) can be just as influential as big ticket donors (10:03) How to create the space for lawmakers to take courageous votes (13:07) How to make your lobby visits more effective (13:49) How to hold lawmakers accountable (16:19) Read the full transcript here.  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Share your thoughts on today's episode with me on Twitter.   Click here  to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy. This episode is sponsored by: • FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. • Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Jennifer Kent, knower of all things California health care policy, shares her valuable insight on how the state budget sausage gets made. Currently the CEO of the Kent Group, Jennifer Kent served under three different Governors, most recently as the Director of the California Department of Health Care Services. She’s held leadership roles in the Health & Human Services Agency and Governor's Office and also spent time in the third house as a lobbyist. Here are my top 5 takeaways from our excellent conversation: 1. When it comes to the state budget, there’s never a down time. Budget creation is a year-round affair so your advocacy needs to be too. [00:03:51]  2. The executive branch ecosystem is a complicated family structure. Take time to understand how the puzzle fits together. [00:11:28]  3. Never interpret technical assistance from a Department or Agency as a sign of support. [00:14:21]  4. Draft your own appropriation language. TBL vs BBL? It depends on what you're trying to achieve. [00:18:03]  5. If you don’t like what you see in the Governor's budget, bring alternatives and solutions. [00:25:20] Read the Transcript Here Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Say hi on Twitter. Better yet, click here  to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy. Donate here to support the Podcast. This episode is sponsored by: • FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. • Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

There are few who can speak on electoral politics in California with as much authority as Bill Wong.  As former Political Director for the California Assembly Democrats, Bill led efforts in 2018 and 2020 to build the largest Democratic “giga” majorities in the state Assembly in over a century. He served as a political advisor to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and is a regular feature in Capitol Weekly's Top 100 Power List. When I needed to know what was really going on behind the scenes in an Assembly race, my first call was always to Bill Wong. Bill is a leader in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) political community and a recognized expert on AAPI voters. You can check him out as host of The Ronin Project Podcast, launching on July 31. The podcast promises “real talk for Asian Americans who want to know more about how politics is played, political professionals that want to know more about Asian Americans and how they vote, and troublemakers who want to make the world a better place.” My fellow troublemaker and I go behind the veil of the Assembly Democratic caucus. We discuss: [00:03:45] Building a “giga” majority in the California Assembly [00:06:56] Navigating the political fault lines in the Democratic caucus [00:09:10] How to get involved in electoral politics [00:07:18] Move away from performative politics [00:09:54] How to vet candidates and the fundamentals of a good campaign [00:14:26] If you want to change policy you have to invest time and energy in political campaigns [00:21:46] Don’t get distracted by the headlines [00:25:48] There’s politics and then there’s the business of politics Connect with Bill Wong through his website or on Twitter. Read the Transcript Here Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Find me on Twitter and let me know what you think about this episode. This episode is sponsored by: • FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. • Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

How many times have you heard this? “I know federal elections are important, but I live in California - there’s nothing I can do.” Yes, California is as blue a state as they come. But the reality is pro-Trump extremists are active throughout the state and some of them are members and/or candidates for Congress. In California there are many critical Congressional races where grassroots support is urgently necessary. In other words, there is a lot you can do to ensure Trumpists do not win control of the House of Representatives. Today I talk with Bryan Blum, the political director for the California Labor Federation. Bryan shares his insight on several of the battleground races in California and how advocates on the ground can get involved by reaching out to the local Central Labor Councils. Important: Since we recorded this conversation on Thursday, June 9, we have final primary election results pointing to the newly drawn CD 13, where Democratic Assemblymember Adam Gray will face off against Republican John Duarte, as another close race come November. Analysts are rating CD 13 as “Leans Democratic” Resources to get involved in these races are listed below! We discuss: CD 47 – “Leans Democratic” Rep Katie Porter, the Democratic incumbent, vs Republican challenger Scott Baugh CD 49 – “Likely Democratic” Rep. Mike Levin, Incumbent, vs Republican challenger Brian Maryott CD 45 – “Leans Republican” Democratic challenger Jay Chen vs Republican Incumbent Michelle Steel CD 41 – “Likely Republican” Democratic challenger Will Rollins vs Republican Incumbent Ken Calvert CD 27 – “Toss Up” Democratic challenger former Assemblymember Christy Smith vs Republican Incumbent Mike Garcia CD 22 – “Toss Up” Democratic challenger Assemblymember Rudy Salas vs Republican Incumbent David Valadao CD 40 – “Likely Republican” Democratic challenger Doctor. Asif Mahmood vs Republican Incumbent Young Kim Resources to get involved – If you have other organizations to add please let me know! Orange County Orange County Labor Federation Orange County Civic Engagement Table Mobilize Los Angeles County Los Angeles Labor Federation Mobilize Central Valley  North Valley Labor Federation Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties Central Labor Council Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings Central Labor Council Communities for New California Mobilize Inland Empire Inland Empire Labor Federation Inland Empire United Mobilize San Diego San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council Mobilize

