California Coalition for Youth Gabe Valencia, CEO of Mile High Pines (Angelus Oaks, California) and CCCA’s board chair, shared that there’s not only value, but also tremendous influence that comes with forming these in-state camping networks, especially beyond the Christian bubble. As part of the California Collaboration for Youth
(CCFY), which is similar in structure to that of CCN in Colorado, Valencia has found great benefit to working with groups that are not just faith-based. “If there were only Christians in our coalition, we wouldn’t have the same type of clout when we walk into the State offices.” But, he noted, by “including other youth-serving organ- izations … like Campfire USA or scouting, we have a whole lot more people who stand and lock arms with you on the majority of issues you face.” Valencia has found great value working with like- minded organizations and people “to gain some sort of compromise through diplomacy when it doesn’t necessarily affect issues of ‘faith first.’ It’s OK to work on things like … exemptions to high wages.” When presented with an issue from the legislature, Valencia suggested, “If it’s a Christian issue, work alone or with other Christian ministries. If it’s an issue we all agree on, work together and you’ll have more backing and more power.” Tere’s a diplomatic balance that needs to be kept at
the forefront when collaborating with non-Christian organizations in an ever-evolving culture. Valencia noted that when faith-based issues arise, to maintain healthy relationships between those he’s working with, collaborations have a built-in “exit strategy” that everyone agrees upon. Every quarter, CCFY meets to discuss bills they’ve
been following or new ones that pop up. Most of the time, according to Valencia, there’s unison in the net- work when a regulation is up for discussion (unless it’s something that crosses into faith issues). CCFY’s biggest success has been in camp regulations.
Valencia explained, “Tey were outdated until CCFY decided to help the local health department, and state, craſt the most current guidelines.” He said that these are “guidelines the camps have agreed to, to be used by the state to measure what they’re doing well and healthy.” Valencia pointed out that the guidelines were written by the CCFY team, approved by the health department and ratified by the California House. “Can you imagine saying, ‘You want laws, and to feel
safe, and make sure the camp is feeling healthy? We’ll craſt the regulations and make sure we hold ourselves to that standard,’” Valencia said.
Where To Start It’s OK (and encouraged) to approach your officials. According to Anne Basham, founder of Ascend Con- sulting, CCCA’s lobbying organization, there are several tips to building relationships and communicating with legislators, whether local, state or federal. First, become familiar with legislators and what’s important to them. Valencia said CCFY embraces opportunities to inter-
act with elected officials. “Once a year, our group goes [to] build relationships at our state capitol.” If there is anything in the hopper that may pertain to the network, whether positive or negative, Valencia explained, “We leave a white paper behind that says, ‘If you see these things, we love them,’ and ‘If you see these things, they may not be things we’d like you to support.’” When communicating with legislators, Basham
said to clearly and concisely articulate your priorities and goals, provide context, write it down and keep it simple. “Be brief. One of the most common advocacy mistakes is to explain a problem at length. If you need to provide additional information,” Basham explained, “put it in a one- to two-page summary. Generally, one brief story (one to two minutes) and several compelling statistics are most impactful.” Also, Basham recommends that you stay on target,
understand what you’re asking and have a proposed solution before going forward. “Have a clear ‘ask,’” Basham said. “Lawmakers write legislation, fund proj- ects or open oversight inquiries on other government agencies, so propose a solution to your problem that they can provide. Even if the solution isn’t feasible, it will be a good basis for developing another solution.” Basham believes that the tangible fruits from these
relationships may not only shield your organization from detrimental regulations but also keep you in the know about government funding. Tese relationships can increase your camp’s awareness of positive finan- cial opportunities. “Offices are oſten willing to write letters of support
from the member of Congress about your organiza- tion, which is helpful in grant applications, Basham explained. “Community leaders’ letters of support can make a significant impact in receiving funding from new donors,” Basham said. In addition, offices may be able to provide earmarked appropriations for projects. “If they know and trust your organization, this is help- ful in securing federal funding,” Basham shared.
For 15 years, Tucker Van Brunt lived onsite at Camp Sentinel (Center Tuſtonboro, New Hampshire) with his family and discovered at a young age his passion for camping ministry. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communication arts with a focus in marketing and public relations from Gordon College in 2021, Tucker has been applying his marketing skills to Sentinel for many years. Tucker currently resides in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
September/October 2024
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