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CNHEO understands that many state employees have restrictions on the types of activities in which you may participate. Although most people use the words interchangeably, it is important to understand the distinction between advocacy and lobbying. The legal definition of lobbying usually involves attempting to influence specific legislation, while advocacy covers a much broader range of activities that may or may not include lobbying.

For example, a group could picket or boycott a store in order to prevent the sale of a particular product. This action is considered advocacy and might cause the store to discontinue selling the product. However, if the effort is not successful, the group might then urge the city council to pass an ordinance that prohibits the sale of the product. That action would be considered lobbying because it involves directly influencing legislation. Lobbying refers specifically to advocacy efforts that attempt to influence legislation. This distinction is helpful to keep in mind because it means that laws limiting lobbying might not govern other advocacy activities. While many equate the two, most advocacy is not lobbying.

CNHEO encourages its members to engage in advocacy activities that are permissible according to applicable state regulations. As you are in an excellent position to know what policies work and what policies need improvement, you can make a case for improving the public health system. Policymakers respect your input because your solutions are based on experience in the field.