Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 33. Conducting a Direct Action Campaign >
         Section 7. Lobbying Decisionmakers >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Lobbying Decisionmakers

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Bill Berkowitz

Tools
Checklist

Tools

Tool #1:

Here's a general-purpose outline for communicating with a decision-maker which you can use to think about and shape your own persuasive message:



My name is ________________.

I represent/(I am a member of) _______________, which is involved in _______________.

I'm contacting you because we are concerned about _______________.

This matter is contained in Bill # _____, which is also called _______________, and which is now located in _______________.

We hope that you will [recommended action].

Because [give your reasons].

And also because [state the benefits].

We appreciate your attention to this matter, and look forward to _______________.

Thank you for your consideration.


Guides like this can be helpful. But of course you want to do more than fill in the blanks. It's best to avoid formula. Decision-makers are human beings, and they respond well to human touches, within the suggestions given above.


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Checklist

Here, you'll find a checklist summarizing the major points contained in the text.


Before you begin lobbying:

___You have chosen an issue that is compelling

___The issue is sympathetic to the audience

___The issue is winnable

___You have followed the issue closely

___If you have a larger group, you have created a public policy team to track relevant issues

___You have a strong base of support

___You know who the decision-makers are for your issue

___You are aware of the current status of any relevant legislation

___You know how to contact decision-makers and/or aides


While you are lobbying:

___You stated your name and if appropriate your address and phone number

___You have stated the group or organization (if any) you represent

___Your reason for contact is clear

___You know the name, number, and current status of the bill if it is pending legislation

___You stated the specific action you want taken

___The reason for taking this action is clear

___The reason why the action you recommend will advance the decision-maker's interest is stated

___You have kept the type of contact short and to the point

___You were polite throughout the contact

___You have showed appreciation to the person(s) the contact is directed at

___You have thanked the person(s)


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