Who are the most influential groups in Sacramento? We all know the traditional power players. Organizations that play big in electoral politics. Either they write big campaign checks, mobilize big voter turnout, or perhaps do both. Dig deeper, though, and you’ll see they aren’t the only ones at the Capitol with clout. Just because you don’t participate in electoral politics - for whatever reason – it doesn’t mean you are relegated to the sidelines. Take stock of where you already have points of leverage. Maybe it’s access to information or technical expertise. Maybe it’s strategic alliances you’ve built. Maybe it’s your standing in the community. These are your tools. If you use them effectively and consistently you will build credibility, trust, and eventually influence. Today, I talk with Frank Mecca, former Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association. When Frank began his stint at CWDA he was one in a staff of three. By the time he left thirty years later, Frank had built a formidable advocacy shop with 11 staff, a history of legislative wins, and, above all, significant political standing at the Capitol. In this episode we discuss: 4:18 - “Why would people care what you think?” 6:33 - Leverage the relationships you already have 10:04 - Create points of leverage: Be right. Be First. Be Nice. 17:53 - Building a genuine alliance with Labor 20:40 - Invite yourself to the table 21:50 - It also takes political courage. 25:00 - Separate yourself from the noise Read the Transcript Here Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Find me on Twitter and let me know what you think about this episode. This episode is sponsored by: • FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. • Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.  © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

You won’t understand politics until you understand power. How it works. Who has it and who doesn’t. And most important of all, how you grow and use it to get what you want. You know there is inequality and injustice and you want to change it. But how? I had the opportunity to talk at length with Jovan Agee, Founder and CEO of Agee Global Solutions. Jovan served as Legislative & Political Director (and my supervisor) at UDW/AFSCME Local 3930, Senior Advisor to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Capitol Director for Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, and Deputy Treasurer for the State.  Our discussion on local government advocacy evolved into a deep dive into the nature of political power and what, exactly, grasstops leaders need to do to step into the power they already have. We discuss: 01:17 - All politics is local 03:06 - Respect the fact that advocacy is science 5:29 - Between the thought and the doing there is the unsexy stuff 09:32 - Why it’s all about mindset 13:42 - The formula for building power 16:24 - The role of Faith leaders 19:39 - If we’re not having a conversation about power, we are part of the problem 24:24 - Why you should start with local government 27:00 - Why C3s need to invest in a C4 Read the Transcript Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy - www.kbhadvocacy.com Find me on Twitter at @kbashamilton and let me know what you think about this episode. This episode is sponsored by: FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Lobbying is not “one size fits all”. As any savvy lobbyist will tell you, securing funding in the California budget is very different from working to get a policy bill signed. You must follow timelines and committees that are separate and distinct from the legislative process. All of this can be intimidating and confusing for advocates, which is why I’m thrilled to have Senator Sydney Kamlager, (D-30) on the podcast. As the new Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 Chair, Senator Kamlager gives us an inside view of the process, nuances, and relationships that successful budget advocacy requires. Her advice and “real talk” will help advocates navigate a complex and often opaque budget process. Episode breakdown: 01:27 - Why you must prioritize the budget when advocating for any bills that cost the state money 03:13 - Appropriations committee vs the Budget - how the two tracks work 07:55 - Beyond the “Big 3”, why you should focus on the ensemble 12:41 - Pay attention to the politics 16:57 - How advocates can build momentum and get the support they need 21:40 - The unspoken truths of the budget process Episode Transcript Visit Senator Kamlager's Website: https://sd30.senate.ca.gov  Follow Senator Kamlager on Twitter: @sydneykamlager Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Find me on Twitter at @kbashamilton. This episode is sponsored by: FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts  with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of  email.

