Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Activity 1: Citizen Advocacy Groups

Groups of concerned citizens who advocate for quality long-term care, services, and supports and quality of life for residents and consumers in their locality, state, or region sometimes self-identify as "citizen advocacy groups" (CAGs). Visit the Web page about Citizen Advocacy Groups and explore the following resources:

• Select Citizen Advocacy Groups Toolkit, then view the Toolkit. In Chapter 2, Section 5, select Writing E-mails for Fundraising. Describe the three elements for writing an effective fundraising e-mail.
• Select Citizen Advocacy Groups Resource Packet, then view the Packet. Select Starting a CAG, then How to Start a CAG. What are some of the steps involved in starting a Citizen Advocacy Group?
• At the top of the page select Policy and Advocacy, then Policy Issues. Select one of the policies and describe why advocacy is needed.

Activity 2: The Role of Committees in the Legislative Process

Committees are an essential part of the legislative process. Senate committees monitor ongoing governmental operations, identify issues suitable for legislative review, gather and evaluate information, and recommend courses of action to the Senate. Visit The Role of Committees in the Legislative Process and explore the following questions:

• What is the difference between standing, special, and joint committees?
• When a committee or subcommittee decides to consider a measure, what are the four actions that need to happen?
• Select About the Senate Committee System. How many committees, subcommittees, and joint committees are there in the Senate? What do you think is the purpose of all of these committees?