How To Lobby
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Transcript of How To Lobby
How To Lobby
Yorrk Chapter Day Inside the Beltway Visit • May 13, 2009
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Overview
• Logistics for visits with elected officials
• What to expect
• How to conduct a meeting
• Summary of issues to be discussed during Hill visits
• Tips and tactics from congressional staff
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Capitol Hill Logistics
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How to Lobby Your Member of Congress (MOC)
Select a meeting leader to provide:Select a meeting leader to provide:
• Group introduction
• SHRM introduction
• Issue introduction
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How to Lobby
Issues to Cover in the Senate:Issues to Cover in the Senate:
1. Workplace Flexibility
Issues to Cover in the House:Issues to Cover in the House:
1. Employment verification
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How to Lobby
Employment Verification: Key PointsEmployment Verification: Key Points
• Fixing the federal employment verification system by establishing a reliable and efficient state-of-the-art electronic system is the only way to guarantee a legal workforce
• H.R. 2028 provides a new, user-friendly electronic employment verification system by replacing the current paper-based and error-prone method of verifying employment eligibility
• SHRM encourages members of the House to cosponsor H.R. 2028, the New Employee Verification Act
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Workplace Flexibility: Key PointsWorkplace Flexibility: Key Points
• SHRM opposes the Healthy Families Act because it represents an unworkable, one-size-fits-all mandate
• SHRM believes employers should offer voluntary paid sick leave, but employers are best situated to know the benefit preferences of their workforce
• SHRM welcomes dialogue and debate on a workplace flexibility policy for the 21st Century
How to Lobby
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Your AdvantagesYour Advantages
• You are the expert
• Only 2 out of 535 Members of Congress have an HR background
• You deal with these issues on a daily basis, and understand their real world implications
• You are their constituent, and represent employers throughout the state
How to Lobby
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Remember you are representing SHRM and your organization
Clearly explain what impact the proposed issues will have on your workplace
Use workplace experiences that relate to the issue – tell your personal story
State your position
Ask official/staff to state their position on the issue
How to Lobby
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Thank them for their time and offer to be a resource
Leave supporting documents
Leave a business card and ask for the staff member’s business card
Follow up – send a thank you note that reiterates your position
Maintain the relationship you just created
How to Lobby
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Questions
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Recardo GibsonRecardo GibsonMember Advocacy Member Advocacy
SpecialistSpecialistSHRMSHRM
[email protected]@shrm.org
703-535-6091