In 2019, Kipp Mueller, a workers' and civil rights attorney, entered the race for California State Senate District 21, challenging incumbent and then Republican Senate Minority Leader Scott Wilk.  Encompassing northern Los Angeles county and parts of the High Desert, SD 21 was a Republican stronghold for over a decade but voter registration has been trending Democratic.  A "dogfight" of a  campaign, millions of dollars were pumped into the race by both sides. Neck and neck on election night November 2020, it was three weeks before the election was declared for the incumbent. In the end, Kipp Mueller lost by less than 1% of the vote. I recently caught up with Kipp. Having cut his teeth as a 2020 candidate, he continues to practice as a civil rights attorney and was recently elected Region 10 Director of the California Democratic Party.   There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes in grassroots campaigns, especially for a seat in the California Legislature. We discuss what it's really like to run for office and why even the smallest advocacy group should get involved in electing the next generation of California legislators.  Episode Breakdown:  2:30 - Every campaign has a tipping point 6:09 - These lessons for candidates are also lessons for advocates  10:02 - How you know a campaign stands a chance  17:44 - The Great Resignation in Sacramento creates Great Opportunity for advocates  19:13 - Why even small advocacy organizations can make an outsized impact on campaigns  Contact Kipp Mueller at kippmuellerca@gmail.com.   Episode Transcript  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.  Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.  Find me on twitter at @kbashamilton.  This episode is sponsored by:  FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.  Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts  with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of  email.  © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

