TEN TOOLS
FOR THE CITIZEN LOBBYIST
by Bryan A. Harrison
You can't change the world. But you can change the facts. And if you can change the facts, you can change points of view. And if you can change points of view, you can change a vote. And if you can change a vote, you can change the world. Depeche Mode
Now more than ever, Americans are finding themselves in the somewhat novel role of "lobbying" their legislature to address their needs. Citizens are thrust into complex and heated debate over health care reform, education reform, taxes, the environment, and crime. Whether through frustration, desperation, or inspiration, self-interest or public-interest, the masses are rising up and speaking out.
The lobbyist, both citizen and professional, has existed nearly as long as democratic government itself. The term "lobbying" originates from the early practice of attempting to influence legislators in the lobby outside of the legislative chambers before a vote. Some have suggested that the participants of the Boston Tea Party may have been some of America's first lobbyists. Obviously, the practice and techniques of lobbying became more sophisticated as the issues became more complex and the influence of government grew. However, the principle role of the lobbyist has never changed: To inform legislators and ask for their support.
The function of any lobbyist or lobbying campaign is basically the same: Advocate, Educate, and Participate. With a little effort and planning any individual or organization can implement a lobbying campaign that will influence minds and deliver votes. Contrary to popular perception, lobbying does not need to be complicated or expensive. Much of lobbying is public relations and the attempt to influence options in the legislative and public arenas. The following are ten low-cost tools which can be utilized by the citizen lobbyist in almost any lobbying campaign.
1. Make a Call, Write a Letter
Although somewhat simple, this is a common method of registering your opinion with your legislator. In the short time it takes to write or call, your legislator is made aware of your concerns and is given the opportunity to respond. Most legislators keep detailed records of the number of calls and letters to their offices and monitor the growth of support or opposition to particular issues.
(Just a hint: massive postcard or form-letter mailings and scripted phone calls have little effect and are quickly disregarded as a programmed campaign. It is far more sincere and productive to put your feelings in your own words.)
2. Visit Their Office or Arrange a District Meeting
Face-to-face is by far the best way to communicate with your legislator. Call your legislator's office and ask to arrange a meeting. A visit not only shows your sincerity, but makes you a real person. It provides the opportunity for open dialogue and a chance for you to start building
Ed. Note: This article originally appeared in Businesship magazine. We thought it was so well written and informative that we contacted the author for permission to reprint it in its entirety. Mr. Harrison generously gave his permission. We have taken the liberty to add to his work in a couple of places to expand the scope beyond the business community for which the piece was originally produced. Those sections are printed in this unique font so you can identify where we added to his work. relationships.
Even better is to have the meeting somewhere besides the legislator's office. Although often difficult because of busy schedules, many legislators schedule time and welcome the opportunity for meetings in their district. This also removes the meeting from the formality of their office setting and brings the meeting to your turf. If you are a businessman, a meeting with a Board of Directors, a tour of your facility, or a talk over coffee can have great impact on your legislator. A similar setting could be arranged in your home with a small group of friends and neighbors invited.
3. Testify Before a Committee
Many people make the mistake of waiting until a bill is being voted on before contacting their legislator. This is too late. By the time a bill comes to the floor of the legislator for a vote, it has often spent months in committee being debated and amended. Most legislators have already decided how they will vote.
Shortly after a bill is introduced it is referred to a committee for consideration. This is the time to effect legislation. During the committee process, public hearings are held to allow testimony and input to be considered. Good lobbying at this point is critical. Your support or opposition to legislation is then on record and available to assist legislators.
A complete listing of all legislative committees is available from your legislator's office or most civic organizations with a government relations staff. Contact the committee chairperson or clerk of the committee you are interested in and ask to be added to the committee agenda, and be alerted when the committee will be accepting testimony. Often you can stop an issue from ever being voted on, or assure its passage, by your involvement in the committee process.
4. Invite Your Legislator To Speak to Your Organization
Most legislators will welcome the opportunity to speak publicly to groups. It provides the chance to raise their visibility and exchange ideas. This can be especially effective if it is during an election season or if the group is composed of individuals influential or active with a current or weighty issue.
