A Dozen Effective Tips for Lobbying
-
Always make an appointment to visit your legislator.
-
Identify yourself and/or the organization you represent, always mentioning the
number of members or constituents in the organization.
- Make
sure you inform the legislator that you are a registered voter in his/her
district. (However, Committee
Chairs represent your special interests, therefore you do not have to live in
their districts.)
- If
lobbying with a group, one or two persons should speak on behalf of the group.
-
Always prepare and present two or three points.
Leave supporting documents with the legislator.
- Get
your point across in the fewest possible words.
Do not use jargon or rhetoric make it a conversation or short discussion.
- Give
the legislator a chance to express his/her point of view and be a good listener.
- Don’t
be afraid to admit ignorance on special points.
This will give you an opportunity to find the answer and contact the legislator
again.
- Do
not argue, name call, or threaten.
Leave that to the opposition.
- Give
special recognition to the legislators who are known to be on your side, and ask
them for advice and help in reaching other legislators.
- Even
if you are turned down, leave on a friendly note, with a firm handshake.
- Send
a letter immediately, thanking the legislator for his/her time and enclose
information on your affiliate or the issues you discussed.
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