ADVOCACY TIPS - Influencing Public Policy

The involvement of your members is vital to the success ofthe association’s grassroots efforts. Even more than any professional lobbyist, only you can give your legislators the most accurate picture about how the issues really affect you and your daily life. It is important to follow the fundamentals - such as the importance of truth, accurate listening, and setting realistic goals..

1. Get to know your Legislators.

2. One issue at a time.

3. Start with a letter or a phone call.

4. Know your issue and bring effective handouts.

5. Use personal anecdotes.

6. Offer solutions.

7. Build a relationship.

8. Act locally.

9. Timing.

10. Follow-up.

11. Attend Capitol Day.

12. Techniques.

13. Legislative Aides are Influential.

14. After the Meeting. .

15. Always Report Back.

16. Visit government in action.

17. Will You Be an Advocate? .

18. Stick with it.

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The Golden Rule - or - Common Sense Rules - Courtesy and Respect

  1. Be fair, realistic and reasonable.
  2. Kill them with kindness…start with a compliment.
  3. Introduce yourself.
  4. Address your legislator as "Representative" or "Senator"
  5. Make your appointment well in advance. Indicate the date you’ll visit and what you’d like to discuss. Be understanding if your legislator is in a committee hearing when you arrive. As the staff if they will walk you to the hearing room and ask the legislator to step outside to speak with you for a minute.
  6. Be honest. If you lose your credibility, you won’t get it back. That includes discussing the opposing view to yours.
  7. Be a good listener—don’t do all the talking; have a conversation.
  8. Don’t burn your bridges. Although you and your legislator may disagree over an issue, remain polite. Today’s opponent may be tomorrow’s ally. You may be on the same side of another issue in the future. It is doubtful that you will agree on all issues.

Issues

  1. One-two issues per meeting.
  2. Be brief. Don’t let the legislator or staffer side-track the meeting.
  3. Be prepared when you arrive. Know what you are going to say.
  4. Present your opinion, bolstered by facts, figures and a PERSONAL STORY.
  5. Know and understand opposing arguments. Be prepared to discuss them.
  6. Fifteen minutes (possibly 20) is a realistic expectation for your meeting. Do not be surprised if your meeting starts a bit late or is cut short or you are not able to speak directly to the Representative. Often, staff members meet with constituents—treat them in the same manner as you would the member.
  7. Never lie, never guess. Just say "I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you"…and then get back to them!
  8. Gently remind your representative that you’re a constituent and that you always vote.
  9. Be passionate (not emotional), and never leave in anger.

Closing

  1. Leave when your time is up. Don’t stay too long – they have very busy schedules.
  2. Ask for a commitment from the legislator to support your position-but do not apply pressure or be threatening.
  3. Have a short statement or fact sheet to leave behind; your issue will have a better chance of being remembered.
  4. Never end in harsh words or personal remarks. You will damage your credibility and perhaps end opportunity for further dialogue.