Lobbying 101: Delivering Your Message To Elected Officials From Families USA January 2010

Lobbying versus Advocacy Lobbying = influencing public officials to –take a specific position on a piece of legislation or –take a desired action 501(c)(3)s can spend up to 20 percent of budget on lobbying* Nonprofit organizations can and should lobby * According to the Internal Revenue Code.

Lobbying versus Advocacy Advocacy = GENERAL information about a problem and proposed solution Advocates create awareness Advocates suggest improvements to people who have power Advocacy is NOT synonymous with lobbying Advocacy is about education

What Can You Offer Elected Officials? Compelling stories Expert knowledge Community perspective

Meeting with Your Legislator Try to meet face to face Establish rapport Research committee assignments and specialties Thank your Senator or Representative

How to Set up a Meeting Call to find out who to contact Include the date, time, and topic Be flexible Call back in a week

Meeting Tips Identify yourself as a constituent Have a clear "ask Explain why its needed Give local examples Ask their position and why they hold it

Meeting Tips (continued) Dont neglect legislators on the opposite side Ask your legislator about specific votes Take materials with you

Lobbying Donts 1.Dont cover too many issues in a visit 2.Dont be argumentative 3.Dont expect them to be specialists 4.Dont do all the talking

After Your Visit Always follow up with a Thank You Volunteer to be a resource contact