PCAR and the Pennsylvania network of rape crisis centers advocate for changes in federal and state legislation to further our mission to end sexual violence and advocate for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. Legislation is most effective when it is responsive to the realities of local communities and victims. The resources on these pages are intended to support rape crisis center staff and other partners in their policy advocacy efforts.
Lobbying, Advocacy, and Education
This resource provides an overview of allowable lobbying, advocacy, and educational activities when using public vs. private funds. The document is intended to clarify allowable activities for PA rape crisis center staff, drawing from laws and regulations that pertain to the political activities of nonprofit organizations. PCAR is grateful to its public policy committee for their review and partnership in developing this document.
Making the Most out of Meetings with Legislators
Local experiences and needs are the most important factors to consider in policymaking. This resource is intended to support PA rape crisis center staff in using their voices to affect policy change. More specifically, this resource provides tips and information for advocates to consider before, during, and after meetings with their representatives, senators, and legislative staff. We are grateful to the PCAR public policy committee and partners in the PA General Assembly for their time and insight in reviewing this content.
How a Bill Becomes a Law in Pennsylvania
This resource describes the general path that legislation takes in going from a bill to a law in Pennsylvania, including the ways PCAR and the network of rape crisis centers engage in that process. The primary audience is the PA network of rape crisis centers.
Glossary of Legislative Terms
This resource includes a glossary of legislative terms that appear in the guide, “Making the most out of your meetings with legislators.”
For training and technical assistance on policy advocacy, please contact Donna Greco, Policy Director: dgreco@pcar.org.
