How To Lobby

HOW TO LOBBY

Thinking about visiting a public official? Here are a few tips that will help you be a successful lobbyist. First and foremost, you don't have to be an expert to lobby your representatives. Your viewpoint is important and worth expressing. Never forget that democracy depends on citizens expressing their views.

1. Always be polite! Never be argumentative, call names or threaten.

2. Make an appointment. Don't be disappointed if your appointment is set up with a staff person. Legislators are busy and staff members pass the information they receive on to their bosses. Often, by developing a rapport with a staff member, you open an important line of communication to that office. If your meeting is to be with the legislator himself/herself, it will usually be specified.

3. Be on time. Identify yourself and the organization you represent. If you are a registered voter in the legislator's district, say so.

4. Present a clear message. If you are with a number of fellow lobbyists, choose one person to speak for your group. Get your point across in the fewest possible words. Say exactly what you want the policy maker to do--using your own words or the language prepared by your advocacy organization. If your issue involves legislation, cite the specific bill's name or number.

5. Use hard facts to support your arguments. Leave supporting documents whenever possible.

6. Be prepared for questions, even challenges. If a question throws you off balance because you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to admit it. Say you will research the matter and report back to them.

7. Be a good listener. Give the legislator or staff member a chance to express his/her point of view.

8. Give special recognition to legislators who are known to be on your side. Ask them for advice and help in reaching other legislators and suggestions for ways to communicate the issue to their colleagues.

9. If a legislator or staff member expresses opposition to your viewpoint, try to leave on a friendly note so you will have access to them in the future.

10. Be gracious. If your meeting was with a legislator, thank him/her for taking the time to listen to your point of view. If your meeting was with a staff member, thank him/her for communicating your viewpoint to their boss and ask for a written reply if you want one.

11. Never talk about legislators, staff members, political parties, or other individuals involved with your issue when you are in hallways or elevators before or after meetings. There are lots of operatives. They will know who you represent, but you won't know who they represent or what side they are on.

12. Follow up your visit with a thank-you letter. Restate your case briefly and provide any information you may have promised during your meeting. This gives you a second chance to make your point.

Always remember that the basic principle of effective lobbying is grassroots pressure. While it is important to see your legislators, lobbying is often ineffective without the help of large numbers of letters and telephone calls or faxes from people who live in the representive's district. Elected officials do pay attention to the opinions of those who elect them--letters really count!

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