Lobby & Advocacy Training

Lobbying Preparation Build a coalition Grow your list of supporters Gather and prepare resources Establish relationships with lawmakers Fundraise Monitor legislation and regulation Opposition research

Lobbying in Action Coordinate with your organization or coalition Opposition research on this bill/amendment Meet with legislators or submit Educate Call to action Call to Action

Working in Coalitions Benefits to Coalition Work Increased credibility Maximized resources Shared ideas Mutual support

Working in Coalitions Types of Coalitions Developing and implementing a shared policy agenda around a common cause o Ex: child welfare, human services, the arts, etc. Coordinating efforts on a specific issue campaign o Ex: contraception mandate, blasphemy laws, etc.

Working in Coalitions Finding the Right Coalition Identify purpose Include all stakeholders Understand limits Communicate Allocate resources

Know the Legislative Process and Players 1.A bill is introduced in at least one chamber of the legislature. 2.It is then assigned to the committee(s) that oversees the issue addressed by the bill. 3.Sometimes, a committee refers a bill to a subcommittee for deeper consideration. 4.The committee decides whether to approve, amend, defeat, or table a bill. 5.If the bill goes forward (in either its original or amended form), the full chamber considers it. 6.If both chambers approve the bill, a conference committee works out any differences. 7.If both chambers approve the final bill, it goes to the executive (i.e., Governor or President) for signature or veto.

The Lobby Visit: A How-To Guide

Preparation Know the facts Know the history Know the legislator Prepare material

Scheduling a Meeting or call the office o Scheduler is the gate keeper! Have several dates and times ready to offer Provide them with: o Your name and contact info o Your organization o If you are a constituent o Specific bill or issue you want to discuss

Day of the Meeting Dress o Business casual o Men: Button down and nice pants o Women: Nice shirt or blouse with pants or skirt, or a nice dress Timing Demeanor Greeting Information presentation Decide who will be the primary speaker Know with whom you are meeting o Meetings with staffers are just as important!

The Meeting Open with a thank you Introduce the Secular Coalition and its mission Ask if they are familiar with terms like “humanist,” “atheist,” or “secular” The reason why I wanted to meet with you today… Share personal experiences Ask if they have any questions Thank them again Be professional and courteous The mission of the Secular Coalition for America is to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

Follow Up Thank you note o Nor more than two days later o is acceptable Update if there is movement on your bill or issue Keep up the relationship o Send any information you come across that they might find relevant their way o Become a resource they can rely on

Contacting Your Legislator Phone Know what you want to say before you call Write down a few talking points If possible, know the number and name of the bill before you call Mention that you are a constituent State your opinion clearly and quickly. Be courteous; Thank the staff member for his or her time

Contacting Your Legislator Subject line should include the word “constituent” If no response, follow up a week later Letter Show a connection Make it personal Keep it brief Include a call to action Be respectful Be accurate and timely Thank you Give the Facts

Presenting Testimony Format o Number of copies, when they should be delivered, length, etc. o Cover page should include: committee name; name, title and organization of the person testifying; and the date o Provide a one page summary Presentation o Typically under 5 minutes o Don’t read word for word from submitted testimony, just the highlights o It’s okay to not have the answer. Say you will get the information for the committee as soon as possible Committee Preparation o Which members will be present and what are their positions on your issue? o Friendly legislators can give you easy or pre-prepared questions Hostile questions o Answer directly, but be courteous