Advocacy is Relationship Building

Brush up on how to advocate ahead of the new year.

Between the upcoming 2025 Texas Legislative session and a new Congress being sworn in in January, there are plenty of opportunities in the coming months to engage with elected officials.

And while it may seem intimidating to cultivate relationships with your state representatives, congressmen and women or your senators, Brad Fitch says to try to think about it as simple relationship building.

The former CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation spoke during an online North Texas Food Bank course and said advocacy work is really about helping elected officials understand the impact of legislation on our communities.

“The stories of the neighbors you serve are important,” he said. “Your job to be a great advocate is to be a great storyteller.”

Brad cited a poll by Rasmussen that found only 11% of Americans believe Congress cares what their constituents think. However, he said, when Congress was surveyed, communicating with their constituents was among their top priorities.  

If you’ve never advocated for anti-hunger policies before, Brad suggested scheduling a tour with one of your local or state representatives. The NTFB is also available to connect its partners with representatives or to share details about what Feeding America and Feeding Texas’ priorities are when it comes to policy (Feeding Texas shared its 2025 State Legislative priorities here). From there, start building relationships.

Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services, added that it’s important not only to become familiar with your representatives but also with their staff and the leaders in your community, whether the mayor, the economic development leaders or others, as they can help advocate for you, as well.

“Be engaged in the community and have those relationships,” he said.

When talking with lawmakers or their staff, Brad said to be sure to do your homework. You must come to the meeting, whether in-person or virtual, with a plan. Make sure you’ve done your research on the legislator and that you’re not asking them to support something they’ve recently authored a bill on.

Often, he said, lawmakers will not be experts in your field, and they’ll look to you to present the stats (such as that 1 in 7 North Texans, including 1 in 5 children, face hunger) and to provide them real life examples of how something will impact the people you serve. When advocating for a strong Farm Bill, for example, we want to be able to talk about how SNAP supports our neighbors.

During a meeting, it’s also important to leave representatives with an action item, whether that be voting for a piece of legislation, signing onto a bill or simply scheduling a visit at your agency.

Tracy said town halls are also a great opportunity to engage. Virtual town halls that are hosted for all constituents occur regularly and you can learn about them simply by being on your representative’s email list.

If you’re attending a town hall, come prepared with a well written question and be ready to share it with a staff member as questions are typically vetted. These virtual events often attract large audiences, so know that you’ll be advocating to a group, not just your representative.

After the town hall of your meeting, follow up with the lawmaker and the lawmaker’s office. A thank you goes a long way, but it also doesn’t hurt to reiterate your message.

Brad said that when surveyed, more than half of lawmakers said when they haven’t made a decision on something, it often takes 10 or fewer emails and 10 or fewer comments on social media to get them to consider a certain position.

Help ensure they understand the impact of anti-hunger legislation by being ready to share the realities of food insecurity in North Texas as well as the stories of the people you serve.

“What we know is that emotional stories are the best way to persuade them to your point of view,” he said.

To hear the full Advocacy 101 course through the North Texas Food Bank’s Agency University offerings, यहां क्लिक करें. Need help registering with Agency University? Contact Kennedy Bower, kennedy.bower@ntfb.org.