Lobbying Basics - Lobby your Legislators
Lobbying Basics - Lobby your Legislators Lobbying is influencing legislation or public policy. It can be done by phone, letter, e-mail, fax, a personal visit, or by giving testimony at a hearing. To get lawmakers to vote our way, we must generate public support for our position- we know that the anti-choice lobby will be out there as well. The more pro-choice people we get to speak out, the greater pressure there will be on our legislators to vote pro-choice. Things to keep in Mind: Mobilization of the grassroots equals POWER. While money influences politicians now more than ever, they still recognize the importance of support from voters who live in their district. As a constituent, you are the most effective lobbyist because it is your legislator’s job to represent YOU. Power also comes from good, solid information presented in an honest way. Legislators count on lobbyists to educate them about issues on which they are not experts. Being right never ensures success. Power from #1 (grassroots support) and #2 (easily accessible facts) must be combined for a victory. In the state legislature, more than 500 bills are considered in every January-May session. If your legislator seems preoccupied, it's because he or she is. Most legislators will return phone calls promptly, but because of their overwhelming work load, some will listen to your detailed voice mail and call you back only if they have additional questions. The majority rules, so to pass (or defeat) a bill, we need 33 House votes and 18 Senate votes. Our opposition is tenacious, so we must always be prepared. Even if we lose, despite our best efforts, we succeeded in starting an important public education campaign ... we'll be more prepared for the next time! Relax and enjoy your lobbying experience! Some Dos and Don’ts for Lobbying Your Legislator: 1. Do know as much as possible about the person you are trying to influence – party affiliation, committee assignments, and position on the in issues, and information about his or her district. Is it urban or rural? Is there a hot issue in the district that bears on the issue that you are addressing? Are the constituents of the district disposed for or against the issue you are addressing? 2. Do know the facts. Present the NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado position and be able to answer arguments against it. Let the legislator present his or her viewpoint fully. Be a good listener – don’t interrupt. 3. Do confine your conversation as much as possible to the measure(s) you are discussing. 4. Do avoid any prolonged or controversial argument. This is likely to confirm the legislator with his/her own opinions. Don’t try to pin the legislator into a corner, leave room for the legislator to change position on the issue later. 5. Do leave the legislator with a friendly feeling, even though you may disagree. Say you are sorry you can’t agree and do not emphasize the difference of opinion. You will want to talk in the future. 6. Do be sure to express your appreciation for any support the legislator has demonstrated to the pro-choice position in the past. 7. Don’t be afraid to admit ignorance. Say you will find the answer and report back, and be sure to do so. This is a great opportunity for follow-up with your legislator. 8. If possible, don’t permit a legislator to commit definitely against your position. It’s better to leave the representative undecided than committed against you. Someone else may be able to convince him/her. 9. Don’t give up if you lose the first time. Many meaningful bills are only passed after 3 or 4 sessions of educating lawmakers on the merits of the issue.
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