2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Funding for horticultural research and extension comes from many levels of government. Each one is important and has a specific public purpose. Each one requires continuous justification. Those of us who use those funds to help the public benefit need to be part of the ongoing effort to make sure that hese programs are understood and supported.

This program will be an interactive workshop to help participants engage locally. Our venue so far from Washington DC reinforces the importance of action in the place where the work gets done. Federal, state and county representatives all have distinct roles. District staff, who usually do constitutent services, also contribute to policy work. Effective advocates know who has what role, and addresses them accurately. Local politics depends a lot on personal relationships and local history unrelated to any specific issue. Stories of how that plays out in Hawai'i provide examples that apply anywhere.

Participants will include Mr. Glenn Sako (County of Hawaii's Department of Research & Development), State Representative Joy San Buenaventura (Puna district), and Mr. Mike Formby (Chief of Staff, Representative Colleen Hanabusa, U.S. Congress).

Advocating Locally for Public Support of Horticulture National Issues Committee Funding for horticultural research and extension comes from many levels of government. Each one is important and has a specific public purpose. Each one requires continuous justification. Those of us who use those funds to help the public benefit need to be part of the ongoing effort to make sure that these programs are understood and supported. This program will be an interactive workshop to help participants engage locally. Our venue so far from Washington DC reinforces the importance of action in the place where the work gets done. Federal, state and county representatives all have distinct roles. District staff, who usually do constituent services, also contribute to policy work. Effective advocates know who has what role, and addresses them accurately. Local politics depends a lot on personal relationships and local history unrelated to any specific issue. Stories of how that plays out in Hawai'i provide examples that apply anywhere.