ASLA is pleased to report a succesful ASLA advocacy day (Click here to see a slideshow). Your advocacy efforts have already yielded great legislative dividends. As a result of ASLA congressional visits and letters through the Advocacy Network, on Monday, May 4th, the Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA) submitted 7 additional co-sponsors for H.R. 1443, the Complete Streets Act of 2009 and the Office of Senator Tom Harkin submitted 3 additional co-sponsors for S.584, the Senate version of the bill.
The new House of Representative cosponsors are:
Cong. Rick Boucher (VA)
Cong. Lacy Clay (MO)
Cong. Barbara Lee (CA)
Cong. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)
Cong. Leonard Boswell (IA)
Cong. Mazie Hirono (HI)
Cong. Albio Sires (NJ)
The new Senate cosponsors are:
Senator Mark Begich (AK)
Senator Patrick Leahy (VT)
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT)
Follow-up
Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of the profession of landscape architecture. We hope you found your meetings educational and valuable for both your federal legislator and yourself. It is important that you thank the offices of your representatives and/or senators for taking the time to meet with you and hear the perspective of landscape architects.
Thank You Template House of Representatives
Thank You Template Senate
- If your member of Congress joined in sponsoring the Complete Streets Act of 2009, please take a moment to thank them for their support of this important transportation legislation.
- If your legislator stated that he would support Complete Streets or CLEAN TEA legislation, please include a sentence that gently reminds them of that promise. For example: “Thank you for agreeing to cosponsor the Complete Streets Act of 2009.”
- Include a sentence that offers your assistance on legislative initiatives that could utilize landscape architectural techniques.
By strengthening relationships with Members of the House of Representatives and Senate, landscape architects can better communicate their legislative priorities and realize the passage of legislation that positively impacts the practice of landscape architecture.
ASLA would like your feedback. If you have not already done so, tell us about your Advocacy Day experience. CLICK HERE to download a form to submit to ASLA Government Affairs so we can evaluate 2009 Advocacy Day, and better serve your interests in the future.
About ASLA Advocacy Day 2009
Each year, ASLA advocates travel from across the country to Washington, D.C. to meet with their federal legislators to discuss policy issues important to the landscape architecture profession. During their congressional visits, landscape architects strive to raise the visibility of the profession with Members of Congress and to educate them on the many ways that landscape architects provide solutions to a myriad of problems facing our nation.
This year, ASLA advocates will discuss the role of landscape architects in planning sound, efficient, and sustainable transportation corridors. As Congress begins to consider reauthorizing an omnibus surface transportation bill, it is imperative that Congress utilize the skills and techniques of landscape architects in rebuilding our nation’s transportation system.
Important Dates
April 14th – Advocacy Tools and Tips webinar
Before you head to your meetings, please make plans to attend the advocacy webinar to learn some communication tips and techniques to help you become the most effective advocate for the landscape architecture cause.
This 1-hour webinar will begin at 1:00pm EST.
If you missed the webinar, you can view the presentation by clicking here.
April 23rd – Issues Briefing Webinar
In order to understand the issues that ASLA will advocate for in Washington, DC, mark your calendar to participate in the issues briefing webinar to get information on the specific details of these issues, and salient talking points.
This 1-hour webinar will begin at 1:00pm EST.
If you missed the webinar, you can view the presentation by clicking here.
April 29th – Government Affairs Advocacy Training Session
ASLA Government Affairs Vice President Jon Mueller, FASLA, along with Government Affairs staff , will provide an overview of ASLA’s legislative priorities process, strategies for becoming effective advocates throughout the year, and a special training on using the ASLA Advocacy Network.
3:00pm – 5:30pm – Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
April 3oth - ASLA Advocacy Day
ASLA has scheduled meetings for you with your elected officials throughout the day. You will receive your meeting times and locations on Wednesday, April 29th immediately following the Government Affairs Advocacy Day Training Session.
Advocacy Day Breakfast and Legislative Briefing
Breakfast: 7:00am-8:00am Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Legislative Briefing: 8:00am – 10:00am Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Before heading out to your congressional meetings, ASLA Government Affairs staff will provide a briefing and legislative update on the issues that ASLA advocates will discuss with their legislators. Staff will also review important advocacy tips and strategies to help make your congressional meetings effective.
*** Attendance is Mandatory ***
Announcements
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ASLA is pleased to announce that Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Hon. ASLA from Oregon will address our Advocacy Day participants during the Advocacy Day briefing on Thursday morning April 30. Congressman Blumenauer is a leader in initiating and supporting sustainable policies and because of his diligent efforts in promoting polices important to the landscape architecture community was made an honorary member of ASLA. Congressman Blumenauer will share his experiences on working on these issues with Advocacy Day participants, as well as enlightening us on how to become effective advocates throughout the year. |
Learn the Issues
Complete Streets
Advocacy Day participants will discuss the importance of good transportation planning and design for all users and including a "Complete Streets" policy in the upcoming reauthorization of the surface transportation bill. The Complete Streets Coalition, which ASLA is an active member, maintains a web site that includes comprehensive information and tools to learn about and advocate for Complete Streets policies.
Complete Streets Summary
Complete Streets Talking Points (House)
Complete Streets Talking Points (Senate)
111th Congress Complete Streets Legislation (House)
111th Congress Complete Streets Legislation (Senate)
Complete Streets Congressional Leave-Behind
Complete Streets Legislative Description (Section by Section) from the Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA)
ASLA EVP/CEO Somerville's Letter to Senator Harkin Regarding Complete Streets
ASLA EVP/CEO Somerville's Letter to Congresswoman Matsui Regarding Complete Streets
CLEAN TEA
CLEAN TEA Talking Points (House)
CLEAN TEA Talking Points (Senate)
111th Congress CLEAN TEA Legislation (House)
111th Congress CLEAN TEA Legislation (Senate)
Congressman Blumenauer's Statement for the Record for CLEAN TEA's Introduction
Senator Carper's Statement for the Record for CLEAN TEA's Introduction
CLEAN TEA Congressional Leave-Behind
CLEAN TEA Section By Section
Advocacy Tools
If this is your first time visiting a Congressional office, you have no need to worry.
The ASLA Advocacy Network has a wealth of tools available including tips on visiting your Representative’s office, contact information, guidance on the legislative process and more.
"Guide to Interacting with Your Legislator"
Legislator Profile Worksheet
Learn more about your U.S. Representative, House Committees and the entire House of Representatives
Learn more about your U.S. Senator, Senate Committees and the entire U.S. Senate
Research the thousands of bills that Congress introduces each year
If this is your first time visiting a Congressional office, you have no need to worry. For further information on advocacy day, contact Government Affairs Coordinator Allison Block at ablock@asla.org or 202.216.2370.
