FPRA Annual Conference: Breakout 1B, Schizophrenic Sharks: The Role of the Lobbyist - Colleen Thayer, APR
Grassroots Communication Tips:
Phone calls:
- be brief
- be clear, use layman's terms
- be polite
- don't hestitate to communicate with staff
- thank him/her for their time
Written communications:
Consider the impact of your comm. on the elected official before you generate a grassroots letter-writing campaign.
Do's
- address lawmakers properly
- write legibly or type
- be brief (notice this is mentioned above as well :-) )
- ID the bill number or issue
- write on your business stationery
- use your own words
- be reasonable
- include articles or position paper if applicable
- be sure your letter is received before the vote
- use correct grammar
- send copies to appropriate people
Dont's
- be rude
- demand anything
- threaten or be unreasonable
- include more than one issue in the letter
- exaggerate or be deceptive
- use long paragraphs and sentences
- send form letters
- hint at thoughts of dishonesty
- assume the official is an expert
- demand an instant answer
Resources:
lobbytools: lobbytools.com
online sunshine: www.leg.state.fl.us
federal government: www.thomas.gov
Other key points:
- Maybe more than in any other PR function, in lobbying, establishing, building, maintaining relationships is VERY important.
- And it's so important in the legislative process to be offensive (meaning proactive), rather than defensive.
- When developing a PR plan for lobbying, it is best to begin at the grassroots level. All politics is local, meaning politicians should be responsive to their constituents. And you working with that person can bring change.
- Be direct. Tell lawmaker and/or staff exactly what it is that you are asking for
- Be timely
- Compliment. Even if the vote doesn't turn out the way you hoped, make sure that you thank him/her for the time they've given you.
- Real lobbying can take place anywhere, anytime
Want to contact Colleen?
www.watermatters.org
colleen.thayer@watermatters.org
