How to Lobby Your Legislator

[Guest guest]

From: We have been told that there have been some political threats

made to (house) members and it is hurting the bill (HB0956). I have

instructions on how to lobby a legislator. If you have any questions

please feel free to contact me at: 615-741-7462.

Thank you

How to Lobby Your Legislator

Lobbying to convince any individual of the merits of your position

requires an understanding of the rationale that supports that belief.

Your goal is not to threaten or antagonize, but to influence on the

basis of your knowledge and understanding of the issues. Be Prepared -

Before You Lobby, Do Your Homework.

Know Yourself Be aware of your own personal prejudices or

biases. Such knowledge will enable you to maintain objectivity by

anticipating your own response in a given situation.

Know Your Organization If you are speaking on its behalf you will want

to be a credible representative. Be fully aware of your

organization's positions and their development as well as the

relationship it maintains with other organizations and with the

legislature.

Know Your LegislatorMake an attempt to understand the basis for

his/her positions: *record on related legislation and/or votes (be

aware of any prior favorable commitment to your cause/party),

position, and tenure in legislative and political power structure;

* constituent pressures;

* general predispositions;

* what kind of personal interview will be most effective (sensitivity

to legislative attitudes about approach is essential).

Your appearance as an objective individual, able to deal

sympathetically with the concerns of both sides, will be enhanced.

Know Your Issue Phrase the argument in your own words.

Don't be surprised if it appears you are more knowledgeable than the

individual you are lobbying. No one can be expected to address every

question or matter of concern regarding an issue, however, so don't

hesitate to admit your lack of knowledge on a particular point. Be

willing to pursue the answer and report back.

Know Your Opposition

It is preferable to anticipate the opposition and answer their

arguments positively before those arguments surface publicly. Some

DOs and DON'Ts for Lobbyists DO Address your Senator or Representative

properly.

Identify yourself immediately at each contact. Public officials meet

too many people to remember everyone. Know the status of the

legislation.

Refer to a bill by number whenever possible. Use your own words. Be

brief and explicit, courteous and reasonable. Establish your own

credentials or expertise on the subject of legislation under

consideration.

Give legislators succinct, easy to read literature; highlight

important facts and arguments. Their time is limited. Write the chair

or members of a committee holding hearings on legislation in which

you are interested if you have facts that you think should influence

his or her thinking.

Get to know legislative staff and treat them courteously. Their

cooperation can make or break your chances to reach the legislators

themselves. Always keep off-the-record comments confidential.

Write to say you approve, not just to criticize or oppose. In a

letter include your address and sign your name legibly. Keep the door

open for further discussion in spite of any apparently negative

attitudes.

DON'T Don't begin, " As a citizen and tax payer " (your elected

representative assumes you are not an alien, and s/he knows we all

pay taxes). Don't apologize for taking his or her time. If

you are brief and to the point s/he will be glad to hear from you.

Don't be arrogant, condescending or threatening toward legislators or

their staff. Don't argue or back recalcitrant legislators into

a corner where they take a definite position against you. Don't make

notes of a conversation while talking to a legislator. Don't send

copies or form letters unless you have taken the time to

include a personal note.

The qualifications for an effective lobbyist include: an intelligent

command of current issues; a commitment to the cause, tempered by a

tolerance for the human weaknesses of both colleagues and elected

officials; enthusiasm and sincerity; and a sense of humor, genuine

liking of people, and ability to roll with the punches.

Effective Individual Communication Your maximum influence comes in

addressing your comments directly to your own legislator.

The Personal Visit

Perhaps the most effective method of transmitting your message, a

personal visit allows both of you to connect names with faces. In

communication afterward, you will have established yourself as a

known concerned constituent.

If your legislator is holding a hearing or workshop, try to attend.

It is a good time to meet your legislator informally.

If your representative is not available, ask to meet the legislative

assistant. S/he can generally be expected to be at least as well

informed as your representative, and may have more influence than you

suspect.

The Telephone

The telephone can be an effective tool. Remind the legislator of any

previous contact. If the member is not available, speak with the

legislative assistant.

Modified 2/13/96, 12/31/98, 7/18/99. 8/28/01