5. Write a Letter to the Editor of Your Local Paper
In many committees, the letter to the editor page is one of the most read portions of the paper. This can be a very effective way of reaching the public with your views and concerns. Most legislators also read the editorial page and will notice your efforts.
In addition to letters to the editor, editorial endorsements from your paper carry remarkable weight. A meeting with the editor or editorial board of the paper can sometimes be just as productive in furthering your cause as a visit with your legislator.
6. Write an Article for Publication or Issue a Press Release
If the issue is complex or appeals to a certain segment of the population, consider submitting an article for publication to a newspaper, magazine or trade journal. This will help to alert others and inform them of your concerns. It will also help to raise the visibility and credibility of your cause or organization.
If you don't consider yourself a writer, you may consider a simple press release or contact with a reporter to spur interest. If your issue is timely or unique, chances are good of getting it in print.
7. Hold a News Conference
A news conference can be a very productive method of getting radio or television coverage. However, there are a few important things to remember in planning a news conference. Only use them to announce major events or issue significant statements or reports. It is hard enough to get coverage without "crying wolf." Misuse of the news conference will mean lost coverage in the long-run of a lobbying campaign.
Always have something visual if you want to attract television coverage. Charts, models or demonstrations will make it more attractive to the six o'clock news. Strategically time and locate the conference so it is convenient for reporters to attend and they have sufficient time to prepare the story for air. Keep it short and allow time for questions and answers. Be certain to make copies of any statements or charts available to the media.
8. Be a Guest on TV or Radio
Many TV and radio stations feature issue-oriented programming every day. They are constantly looking for interesting topics and guests for news stories, call-in shows, and editorials. Always mail your press releases to TV and radio studios. Many stations will follow up with a request for a statement or an interview.
9. Start a Government Relations Committee in Your Organization
If you belong to a business of size you may consider establishing a government relations committee within your organization. It will be this group's responsibility to establish priorities, monitor legislation, and lead your lobbying campaign. The members of this group should also be responsible for appearing at hearings and functions. Your group should eventually designate an individual to head this committee. This person must be given the consent of the group to negotiate if necessary. Over time this person should become visible as the "talking head" of your committee. It will usually be more realistic and productive to focus on one issue at a time, especially if your group consists of volunteers.
(A note of caution: If your committee becomes involved with buying lunches or contributing to campaigns or legislator's office funds, make sure that you register as a lobbyist with the Secretary of State Office and familiarize yourself with the legal reporting requirements and restrictions of such activities.)
10. Join An Organization
If you belong to a smaller company or group or want to increase your personal involvement in lobbying, you should explore the possibility of joining an organization that has a government relations committee. There is power in numbers and larger groups often have the luxury of a full-time staff person monitoring legislation and acting as your advocate. A quality organization will also focus on member education and provide ample opportunity for your involvement in the political process. For many, this is a wise investment.
In a government system based on citizen participation, citizens must become active and informed; not alienated and isolated. We must all familiarize ourselves with the concept of citizen advocacy as a vital part of our democracy. Becoming a citizen lobbyist is a step in that direction.
The 10 tips presented here are intentionally simple and unsophisticated. They are intended to encourage your participation and serve as a starting point. Obviously there is much more that a citizen, business or organization could do. As you become more adept and familiar with the practice of citizen lobbying, your techniques and strategies will evolve. However, these simple tools should always exist in the arsenal of every lobbyist. When used strategically on an ongoing basis, they will produce results.
Bryan A. Harrison works in the Michigan Legislature on the staff of State Majority Leader Dick Postumus. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. His interest and commitment to citizen participation in the democratic process is evident in his personal and professional life. He is a coordinator of Close-Up Lansing, a West-Michigan based program that introduces nearly 1,000 high school students a year to state government. In addition, he is the Director of Legislative Explorers, a young adult co-ed program dedicated to the bi-partisan presentation of the legislation process. Mr. Harrison is also active in voter registration as a Deputy Registrar in Kent County.
Note: On October 8, 1992 Governor John Engler signed Public Act 216 of 1992, Enrolled House Bill 5148, into law. That bill was the first legislation to pass since 1984 dealing with obscenity in Michigan. The amended law became effective on April 1, 1993.
Prepared by:
Michigan Decency Action Council
4521 Broadmoor SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616)698-6553
FAX 698-7131
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