Chapter 4 - Organizing for Policy Wins
If you want to change the rules, you need to understand how the rules get made.
The legislative process is how ideas become laws — and how we move from frustration to reform. Whether you’re advocating at the city, state, or federal level, knowing the process helps you:
Influence lawmakers at the right time
Choose the best strategy and tactics
Stay persistent (even when things slow down)
Why This Matters
Where to Focus Advocacy
Before it’s introduced – Shape the language, find a sponsor
During committee – Mobilize support, submit testimony, meet with legislators
Before a vote – Call/email lawmakers, generate media, rally community voices
After it passes – Watch implementation, push for funding, stay engaged
Basic Flow of a Bill
Here’s a simplified version of how a policy becomes law:
Introduction
A legislator drafts and introduces a bill.Committee
The bill is assigned to a committee, where it can be debated, amended, or killed.Vote #1
If it survives the committee, it goes to the full chamber (House/Senate or City Council) for a vote.Other Chamber
If it passes, it goes to the other chamber (if applicable) and repeats the process.Final Vote + Executive Sign-off
Once both chambers agree, it’s sent to the mayor, governor, or president to sign into law.Implementation
Agencies write rules and carry it out (with advocacy still needed to shape how it’s enforced).
Don’t be intimidated. You don’t need to memorize every detail — you just need to know where a bill is right now and what pressure point comes next.