Citizen Lobbying
May 26th, 2009
Questions? [email protected]
AIM: DFA Night School Paid for by Democracy for America, www.democracyforamerica.com, and not
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DFA Night School
DFA Chair
Jim Dean
Questions?
Tonight’s Trainers
Questions?
Matt Blizek
DFA Training Director Gov. Howard Dean, M.D.
Bridget Dooley
AFSCME Organizer
DFA Trainer
Chicago, IL
Over 30,000 paid lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
Paid lobbying vs. Citizen lobbying
Legislators need educating – they don’t know everything!
Lobbying works!
What is Lobbying?
Questions?
vs.
Preparation & Planning
Got Questions?
Draft a Citizen Lobbying Campaign
(See attached sample plan)
Goal - What do you want to achieve?
Target - Who can give you what you want?
Tactics - How can we influence that person?
Research - Any upcoming votes or deadlines? Any stance on past or similar legislation?
Effective lobbying is a continuous campaign of planned and coordinated actions
Make allies and build coalitions
Get to know your target – What can you expect to get?
Anticipate your opposition
Setting Up a Meeting
Make an “official” written request� Sample meeting request letter
Ask to meet with your Representative or other relevant staffer
Where to meet:� Capital office � In-district office
Demonstrate a broad base of support� Petitions, letters, etc
Questions?
Quick Research Sources:
www.house.gov
www.senate.gov
www.congress.org
Constituency Meeting Prep3-5 people is ideal
• Be diverse & represent all constituencies
Be respectful
• Be there on time (be early!)
• Look presentable
Practice & Role Plays!
Lobbying Team Roles
Facilitator - runs the meeting & makes the ask
Storytellers – 1-2 people to tell a compelling story
Asker - makes a direct ask (may also be Facilitator)
Educator – presents fact sheets, information
Secretary - writes it all down, plans for follow up
Questions?
Constituent Meeting Agenda
1. Introductions - (5 min)- Names and addresses of
everyone
2. Review the agenda (5 min)
3. Why we’re here - (10 min)
- Present petitions, etc- Present facts, history, etc
4. Story time - (10 min)
5. The Ask! - (5 min)
6. Ask for questions - (5 min)
7. Wrap up - (5 min)
Questions?
Making the Ask
Tips for making the Ask
• Direct straight forward ask
• Make them answer
• Embrace the awkward silence
Follow up Questions:
Who else can you bring on board?
What is the opposition looking like?
What will it take for you to support this?
What is holding you back?
Questions?
Following up
If non-committal, make specific plans to get your
answer
Thank the legislator in person for their time
Send a written thank you note to their office
Build support & research before next meeting
Questions?
Turning up the pressureDirect pressure tactics:
� Letters, petitions, calls, Meetings, in-capital
lobby days
Indirect pressure tactics:
� Letters to editor, op-eds, paid media, press
conferences, visibility, protests, pickets, literature drops, Coalition building
Questions?
Remember: Honey attracts more flies than vinegar.
Stand with Dr. Dean
What are they thinking?
Healthcare reform - where are we?
What’s next for DFA on healthcare?
Questions?
Homework
• Find out where your elected official stands on a public health care option at
www.standwithdrdean.com
• Write out a lobbying plan using the attached template
• Contact your Congressional delegation and schedule your first meeting
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2009 Schedule
Click on location to RSVP!
May 30-31 Beaumont, CA July 25-26 Phoenix, AZ
June 5-6 Charlotte, NC Aug 1-2 Chicago, IL
June 5-6 Newark, NJ Sept 12-13 Jacksonville, FL
June 13-14 Shreveport, LA Sept 19-20 Lincoln, NE
June 27-28 Redding, CA Sept 26-27 Gettysburg, PA
July 11-12 Wichita, KS Oct 3-4 Columbia, MO
July 18-19 Birmingham, AL
More 2009 trainings to be announced soon…
Questions?
Thank you for listening!
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