Save Early Steps

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The Save Early Steps Campaign: An Overview

Situation: When the 2011 legislative session began, Florida’s Early Steps program – which provides services and supports to infants and toddlers with developmental delays - faced a $12.6 million funding shortfall that jeopardized the program’s continued existence in Florida.

Action: Anticipating sweeping cuts and facing a very small window of time to affect change, the RBOA team executed a targeted advocacy campaign that included a campaign website, social media engagement, grassroots advocacy, media and legislative outreach materials. The campaign was designed to quickly mobilize supporters and target key decision makers in the Florida House and Senate.

Outcome: By the close of the campaign, Early Steps had secured an additional $7.8 million in funding, saving the program from a year of record-breaking budget cuts.

A Save Early Steps Google Map gave advocates a quick and easy way to show their support by entering their name and zip code. The map provided an effective visual tool for outreach with key decision makers in the legislature.

A Save Early Steps Facebook page was created to identify and mobilize advocates. Supporters were asked to share their testimonials on the Facebook Wall, which were adapted for use in campaign materials such as legislative postcards and reports.