Changemaker: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol

The easy-to-understand guidebook that breaks down California’s legislative process into actionable steps with real world lessons on how to win legislative campaigns.

Front and back cover of Change Maker by Kristina Bas Hamilton
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Go behind the scenes with veteran lobbyist Kristina Bas Hamilton - Host of the Blueprint for California Advocates Podcast and Founder of KBH Advocacy.

Navigating the California legislative process can be frustrating and overwhelming. The path to creating policy change at the state level is long, complicated, and lined with logistical and political potholes.

Unless you live and breathe life at the state Capitol, chances are you don’t even know where to start.

That’s where Changemaker: An Insider’s Guide To Getting Sh*t Done At The California Capital comes in.

It’s a one-of-a-kind guide that demystifies California government and the legislative process into accessible, actionable steps to give you the confidence you need to win.

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Kristina Bas Hamilton speaking

Gain the confidence you need to:

Effectively lobby lawmakers to win votes.

Identify decision-makers and build alliances with key stakeholders.

Find the right lawmakers to champion your legislation.

Anticipate and prepare for opposition.

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Avoid the disappointment and frustration that comes with:

Wasting time and resources meeting with the wrong people at the wrong time.

Getting stymied by gatekeepers and blindsided by opposition.

Duplicating efforts and repeating past mistakes.

Getting passed over in favor of other interest groups.

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What Changemakers are saying

  • "Kristina Bas Hamilton is a fierce and indefatigable advocate for many Californians that would otherwise not have a voice in the halls of power. Her new book, Changemaker, is essential reading for any advocate who wants to impact state public policy. It is an honest and easy to understand guide to the basics of how to navigate the legislative process and pass a law in California."

    Bill Wong
    ★★★★★
    Award-winning political consultant and Amazon best-selling author of Better to Win

  • "Changemaker is the guidebook all lobbyists wish they had when first starting out. Kristina Bas Hamilton has created a unique and masterful compilation of the "do's and don'ts" of the California legislative process that will not only save advocates time and heartache but will set them up for success. Influencing public policy in the world's fifth-largest economy is a herculean task. Changemaker decodes an intricate and often overwhelming process into digestible, actionable steps, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring changemakers."

    Angie Wei
    ★★★★★
    Former Legislative Affairs Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom; former Chief of Staff, California Labor Federation

  • "Grassroots advocates pushing for legislative change often feel like David facing off against Goliath. For my fellow Davids, I highly recommend Changemaker by veteran labor lobbyist Kristina Bas Hamilton. An inside and practical take on how workers can win legislative campaigns, Changemaker boldly recognizes an unsavory truth: the legislative process is far too removed and intimidating for the vast majority of Californians. This means successful advocacy is elusive to those who need it the most. The book aspires to change this by demystifying the legislative process to make it more transparent and accessible."

    Kimberly Alvarenga
    ★★★★★
    Director, California Domestic Workers Coalition

  • "Changemaker spells out the recipe for success inside California’s Capitol: it’s the right mix of good planning, building strong relationships, empowering grassroots leaders, and keeping the faith that makes for an effective advocate. The Economic Security Project has partnered with Kristina Bas Hamilton to spearhead legislative strategy to put money directly in the pockets of Californians. Her life’s work has made a tangible difference in the lives of many. I hope this book finds its way to the next generation of young leaders who can continue the tough and necessary work of advocating for big, bold ideas through the state legislature."

    Natalie Foster
    ★★★★★

    Co-Founder of Economic Security Project & author of The Guarantee

  • "Not since my childhood days of School House Rock have I enjoyed such a clear, concise, and accessible explanation of the legislative process. Kristina Bas Hamilton is proof that “lobbying” need not be a dirty word and that there are good guys — and gals — out fighting the good fight for workers and progressive causes in our halls of power. Advocates everywhere should commend Kristina’s generosity in sharing 13 years of hard-won insider knowledge so others can win legislative victories without having to retain paid lobbyists such as herself. Her passion for equity and justice shines through every helpful page."

    Libby Schaaf
    ★★★★★
    50th Mayor of Oakland & Lecturer at the Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley

  • "Understanding how to navigate the legislative process is essential for those of us working for justice in California. The process is ripe with opportunities for impacted community members to become active leaders. Kristina Bas Hamilton strikes at the core of this activism with this amazing and powerful book. Every advocate, activist, or community member involved in policy efforts and campaigns should have this book in their toolkit."

    Victor Narro
    ★★★★★
    UCLA Law Professor, Author, and Workers Rights Activist

  • "If I have learned anything in over 20 years in California politics, it may be that if you want to propel new voices and policies onto the stage, what actually works is to offer proactive, practical guidance that is at once cautionary and empowering in its revelations of institutional truths. It’s a tricky maneuver that Kristina Bas Hamilton executes with elegance and power. I can just as enthusiastically imagine having Changemaker translated into five languages for rank-and-file union members as passing it along to a Board Member seeking to develop a technical bill, as recommending it to future candidates trying to orient themselves to the Legislature as an institution."

    Susannah Delano
    ★★★★★
    Executive Director, Close the Gap California

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Your Chapter-By-Chapter Guide to Change

California’s legislative process is lengthy, complicated, and highly nuanced. Now, with guidance from a veteran lobbyist who has been there, done that, and made sh!t happen, the process and players are demystified once and for all. 

Kristina Bas Hamilton speaking

Chapter 1:

Quick Overview of the California Government

Consider this your crash course in who does what in Sacramento. In this chapter, you’ll learn how state government is organized, the landscape of decision-makers, and the various levers of power.

Chapter 2:

Thinking Through Your Proposal

You already know that changes need to happen. Now, you’ll learn how to transform your frustrations into an actionable policy proposal and, more importantly, how to get your proposal in front of influential policymakers.

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Chapter 3:

Building Support for Your Proposal

An idea is only as strong as the people behind it. Once your proposal is on paper, you can start generating momentum for your campaign by sharing your ideas in a way that inspires others, forges connections, and elevates local voices.

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Chapter 4:

The Legislative Process

From proposals to amendments and final Floor votes, Changemaker guides you through the legislative process from start to finish. So, you’ll know precisely how to tackle your goals beginning on day one.

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Chapter 5:

Lobbying Your Legislation

Your sponsored legislation has gained momentum and has been introduced to legislators. Now, what? Changemaker teaches you how to lobby for your interests in a way that actually gets the job done.

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