Lobbying Tips

Lobbying
Many people feel intimidated by the word "lobbying." Lobbying a state official merely means you make a phone call, write a letter, or arrange a meeting with an official or their staff. You provide them with background information and materials on an issue and you persuade that individual to act or vote in a certain manner. You may also try to get other members of your community to let the official know their views on an issue or persuade your local newspaper to write an editorial on an issue of concern to you. All of these actions can be considered lobbying.

If you work for a 501(c)(3) organization, your lobbying activities are limited, but you can still call, write or meet with these officials. You can provide them with copies of studies and reports or case-by-case examples that will help educate them. This activity is just as important as asking them to vote yes or no on an issue.

The Importance of Making These Contacts
State officials spend a lot of time and money to measure public opinion in their districts. They host town meetings, conduct polls, and assign staff to clip the local newspapers. They will read and respond to editorials, send you information about major initiatives, and respond to most letters and calls they receive. Even more importantly, state officials, or their staffs, will make time to meet with constituents.

Most officials emphasize constituent contact because it helps direct their voting behavior. They want to know who supports an issue, how many support the issue, why they support it and how it will impact the district.

Tips for Visiting State Officials
State officials have offices in both the state capital and local communities. To find the address and telephone number of the local office, check your telephone book under state government listings. Once you reach the number, ask for your legislator's office; you can ask for information about the local office.

Visits to your state legislator or their staff can be done at either office. The best time to visit is when they are in the district office, rather than in the state capital. If the legislator is not in the home district when you need to visit, and you cannot make it to the state capital, then arrange a visit with the senior staff person in the local office.

Planning Your Meeting
When you call for an appointment, ask to speak to the scheduler or appointment secretary. Be specific about your reason for wanting the appointment so the person with whom you meet is familiar with your issue. If you are asked your position on the issue, tell them. It is better they know ahead of time what to expect.

Keep your request for time brief. Fifteen minutes is a long time to discuss your views. Your respect for their time will be appreciated and remembered the next time you want access.

Depending on the issue, consider bringing with you someone who is known to that office (someone who regularly works with that office, an important supporter or contributor, a religious ally). If you bring someone, tell the office in advance. If it is someone they know, it may help ensure you see the legislator her/himself or a senior staff person. Meet ahead of time and plan what points you want to convey and how to split the time.

During The Visit
Unless you have made previous arrangements, don't assume you will speak directly with the state legislator. Meeting with staff is not a sign you're "getting blown off.' A majority of the information legislators rely on comes from the staff. If a staff person sees things your way you have been successful.

Present yourself and your views in a respectful, dignified manner. Dress appropriately, as if you are going to a business appointment. If you have written background materials or talking points bring them with you and leave a copy. Be direct and concise. Know what you want the legislator to do (cosponsor, vote for/against) and present your views clearly.

If your legislator has a bad voting record on your issue or if the legislator or staff makes comments that offend you, keep a cool head. In some offices all you may achieve the first time is a civil exchange of opinions, but if you handle yourself well you can begin to establish a working relationship with the office.

Whenever possible, demonstrate that you speak for other voters in your legislator's district. Back up your claim with petitions and letters. Let her/him know that you intend to communicate about your visit through newsletters, political events, etc.

If your legislator has a good or excellent record of support -- THANK THEM! Our friends need to know we are aware of their support and that it is appreciated. After the visit, send a letter thanking the legislator or the staff member with whom you met for the time they took to visit with you. Summarize the discussion you had and if you asked for specific action, reiterate your request.

Tips for Letter Writing
Individuals need to stay in written contact with their state officials. These officials use letters as one way to measure public opinion in their district. Their offices count the pieces of mail FOR and AGAINST every issue.

In Your Letter

• Make sure your legislator knows you are her/his constituent.
• Cover one subject per letter; write more than one letter if you have multiple issues.
• If a bill number can identify the issue, include it. Describe the legislation and how it affects you. If you know the position taken by your legislative representative, include it. This demonstrates to the legislator that you are serious and are keeping a close watch on the progress of the bill.

Selling Your Position

• State your position and exactly what you want the legislator to do in your first paragraph. Be brief and concise. You can send background materials or talking points with the letter. Type or write clearly.
• Give reasons for your position. Remember, you are essentially trying to sell your idea or position on an issue to the legislator.
• Avoid deeply emotional demands or threats. Legislators do want to know how a bill or proposal will affect the lives of their constituents. Tell your own experiences.
• Follow up: Request a reply. You are more likely to receive a reply if you ask.

Follow Up.
When you receive a reply from the legislator informing you that she/he supports the position you have advocated, write back and thank her/him.

• If you receive a reply that informs you of an intent to vote in opposition to your position, write and explain your position again. Don't let her/him off the hook.
• Address your letter:

[Example: CA State Senator]

The Honorable___________________ State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Senator_____________________:

REMEMBER-THE ONLY EFFECTIVE LETTER IS ONE WHICH IS WRITTEN AND MAILED!
Tips for Hosting a "Letter-Writing" Party
One effective method to solicit multiple letters from our community is to host a letter-writing party. The par-ties can be hosted by individuals or organizations, and can be as large or small and as formal or informal as the host wants. The goal is to make it easy for individuals to write.

Inviting Your Guest and Being Prepared

• Invite more people than you want to attend since there are always no-shows. If you invite guests to a formal letter-writing party, let them know. Don't surprise them.
• Have sample letters and information on legislation available for use by your guests.
• Have plenty of paper, pens and envelopes on hand, and make sure there are places where guests can write comfortably. You may want to separate the areas used for letter writing and socializing. Having stamps on hand tells guests their letter is being sent out right away.

Other Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Your goal is to generate mail. At an informal party, you may need to make more of an effort to get people to sit down and write their letters.
• Follow up! Be sure to thank your guests for their time. Let lobbying organizations know you held the party because that information is important for their work.

Tips for Contacting Your Legislator by Phone Legislators also count phone calls that are either FOR or AGAINST an issue. Phone calls to a legislative office are most useful when a vote has been scheduled and there isn't time to write or visit the office.

Making The Call

• Expect office staff will receive the call. If you ask for information about the legislator's position, expect you will either receive a letter in the mail or a return call.
• If you call to register an opinion, you can expect staff to record your call on paper, take your name and address to verify your residence in the district and give a summary of your call to the appropriate staff per-son.
• If you are calling to request information about the legislator's position, your call will likely be transferred to the staff person in charge of the issue. She/he will be able to discuss in detail the legislator's position and the current status of pending legislation.
• Cover one subject per call. Different staffers handle different issues for the legislator.
• Make sure the staff person who speaks with you knows you live in the legislator's district. Be sure to pro-vide the staff member with your name and address for follow-up.

Selling Your Position

1. If there is a pending vote, your phone call should be short and simple: "I support HR 1430, the Civil Rights Act of 1997 and I urge Assemblywoman Gonzales to vote for the legislation." The information will be recorded and forwarded to the appropriate staff person.
2. If the issue isn't pending, it is still important to be brief and concise in your conversation. Be prepared to state your position, what you want the legislator to do, and be ready to back up your position with one or two supporting arguments.

Follow-Up

1. If the staff person doesn't have an answer for you, ask them to speak with the legislator and get back to you, either by letter or phone.
2. When you receive a reply by phone, thank the staff person for getting back to you, even if the information is bad news.

This resource is provided by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Go to www.ngltf.org for more information.