Advocacy is a key element of being a community impact leader and fulfills Orange County United Way's role as a voice on behalf of human care issues in Orange County.
As advocates, we will educate legislators, community stakeholders and the general public about key issues and the potential impact of specific proposals. We aim to build relationships and strategic partnerships with organizations that support Orange County United Way's vision to create lasting changes that improve lives. The following public policy items will be the focus of
Orange County United Way's Advocacy Agenda:
- Promoting Early Childhood Development
- Calling for 2-1-1
- Maintaining the Health and Human Services Safety Net
- Implementing Community Impact: Economic Self-Sufficiency by investing in Basic Needs, Education, & Financial Stability
Learn more about Orange County United Way's Advocacy Agenda.
National Advocacy Efforts:
Saving for Working Families Act
The US Senate and House Representatives are reintroducing S.871 and H.R. 1514, the Savings for Working Families Act (SWFA).
Ask your Legislators to co-sponsor S. 871 and H.R. 1514 by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or send them an email through the United Way of America's Public Policy website: http://www.capwiz.com/unitedway/dbq/officials/
To learn more about 2-1-1 national efforts, please click here (for press release, click here)
Did You Know:
The House of Representatives recently passed several measures designed to stimulate charitable giving and curb abuses of tax laws by donors and nonprofit organizations. Read more (26 KB PDF).
United Way of America released a preliminary review of the charity-related provisions in the Pension Reform Act of 2006, signed into law by President Bush on August 17. The review can be found online at: http://national.unitedway.org/files/pdf/UWAAnalysis2006CharityLaw.pdf (61.2 KB PDF).
State and Local Advocacy Efforts:
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) For those of you interested in more resources and arguments concerning the CHAMP bill, the House bill reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), check out www.medicareadvocacy.org, specifically the link concerning seniors and Medicare Advantage: http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/MA_07_07.19.MAScareTactics.htm.
United Ways of California
Learn more about our advocacy efforts statewide.
Getting Started in Public Policy (53 KB PDF).
Public Policy How & Why (311 KB zipped PPT).
