How do I start the process of changing bf'ing legislation?

[Code Name Mama]

After a heated debate on Christmas with family about whether mothers "should be allowed to NIP without a cover," and then reading the article "Breastfeeding Legislation in the United States: A General Overview and Implications for Helping Mothers," which opened my eyes to the unfriendly bf'ing laws in my state, I want to take more action than what I have.

I would like to do something to change the breastfeeding laws in KS and MO (I have ties to both and our local AP group is in both states), but I do not have much experience in navigating the legislative process.

I do know that sometimes all it takes to change the status quo is a small group of concerned citizens, and I want to be the catalyst of change in my community.

Can anyone here assist me in getting the information and resources I need to start a campaign for breastfeeding-friendly legislation?

I would be most appreciative for some BTDT words of wisdom and assistance.

TY!!

[crunchy_mommy]

I have no experience with this but I just wanted to offer encouragement, I think it's awesome that you want to do this!!

I'd suggest checking in with your Tribal Area here on MDC as well as friends etc. and maybe contact a few local news stations to just begin raising awareness & forming a solid group, you'll be way more powerful as a group than by yourself!

[Code Name Mama]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy

I have no experience with this but I just wanted to offer encouragement, I think it's awesome that you want to do this!!

I'd suggest checking in with your Tribal Area here on MDC as well as friends etc. and maybe contact a few local news stations to just begin raising awareness & forming a solid group, you'll be way more powerful as a group than by yourself!

I'm involved in our local AP group - I don't know of anyone who isn't on here too , but I will check in FYT. TY for the suggestion!

TV stations are a good idea too, but I'm not sure what spin I'd put on it yet. I'd hate to get on the air and look like an idiot without having something organized!

[crunchy_mommy]

Originally Posted by MahnaMahna

TV stations are a good idea too, but I'm not sure what spin I'd put on it yet. I'd hate to get on the air and look like an idiot without having something organized!

I think you'd need to find someone (or several someones!) with a story. You know, a mom who was kicked out of a store for BF'ing in public, or a mom who was so put off by the legislation that she now totes bottles around instead, or something to that effect. But yeah, probably would help to have some sort of general plan first too

[boobs4milk]

make friends with your local politicians and if they aren't women, make friends with their wives. that's all it took for me to get some very staunchly conservative, bible-belt state congress people to support breastfeeding legislation both at home and in d.c. and all i did was write a few letters and address them to mr. congressman's wife. good luck!

[proudmomof4]

Originally Posted by boobs4milk

make friends with your local politicians and if they aren't women, make friends with their wives. that's all it took for me to get some very staunchly conservative, bible-belt state congress people to support breastfeeding legislation both at home and in d.c. and all i did was write a few letters and address them to mr. congressman's wife. good luck!

Isn't it funny how those things still work in the computer age? Maybe you could have Mr. Congressman's wife over for coffee and doughnuts - or join her bible study group or bridge club LOL!

Maybe getting to know your local LLL Leaders could help - even if they refrain from joining a "political campaign" as part of their organization they might be able to introduce you to a few more interested mothers in your area.

Good luck!