How to Become a Lobbyist in Alabama
A lobbyist is a paid activist who represents companies, groups or individuals requiring the assistance of politicians to achieve a change in law or obtain governmental support for a project or an ideal. To become a lobbyist, you need expert knowledge in a particular field, a good education and a strong knowledge of politics, particularly the positions of the Alabama politicians on various issues.
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Things You'll Need
- High school diploma
- Post-secondary qualification
- Information on Alabama issues
Instructions
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Obtain a degree in law, political science or public relations from a recognized Alabama education institution. If you are interested in lobbying for a particular issue or cause, obtain an educational or professional qualification in your area of interest.
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Take a course in public relations. Many lobbyists begin by joining a lobbying firm, which is a particular type of public relations company that works to influence legislators in favor of the special interests of their clients.
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Familiarize yourself with the issues in your area of interest. For example, if you are passionate about the environment, learn everything you can about the problems in Alabama and how politicians can play a role to help resolve situations. The Birmingham area in Alabama recently suffered under weakened legislation around pollutants from smoke stacks, according to the Alabama Environmental Council, and a new ruling from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen this may have been facilitated by lobbying.
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Take the mandatory training courses offered by the Alabama Ethics Commission for lobbyists. All lobbyists in the state are required to register with the commission, complete four mandatory courses and abide by the commission’s code of ethics.
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Network with as many Alabama business people and politicians as you can. Having a broad network of contacts is critically important for a lobbyist and will help you to source potential business appointments, as well as know who to target for assistance with the causes you represent.
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Approach Alabama nonprofit organizations that work in the field in which you are interested and volunteer your assistance. Once you are familiar with their cause, you can get experience by doing voluntary lobbying for them. This will also help you to build up your confidence, as well as your political network.
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Set up a profile on LinkedIn. As the premier business networking site for U.S. residents, the platform provides the opportunity to get introductions to business people and politicians all over the country. You can also join discussion groups on individual causes, as well as a group on lobbying that has more than 3,000 members.
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Join organizations, such as the American League of Lobbyists. The nonprofit organization offers a certification program that is recognized across the country, networking with other lobbyists and a code of ethics that will help give you credibility as a member.
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References
- My Pursuit: How to become a Lobbyist
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition: Advertising and Public Relations Services; December 2009
- Alabama Environmental Council: EPA Rule Rejects More Pollution from Smokestacks in Alabama
- Alabama Ethics Commission: Forms and FAQs: Lobbyist Registration
- businessballs.com: Business Networking
- Linked In: JobsinLobbying.com - Find Lobbyist, Government Relations
Resources
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