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We spend four years working with @verainstitute to lift the ban on Pell Grants for people in prison - and we won. 
Here's how we did it:
Here's how we did it:
1.) Clearly defined the problem and solution.
Why should we lift the ban on Pell Grants?
Lifting the ban would improve safety within prisons, reduce recidivism, and save taxpayers money - all backed up with nonpartisan research.
Why should we lift the ban on Pell Grants?
Lifting the ban would improve safety within prisons, reduce recidivism, and save taxpayers money - all backed up with nonpartisan research.
2.) Focused on policy, not partisanship.
The issue of Pell Grants for incarcerated people was never defined as a Democrat or Republican cause. Thus, we were able to work with state legislators in red states like Tennessee and blue states like New Jersey to build momentum.
The issue of Pell Grants for incarcerated people was never defined as a Democrat or Republican cause. Thus, we were able to work with state legislators in red states like Tennessee and blue states like New Jersey to build momentum.
3.) Mobilized allies.
Vera proudly partnered with @ccf_ny, @DrugPolicyOrg, @prisonfellowshp, @unlockhighered and other nonprofits, as well as governors, district attorneys, college presidents, correction officials, and formerly incarcerated students to amplify the message -
Vera proudly partnered with @ccf_ny, @DrugPolicyOrg, @prisonfellowshp, @unlockhighered and other nonprofits, as well as governors, district attorneys, college presidents, correction officials, and formerly incarcerated students to amplify the message -
From in-person meetings on the Hill and Zoom calls, to letters and behind-the-scenes phone calls, to newspaper op-eds and social media influencer engagement, we ensured the members whose support we most needed heard from the right people at the exact right times.
4.) Developed a strategic inside/outside approach.
Lobbying on Capitol Hill guided our decisions about targets, messages, and timing. Direct advocacy informed which members of Congress needed “back home” attention. This guided our paid/earned media and influencer strategy.
Lobbying on Capitol Hill guided our decisions about targets, messages, and timing. Direct advocacy informed which members of Congress needed “back home” attention. This guided our paid/earned media and influencer strategy.
5.) Identified and focused on our champions.
It’s difficult to advance your issue in Congress without a champion (or, ideally, champions) in each chamber. We cultivated these champion relationships in both the House and the Senate, and it paid off.
It’s difficult to advance your issue in Congress without a champion (or, ideally, champions) in each chamber. We cultivated these champion relationships in both the House and the Senate, and it paid off.
Representatives @BobbyScott and @rosadelauro led efforts to lift the Pell ban in a Higher Ed Reauthorization and the Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations. While neither became law, they gave Rep. Scott leverage to include Pell reinstatment in the year-end spending bill.
It's not every day you win like this - and we are so thrilled that the ban has been lifted. The difference this will make in the lives of incarcerated and previously incarcerated people will be tremendous. https://www.mrss.com/lab/scoring-a-lasting-big-policy-win-as-the-trump-era-ended/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=newpost
