On September 10th and 11th, members of the California Chapter Board, District Legislative representatives, and other interested members met in Sacramento to establish the framework for APLD-CA’s engagement of legislative issues and processes. APLD leaders from across the state engaged in presentations and discussions from industry partners and successful political organizations on how to strategize, mobilize, and have our message heard in the state legislature. This was the culmination of many years of work, a historic moment for the California Chapter.
The conference opened with a presentation from Stephanie Landregan, FASLA. Her presentation, Affecting Legislation before it Affects You! emphasized that our representatives rely on their constituents to educate and inform them. They cannot be aware of prevailing issues unless they are informed by others. So what is the position that you want your legislator to hear? Yours or someone else’s? We have a voice; advocacy is an effective and proven way to inform policy. We are the experts! Don’t be intimidated and don’t wait until there is a crisis. Now is the time to develop relationships with our legislators.
Next up was Kathy Dasilva of MOVI. She wowed attendees as she described the struggles, determination and successes of her grassroots campaign, ‘Yes on 49 Money Out, Voters In’. She embodied the belief that passion and commitment can affect change in our legislature and our society. Legislators do not create political will, they respond to it.
The first day of the conference concluded with a splendid evening social with local representatives of our sponsors, Sacramento district members, and conference participants. Guests strolled along the beautifully landscaped gardens of APLD National President-elect Colleen Hamilton’s 100 year-old home and property and enjoyed a true farm to table to farm meal.
The second day of the conference focused APLD’s legislative advocacy. Laura Kuhn, Past Advocacy Chair for APLD and Lisa Port, current National Advocacy Chair, addressed past and current efforts across the nation to protect our right to practice and the importance of developing strategic alliances in the landscape industry. Their support and training of chapter leaders and APLD members are key components for raising the standards for the landscape design profession and its members.
The morning concluded with a discussion with Larry Rolfes, Assistant Executive Director of CLCA, on the importance of creating our own language, coalition, and activism, to build the relationships in the government and to advance our goals. CLCA and APLD have similar interests and should continue to work together for mutual gains.
Before the lunch break, APLD Chapter board members Ramie Allard and Pamela Berstler rallied the troups before heading out to the Capitol to meet with our legislative representatives. During lunch, the group met with Kathleen Jacobson, Associate Landscape Architect with the California Department of General Services (DGS), the Department that manages landscapes at state facilities. Ms. Jacobson described actions DGS is taking to conserve water, especially during this drought, hoping to set the example for people throughout the State.
The group then traveled to the Capitol to meet with legislative staff to introduce ourselves and our organization, APLD, and to explain how we as professional landscape designers impact their constituents. Even though the meetings were brief, they listened attentively, offering advice and direction on how to move forward with our cause. We walked away feeling empowered. We can do this!
The conference was possible due to the relentless dedication and drive of Cheryl Buckwalter, APLD-CA legislative chairperson. Thank you, Cheryl. Your district legislative representatives are actively preparing the next steps. Engage.
We are the experts! Don’t be intimidated and don’t wait until there is a crisis.
– Michelle Bellefeuille and Linda Middleton
To see more photos of this event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121745304@N07/sets/72157649349151771/
