CALL/MEET SCRIPT FOR VIRTUAL BUDGET ADVOCACY DAY
Urgent action is needed to ensure that DV service providers have the funding required to maintain service provisions to all New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence. To make a united effort and increase our impact, we are asking advocates to contact their NYS Senators and Assemblymembers. Below you will find a template phone script and link to talking points. We encourage you to tailor the sample phone script to highlight any other information you feel your legislators should be aware of (impacts to your program, what you are seeing in the field, nuances specific to DV programs and the victim/survivors you work with, etc.).
Template Phone Script
Download a template phone script here.
Hello, my name is {Name} and I am a/an {advocate, program director, executive director, etc.} at {your organization}.
I am calling to urge {Senator/Assemblymember} to support dedicated funding in the FY’22-’23 budget to ensure the continuity and sustainability of crime victim services across New York. The state is intending to significantly cut funding for the programs that provide these services. Vulnerable New Yorkers in every community of the state will be impacted if the Legislature and Governor do not act now.
We are asking for $25 million this year to extend current contracts with all victim assistance providers. The state is well positioned to extend these existing contracts, with its surplus and the availability of ample pandemic relief funding. This is exactly how other states have dealt with this issue and we need New York to do the same.
May I send the {Senator/Assemblymember} more information about these budget requests? If yes, ask for name and contact information of staff receiving information.
Thank you!
