How to Effectively Lobby an Elected Official or Legislator

Many citizens feel it is a waste of time to contact their elected political leaders, because their minds are made up already. But on most issues, legislators try hard to determine the desire and leanings of their constituency before they make a vote. Every politician worries about being re-elected, and they know the happier their constituency, the more likely their own re-election. But, what's the best way to be heard by your congressmen, representatives, and elected officials? Here's an outline of what I've learned after 30+ years of lobbying activities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. All elected officials are "counters" - and they all pay attention to the numbers of voters in their districts who are pro or con any issue. BTW, any legislator knows that if a constituent is willing to write a letter or call, it's very likely that they vote too!

2. But which type of contact means more? In a descending order, I believe this is the order of value or importance a legislator places on the way a constituent delivers a concern: (1) a personal visit; (2) a letter; (3) a telephone call; and (4) last of all, an email. And yes, I think most legislators place more emphasis on the "counts" from visits than from emails. That's why professional lobbyists will ONLY make face-to-face contacts!

3. Recognize, that for most politicians, all this "counting" and gathering of needed information is done by staffers. Almost never, especially at the congressional level, will you be talking with the legislator on the phone, or if you just drop in the office. But the nature of the political game is such that all politicians must foster at least the impression of accessibility, and for some, this is an important component of their own view of job responsibility - so, if you really want a personal visit with your congressman or legislator, call and ask for an appointment, and you may just get it!

4. How to Make the Most of a Visit: If you want to make a personal visit, always call for an appointment - remember that for congressional visits, you don't have to go to D.C.; all members of Congress have local offices. Tell the receptionist briefly what you'd like to discuss and the times you'd be available. It's most likely you'll be given an appointment with a key staffer, who will probably give you 5, maybe 10 minutes - hopefully, they'll take notes; if they don't, that's a bad sign. If you think you have a significant perspective, emphasize it - and if you represent a group of folks who share your feelings, make that point too, but never do so in a threatening manner. Always thank them for listening, and ask that they share your thoughts with the legislator - ask for their card, and when you get home, send him/her a followup Thank-You note.

5. Making the Most of a Telephone Call: A call is almost as powerful, sometimes even more powerful, than a visit. Your prime goal is to speak with a staffer, so when the receptionist answers, request to speak with a staffer - the receptionist will understand that you are asking not to be made just a number on her tally sheet. Many times, no staffers will be available, so ask if there's a better time to call - and there should be. If the receptionist offers to have a staffer return your call, all the better. When you do speak with a staffer, know that 5 or 10 minutes is all the time you can expect - but ask if there's any additional info you might be able to provide, and they may say, "Yes". If you had a good experience, make sure you get their name and next time, ask for them.

6. Making the Most of a Letter: If you choose to send a letter, there are a few things that will assure its impact: (1) Keep it to one page! This is an absolute; if you feel you need to say more, make a call or a personal visit. (2) Make sure you start by thanking the legislator for his/her good service. (3) Make your point clearly, short and sweet, but offer to be available for more input, and don't be surprised if you get a call from a staffer. (4) End with appreciation for the opportunity of discussing this important issue, and looking forward to the legislator's support. (5) Don't forget that it is always in good taste to address your letter to, The Honorable Senator X.

7. Making the Most of an Email: Emails are on the bottom rung of the value ladder because they are so easy to do! Essentially, they are cheap contacts. If all you want is to be counted on an issue, emails are fine. But if you want a greater impact, choose a different contact method. Procedurally, an email is just like a letter, without the impact.

8. How to Respond to Negativity: If a legislator intends to support an issue, they, or the staffer, will be only too happy to tell you so immediately. However, if the response you hear is something like, "Well, this is a very complex issue for Senator X ...", your best response is, "Yes, we know that's true, and that's why we wanted to be sure he/she got a grass-roots perspective on it." Another good response is, "Well, that's exactly why we voted for Senator X, because we knew he/she could handle the tough issues".

Tips & Warnings

• Always thank a legislator for "their consideration", if not support
• Always, in writing, address a legislator as, "The Honorable" (w/o the quotes)
• Always save your most gracious attitude for the receptionist
• Always thank whomever assists you, both verbally and in writing afterward
• Always be yourself; legislators see far too many "professionals" each day!
• Never threaten a legislator
• Never lie to a legislator
• Never guess at, or exaggerate facts
• Never fail to provide requested back-up
• Never disappoint a legislator