A Top Ten Insider's Guide to Legislative Advocacy
As an experienced advocate, I’m frequently asked for
"how-to" tips on effective strategies for legislative and
congressional advocacy by folks who are not at the Capitol every day. Since
effective advocacy is a 12-month job, the following fits into the category of a
year-round homework assignment.
I trust you understand the value of speaking up on public policy matters which
concern and interest you. Responsible advocacy is the heartbeat of a representative
democracy. Remember....the root of advocacy is "voca"....the
voice! I welcome your feedback and hope you will share this with your volunteer
and professional colleagues.
1. Don't be a stranger to your elected officials and their staff members. The
most persuasive messages come from familiar faces. Know them by name, and make
sure they know you by name. Anonymity is the antithesis of effectiveness.
Invite officials to your community partnership programs for conversations and
photos. When it comes to creating a positive impression....Seeing is Believing.
2. Introduce yourself at every opportunity. Always have business cards with you
and hand them out like candy at Halloween -- always have extras. Ask for cards
from others and send them an acknowledgement note or e-mail within a day or two
of the meeting.
3. Always say "thank you" before you say "please." Even if
you disagree with your elected official's positions on some (or even most)
issues, they are more likely to listen to you if you've found some way to
praise them. If nothing else, thank them for the courage to be a public office
holder.
4. A well-written, brief thank you note is always appreciated. Remember,
officials get 25 complaints for every compliment. Like the wise hotel maitre 'd once taught me in my dining room waitering days, "Only two types of people respond well
to an honest compliment -- males and females."
5. The hometown connection is essential to help elected officials listen with
both ears. Concentrate on principles of policy, rather than too many specifics
which may change by the hour. Trust that your
"every day professional advocates" know the details; your job is to
set the stage with your elected officials and to pave the way for your allied
advocates at the Capitol. There's a real difference between lobbying and
advocacy. Lobbyists make it hard for elected officials to say
"No." Advocates make it easy for them to say "Yes."
Advocates do not need to be partisan, do not require a
PAC, and never resort to threats or retribution to be effective.
6. Always be concise and to the point. The issue or program you advocate should
to be compressed into a paragraph and a two-minute presentation. The key to
influence is not volume, but precision. Elected officials are not experts, but
don't want to be overwhelmed with your knowledge. Have them trust you as
someone to turn to for more details if they are needed. Sharpen your point and
it will make an impact.
7. Engage the media (or schmooze the newsies!!) who
have the power to send your message far and wide. An expert source and
passionate volunteer are golden to every reporter and editorial/opinion writer
-- but, be careful: they should not perceive you as seeking
"publicity." Once you're viewed as an accessible expert when they're
on deadline, you can pitch them ideas anytime. The media is an advocate's most
cost-effective megaphone.
8. Write Letters to the Editor. Submit guest op-ed columns, and encourage
allies to do the same. The opinion pages are read word-for-word by every public
official. It's where powerful people test the pulse of the thinking community.
You have their attention if your case is made in print. Never attack, always
attract. Be positive and persuasive, giving your readers a reason to care and
act on your behalf.
9. Advocacy requires the art of compromise….never expect it all. While we
strive for unanimity, we work for majority. There's a difference between
compromising principles (a no-no) and a healthy policy discussion. Long-term
relationships require understanding where everyone in coming from before you know where you’re going. Burned bridges are impossible to
cross, and antagonistic scars may never heal.
10. While there's strength in diversity, there's power in unity. Bring as many
diverse voices to your cause as possible, but reach a unifying message. Agree
on the important unifying goals and success will be achieved.
I welcome the opportunity to deliver a positive and persuasive set of messages
through speaking at conferences, conducting seminars, and facilitating
strategic planning "forwards" - I don't like the term
"retreats"!
"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the
world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Anthropologist
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jack.levine@comcast.net
www.advocacyresources.com