November 2012

services Strategic & Campaign Planning Facilitation Coalition Development Fundraising Communications Organizational Development Executive Coaching

My interest in politics

What we’re covering Understanding Politicians Cycle of Accountability The Lay of the Land Best Practices

Understanding politicians Poli = Many Tics =

How politicians View Themselves Smart Serving the Community Unselfish Objective Putting in ridiculous hours for low pay

Decision-making formula Values > Relationships > Information Unless Politics Trumps

Values Values

Relationships Family Caucus/Leadership Business Friendship Campaign Donor

Information Information matters on non-controversial, technical issues.

Legislators face . . .

Relationships > information Information shared by those with whom you have a relationship is far more likely to be listened to or acted upon.

Good News: Most of your issues are non-controversial and technical

Decision-making formula Values > Relationships > Information Unless Politics Trumps

When does politics trump? When it can change an election By moving large blocks of voters that matter By moving large amounts of money, that can be used to move voters on other issues.

Decision-making formula Values > Relationships > Information Unless Politics Trumps Or the Wildcard strikes

Your Wildcard Enemy?

Implications for NMTA Political Program? You are unlikely to build political power with a focus on changing election outcomes You can use candidate recruitment to increase the number of legislators who highly value boating You can maximize high-quality relationships with legislators, particularly those on relevant committees.

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Lobbying Prioritize Goals to Legislators (both paid and volunteer) for Session. Election Legislative Outcomes Public elects or rejects candidates Legislature enacts or rejects your agenda Communicate Campaign Donations Legislative Candidate/Incumbent Results to Your Constituency Independent Expenditures Evaluation and Endorsement Volunteer Support Recruit Candidates

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Prioritize Goals to Legislators for Session. Election Public elects or rejects candidates

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Lobbying Prioritize Goals to Legislators (both paid and volunteer) for Session. Election Legislative Outcomes Public elects or rejects candidates Legislature enacts or rejects your agenda

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Lobbying Prioritize Goals to Legislators (both paid and volunteer) for Session. Election Legislative Outcomes Public elects or rejects candidates Legislature enacts or rejects your agenda Communicate Legislative Candidate/Incumbent Results to Your Constituency Evaluation and Endorsement Recruit Candidates

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Lobbying Prioritize Goals to Legislators (both paid and volunteer) for Session. Election Legislative Outcomes Public elects or rejects candidates Legislature enacts or rejects your agenda Communicate Campaign Donations Legislative Candidate/Incumbent Results to Your Constituency Independent Expenditures Evaluation and Endorsement Volunteer Support Recruit Candidates

Where are the NMTA’s leverage points in the cycle? Impacting WHO runs Using the endorsement process to build relationships Campaigns as tool to build personal relationships Set legislative agenda taking into account relationships. Lobbying starts with legislators values, delivered by those with relationships.

The common theme is . . . Relationships

Cycle of Accountability Evaluate and Communicate Policy Goals Lobbying Prioritize Goals to Legislators (both paid and volunteer) for Session. Election Legislative Outcomes Public elects or rejects candidates Legislature enacts or rejects your agenda Communicate Campaign Donations Legislative Candidate/Incumbent Results to Your Constituency Independent Expenditures Evaluation and Endorsement Volunteer Support Recruit Candidates

How do you create a plan? Your goal is an integrated plan that takes into account the whole Cycle Start with the Lay of the Land . . .

Best Practices Agenda Setting Lobbying Communications

Agenda Setting Set priorities Use the process to strengthen relationships

Lobbying Start where they are, not where you are. Focus on the right legislators

Communications Start where they are, not where you are. Be clear One-on-one is best

To contact me: www.poisner.com – for email newsletter signup Twitter.com/jpoisner Via phone: 503-490-1234 Via email: jonathan@poisner.com