Community Advocacy Leader Requirements and Benefits

Before you join the Community Advocacy Leader Program, please review the information below.

Requirements:

Expectations for the Community Advocacy Leaders:

Attend initial one-on-one call/training with Bethany DeZolt, the Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator.
Spend 2-5 hours/month on C.A.L. tasks. The amount of time may vary during the legislative session.
Participate in the types of projects C.A.L.s will take on:
– Research your state representative and state senator (via website, social media, animal scorecard).
– Set up a meeting or call with your state representative and state senator (we can help with this!).
– Monitor your legislators’ activities on animal issues, such as whether they are co-sponsor, have a position on a bill, etc.
– Identify, attend, and encourage other community members to discuss animal bills and issues when legislators hold office hours in the district. Notify the MSPCA when these events occur.
– Ask your legislator to support or oppose legislation as requested and share responses with the MSPCA.
– Attend Lobby Day for Animals and other events, when possible.
– Recruit 5-10 other people in your district who you can activate to also call upon your state legislator.
– Participate in monthly update calls with the MSPCA and other C.A.L.s.
– Participate in the C.A.L. Facebook group and share your experiences and questions with other C.A.L.s.
– Write letters to the editor on key animal bills.
– Keep track of hours and completed tasks; report responses from legislators, meetings and other interactions to Bethany.

Benefits of being a C.A.L.:

One-on-one communication with Bethany for onboarding and ongoing support.
Training and support from the MSPCA Advocacy Team and a C.A.L. Mentor.
Monthly group meetings with other C.A.L.s throughout the state and early updates on legislation.
Access to a C.A.L.-only Facebook group.
Early notification of Lobby Day and other trainings.
Review of testimony letters and letters to the editor.