How to Effectively Lobby an Elected Official or Legislator
Citizens may feel it is a waste of time to contact elected leaders, because their minds are made up already. But on most issues, legislators try hard to determine the desires and leanings of their constituency before they vote. Politicians worry about being re-elected, and know that the happier their constituency, the more likely their own re-election. If you want your leaders to hear you, follow a few unwritten rules.
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Instructions
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All elected officials are "counters" -- all pay attention to the numbers of voters in their districts who are pro or con any issue. Any legislator knows that if a constituent is willing to write a letter or call, it's very likely he votes, too!
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Among several ways a constituent delivers a concern, these are the most effective: personal visit; letter; telephone call; email. Most legislators probably place more emphasis on the "counts" from visits than from emails. That's why professional lobbyists make face-to-face contacts.
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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. You may just get it.
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Call for an appointment if you want to make a personal visit. 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 likely you'll be given an appointment with a key staffer, who will probably give you five, 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; if you represent a group of folks who share your feelings, make that point, too, but never in a threatening manner. Always thank them for listening, and ask that they share your thoughts with the legislator. Ask for their cards, and when you get home, send thank-you notes.
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Make the most of a phone 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. Many times, no staffers will be available, so ask if there's a better time to call. If the receptionist offers to have a staffer return your call, all the better. When you do speak with a staffer, know that five or 10 minutes is all you can expect -- but ask if there's any additional information you might be able to provide. If you had a good experience, make sure you get the staffer's name, and next time, ask for her.
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Make the most of a letter. If you choose to send a letter, a few things that will assure its impact: Keep it to one page. This is an absolute; if you need to say more, make a call or a personal visit. Start by thanking the legislator for his good service. 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. End with appreciation for the opportunity of discussing this important issue, and looking forward to the legislator's support. Don't forget that it is always in good taste to address your letter to The Honorable Senator X.
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Make the most of an email: Emails are on the bottom rung of the value ladder because they are so easy. Essentially, they are cheap contacts. If all you want is to be counted on an issue, emails are fine. But if you want greater impact, choose a different method. Procedurally, an email is just like a letter, without the impact.
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Turn a negative to a positive. If a legislator intends to support an issue, he 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 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 could handle the tough issues".
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Tips & Warnings
Always thank a legislator for "his consideration," if not support.
Always, in writing, address a legislator as, "The Honorable."
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 backup.
References
Resources
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