FPWA State Advocacy Day FAQ

(Click Here to Download a Copy of the FAQs)

What is an advocacy day and how does it work?

State Advocacy Day is an opportunity for FPWA and our member agencies to advocate for policy priorities that reduce poverty and promote upward mobility and economic equity for low-income New Yorkers. Participants will be split into groups, led by FPWA staff, and meet with legislative staff to discuss our issues and how they are experienced in the communities we serve. This year’s priorities for State Advocacy Day include:

• Strong Non-Profits for a Better New York – A coalition calling for increased state investment in the human services sector
• New York Health Act – Legislation to bring a universal, single-payer health care system to New York State
• Home Stability Support – Legislation to increase rent supplements for public assistance benefits and those facing eviction, homelessness, or loss of housing due to domestic violence or hazardous living conditions

Who will be involved?

FPWA and member agencies will meet with state legislators to inform them about the importance of our policy issues and stress the need for their support. We encourage staff members at all levels who can speak to:  their organization’s need for investments (from capital funding to wage increases to full funding for services); how a universal health care system would improve health outcomes in their communities; or, how increased rental supplements would help stabilize housing for the people they serve.

When is the event and how would I get there?

The event is on February 5^th at the New York State Capitol in Albany. There will be free bus transport to and from the event, with a 6AM pickup at Union Square and approximately 6:30AM at Harlem – 125^th Street. We will depart Albany around 3:30PM, with one drop-off in Harlem.

I’ve never done this before. How will I know what to say?

Prior to our advocacy day, FPWA will share one-pagers on our three state policy priorities and a link to an Advocacy 101 video to provide some general advocacy guidance and details on our policy priorities. Once we arrive at the capitol, there will be time to go over talking points and plan speaking roles for all participants.

Will food be provided?

Yes! We will have coffee and donuts on the bus, and boxed lunches available in the afternoon.

I have more questions, who can I reach out to?

If you have any questions or concerns that haven’t been addressed, feel free to contact Jeanette Estima, Director of Policy, at jestima@fpwa.org or 212.801.1312.