Advocates for Ohio’s Future

Lobbying 101: Becoming an effective Citizen

Lobbyist

Overview

1. One-on-one visits2. Where do I go for help

with…?3. General do’s and don’ts4. How you can help

Form Faxes

Comments on Social Media Sites

Postcards

Form Email Messages

Form Postal Letters

Individualized Faxes

News Editorial Endorsement of an Issue

Visit from Lobbyist

Comments During a Telephone Town Hall

Phone Calls

Individualized Email Messages

Individualized Postal Letters

Contact from a Constituent Who Represents Other Constituents

In-Person Issue Visits from Constituents

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

0%

1%

1%

1%

1%

8%

10%

8%

17%

14%

19%

20%

36%

46%

30%

41%

44%

50%

53%

62%

65%

74%

68%

72%

69%

70%

60%

51%

A Lot of Positive Influence Some Influence

Constituents and their representatives often have more influence than they realize.

If your Member/Senator has not already arrived at a firm decision on an issue, how much influence might the following advocacy strategies directed to the Washington Office have on his/her decision?

Source: Congressional Management Foundation

One-on-One Meetings• Meeting face-to-face with

legislator or staff is most effective advocacy tool

• Not an imposition• Opportunity for both

parties – legislators depend on you

• 4 easy steps

Step 1Arranging the Visit• Schedule 2-3 weeks ahead• Ask for 30 minutes; expect

10• Explain reason for visit• Meeting with staff good

alternative• Confirm visit by letter or

email

Step 2Preparing for the

Visit• Group visits: United front• Facts and figures in

moderation• Research the legislator• Information packet

Step 3During the Visit

• Arrive a little early• Be positive and friendly• Stick to your message• Make no assumptions• Take notes• Collect staff contact information• KISS• Control the conversation

MessagingEffective Message Communication• Open climate• Point to common ground• Present message• Frame issues on your terms• Take a position• Support your position• Apply request to local needs

MessagingEffective Message Communication• Make a specific request• Seek commitment• Be responsive to questions• Don’t overreact• Seek compromise• Don’t overstay welcome• Opportunity for follow-up

Outline/Scriptfor Legislative Visit

• Introductions (“I live in your district”)• Personal connection: (“Thank you for

supporting…”)• AOF/organizational “elevator speech”• Short story to illustrate the need• The problem• The ask (“Will you support/oppose…”)• Discussion – remember to listen!• Follow-up

Step 4Following the Visit• Debrief as a group• Follow-up increases effectiveness• Thank-you note

Where Do I Go for Helpwith . . . ?

• Finding out who my legislators are? www.house.state.oh.us www.ohiosenate.gov

• Finding proposed laws? www.legislature.state.oh.us

• Finding AOF materials? www.advocatesforohio.org/resources

Do’s and Don’ts

Check Out Lobbying Do’s and Don’ts Here:

http://www.advocatesforohio.org/perch/resources/LobbyingDoDont.pdf

How You Can Help• Set up a meeting with one of your

lawmakers before the end of Mar.

Ask Them:• Can we count on you to stand up

for health, human services, safety net services and early care & education in your Caucus?

Share this map• highlight the

growing need in your county and in Ohio

http://www.advocatesforohio.org/perch/resources/PovertyMap.pdf

Follow Up With Your Lawmaker

• Don’t forget to send a Thank You note!

Let us know: • how your meetings went • who you visited with• Report Back Survey: https://

docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHFYQTNNMVJ5Vm9mVi04M081N1lkVWc6MQ

Follow Up With AOF

Contact Us Advocates for Ohio’s Future

www.advocatesforohio.org510 East Mound Street, Suite 200

Columbus, OH 43215Fax: (614) 228-5150

Will PetrikOutreach Director

wpetrik@advocatesforohio.org

614-602-2464

Scott BrittonCoordinator

sbritton@advocatesforohio.org

614-602-2463