Public Policy is more than JUST lobbying. pUBLIC pOLICY ADVOCACY improves lives by facilitating lasting change in our community.

Public Policy refers to the laws, rules and funding priorities that establish how government will address needs, solve problems, and spend public dollars.

Public Policy advocacy encompasses a range of activities that may or may not include lobbying. Lobbying usually involves an attempt to influence legislation. Almost all social change started with non-lobbying advocacy that evolved into lobbying efforts that led to changes in public policies and law.

Public Policy advocacy is one of the tools UWCO uses to influence laws and funding decisions that will have long-term impact on central Ohio families.

Public Policy advocacy Includes a range of activities:

• Developing a relationship with local leaders
• Developing relationships with government agencies
• Grassroots organizing and education
• Voter registration and education issue identification, research and analysis Issue/policy endorsement
• Public testimonies lobbying for or against legislation