The Gann limit hovers over the California capitol like an ominous cloud on an otherwise sunny day. Despite massive tax revenues and a projected discretionary budget surplus of $20.6 billion (with a strong potential to exceed this amount by $15 billion), the state must abide by an arbitrary spending cap adopted over 40 years ago - the Gann limit. This limit severely restrains any new investment by the Governor and Legislature.  Budget advocacy is already very challenging. Gann ensures that advocates will battle a terrible headwind, especially for spending proposals that do not meet the narrow exclusions allowed by Gann. Today I talk with Scott Graves, Research Director at the California Budget and Policy Center, a non-profit and non-partisan research group based in Sacramento. We break down the Gann limit and discuss what's at stake for advocates as they advance their FY 22-23 budget proposals. We discuss: 01:59 - What is the Gann limit? 06:49 - What are the state's options for dealing with the Gann limit? 08:24 - What is infrastructure spending? 09:26 - What qualifies as emergency spending? 12:18 - What about reducing revenue? 13:24 - What does this mean for advocates? 16:54 - Wait, there's more: how Gann interacts with Prop 98 and Prop 2 is creating even bigger problems for advocates (and the Governor) 22:03 - The Gann limit will continue to be a problem for advocates after 2022 23:41 - How can we fix the Gann limit? Episode Transcript Learn more: Q&A: How the Gann Limit Threatens Ongoing Investments for Californians (California Budget and Policy Center) The Definition of Qualified Capital Outlay for the State Appropriations Limit (Legislative Analyst's Office) Initial Comments on the State Appropriations Limit Proposal (Legislative Analyst's Office) Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Find me on twitter at @kbashamilton. This episode is sponsored by: FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT. Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts  with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of  email. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Before you can build political power you need a base. And Aquilina Soriano Versoza knows exactly how to get it done.  Aquilina is co-founder and Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center based in Southern California. She is President of the Pilipino Action Center, 501(c)4 sibling organization to the PWC. She is a leader in the California Domestic Worker Coalition, which in 2013 won the historic AB 241 (Ammiano) - the Domestic Worker Bills of Rights.  And because that’s not enough, she is also President of the Board of Directors of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, whose sister organization Care in Action helped push record turnout in the 2021 Georgia Senate races.  Aqui and advocates began organizing Pilipino workers in Los Angeles back in 1997. Today, the PWC is a national model, organizing around mutual aid, voter education, community education, and leadership development.  We discuss:  - How organizations can build trust with the community  - Legislative and political campaigns as an organizing tool - - The necessity of playing the long game  - Why it’s all about the process  - How to scale your advocacy work  Episode Transcript  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.  Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.  Join my free text community or tweet me at @kbashamilton. This episode is sponsored by:  FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.  Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts  with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of  email.  © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Is your legislation on the infamous Chamber of Commerce "job killer" list? Is your campaign facing stiff opposition from corporate America with its infinite resources? In a battle of David and Goliath, how can marginalized communities come out on top?  Today I am honored to be joined by Victor Narro, a nationally recognized expert on immigrant and low-income workers. Project Director at the UCLA Labor Center, Mr. Narro is also on faculty at the UCLA Department of Labor and Workplace Studies. An immigrant and workers' rights activist for several decades, he previously served as Co-Executive Director of Sweatshop Watch and Workers’ Rights Project Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).   Mr. Narro was instrumental in the recent passage of the landmark worker protection bill SB 62 (Durazo), the Garment Worker Protection Act despite, facing fierce opposition from corporate interests. SB 62 was sponsored by the Garment Workers Center, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, and Bet Tzedek. In banning the exploitative "piece rate" payment system and for the first time holding retailers liable for wage theft committed by their subcontractors, the bill has international implications.  In this episode we discuss: - recognizing our interconnectedness  - how organizing campaigns by Garment Workers, Day Laborers, and Domestic Workers serve as a model for future organizing efforts  - how non-traditional alliances helped push SB 62 to victory  - why we should embrace the never-ending process of relationship building  "Relationship matters. Interconnectedness matters. Otherwise we're not going to be successful in carrying out the work for justice." - Victor Narro  Transcript of this episode  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.  Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks.  Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.  Join my free text community or follow me on social media.  The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.  © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Trying to break through the noise at the California Capitol to get your issue front and center? You're hustling. But why is your message is not resonating? Today I talk with Eduardo Martinez, Legislative Director for the California Labor Federation, who shares his insight - based on years of experience as a legislative staffer - on how to ensure your message is not only received but resonates. Eduardo most recently served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblymember and now Mayor of San Diego Todd Gloria. At the beginning of 2021, Mr. Martinez left the Legislature to take a position in the "Third House" - Sacramento vernacular for the community of lobbyists and advocates who descend on the Capitol each year to promote and influence legislation.  Eduardo serves as Legislative Director for the California Labor Federation, an alliance of 1,200 affiliated unions from around the state, leading their efforts to pass laws that protect California’s families and strengthen workers’ rights.  Over ten months of each year, 120 legislators and their staff consider thousands of bill ideas with the potential to impact hundreds of diverse issue areas. Since no one person can digest thousands of pages of information, staff are responsible for vetting proposals, meeting with stakeholders, understanding the politics, and making recommendations. You can't overstate the critical role of legislative staff. In this interview, we talk about: - Transitioning into the Third House during the chaos of 2021 COVID - Why advocates need to over-prepare, remain disciplined, and always lead with emotion - How to condense your message into high impact "elevator pitches" - How to create more opportunities for Labor and Advocacy groups to partner around common goals Learn more about the important work of the California Labor Federation. Want to organize your workplace into a union? Learn more. Transcript of this episode. Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Advocacy is not just about lobbying the Legislature or Governor's Office. Advocates should pay attention to the less known but highly impactful "rulemaking process". California agencies adopt, amend, and repeal regulations in order to "implement" the laws adopted by the Legislature. For small business owners, these regulations can have a huge impact on everyday operations. In today's episode, I talk with Jaime Schrabeck, veteran beauty industry advocate and owner of Precision Nails. For the last 16 years, she has worked tirelessly to promote equity, inclusion, and dignity throughout the beauty industry. We discuss: - the power of “showing up” consistently to make your voice heard - why building relationships with staff is the key to growing your influence - the challenge of organizing diverse stakeholders around big policy changes  - transforming the beauty industry from a reactive to a proactive advocacy community I'll leave you with this excellent advice from Jaime Schrabeck: Just take a step back and realize where you need to go is where the power sits. Read the Transcript More information about today's guest:  Licensed since 1992, Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D. works as manicurist and owner of Precision Nails, an employee-based salon in Carmel, California. Beyond her salon, Jaime advocates for compliance and safety, co-hosts Outgrowth: A Slice of Pro Beauty podcast, presents classes, writes savvy articles including feature columns for Beauty Cast Network, mentors educators and advises California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology as an expert witness. This is the last episode of the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast until 2022! Thank you for your support! Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

There is so much knowledge in my interview with Ludovic Blain I don't know where to start! Mr. Blain is the Executive Director of California Donor Table, a statewide community of donors who pool their funds to make investments in  communities of color so they have the power and resources they need to elect people who represent their values and needs and help govern and hold decision-makers accountable. He helmed CDT's work, starting in 2010, with community organizations in Orange and San Diego counties and in the Inland Empire that, over time, yielded historic election results with national implications. Democrats won seats in Congress, in Sacramento, and on the local level that had been widely regarded as "unwinnable".  I am a huge fan of CDT's laser focus on, in Mr. Blain's words, "investing in communities of color and working with organizations to build up their capacity to win, to win over time, to win consistently, and to be resilient. To survive when they lose in order to win more in the future." We discuss: - The transformation of San Diego and Orange counties and the Inland Empire - Winning is not linear and it's our job to keep trying - How organizations can and should expand their work into partisan campaigns, i.e. don't play checkers when your opponent is playing chess - Where orgs can look for C3 and C4 dollars - CDT's efforts to establish civic engagement and power building collaborations around the state - How organizations can "help govern" right now - What organizations can do right now to start building capacity  Like I said, there is so much value for advocates in this discussion.  Transcript of this Episode Learn more about California Donor Table. Also check out these CDT supported collaborations: Inland Empire United, Orange County Civic Engagement Table, Lift Up Contra Costa, and Communities for New California.  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

There are few lawmakers I admire more than California Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-47). The first Latina to hold this leadership position, Leader Reyes is an unequivocal champion for working families in her district and throughout the state.  Her emphatic advice for advocates: remember your true power. You are the ones who send representatives to Sacramento to give voice to the community. You can also hold them to account if they lose their way. I am grateful to the Majority Leader for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her wisdom.  We discuss: - building long-term relationships with lawmakers  - securing votes outside your traditional base of support - legislative priorities for the Inland Empire in 2022 Read the Transcript Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

As any good lobbyist in Sacramento will tell you, at the end the day what matters is getting the 21/41 votes you need to move your bill. This has always been a significant challenge; in our era of toxic political polarization it's can be near impossible.  That's why I'm excited to share my recent conversation with Assemblymember Chad Mayes (I - 42). A former Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus and now the only Independent in the Legislature, he knows first hand the impact of hyper-partisanship. I am grateful to the Assemblymember for taking time to share his valuable insight on how advocates can win support from lawmakers across the aisle/caucus.  Bottom line: it comes down to building trust. It's hard work and takes time. But it can be done. As always, my focus is sharing actionable steps and real-world advice for advocates working to build just, sustainable communities.  Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

Today, I talk with Amy Everitt, President of Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit that strives to end poverty and improve the lives of low-income workers in California. Ms. Everitt shares with me the top 4 lessons she's learned in her more than two decades of advocacy, both in California and federally. We also talk about the challenges facing the anti-poverty movement as California heads into another year of historic budget surplus and GSO's long term goal to support low-income communities as they build political power.  Learn more about GSO and their amazing work on their website here. Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy. Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks. Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this. Like my content? Join my free text community or follow me on social media. The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively. © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.