Guide for Nonprofits on Working with Elected Officials
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The document provides guidance on collaborating with community leaders and elected officials, emphasizing the importance of understanding local demographics, policies, and the priorities of officials. It outlines steps for establishing relationships, such as making introductions, defining objectives, and discovering mutual benefits. It also highlights the significance of persistence and effective communication in fostering partnerships.
Guide for Nonprofits on Working with Elected Officials
- 1. Working with Community Leaders and Elected Officials July 24, 2011
- 2. Getting Started: Identify your potential partners 1. Know your geography. Identify all jurisdictions (congressional, assembly, state senate, local city councils, community boards, etc). Identify other similar competing/related non-profits. Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 3. Getting Started: Identify your potential partners 2. Do your homework. Know the local demographics and issues. Elected officials are expected to respond to their constituents, and you need to know who they are and what they need if you’re going to convince an official that he/she needs to work with you. Familiarize yourself with current city and state policies that impact your work and target population. Do a bit of background research on the official. Find out if they have any pet causes, learn about any bills/resolutions they sponsored—where do you fit in? HAVE A PLAN. Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 4. Beginning the Relationship 3. Make the introduction. Attend public meetings, rallies, press conferences, events & openings. Be brief. Do not leave without some way to set up a meeting. Expect to meet with staffer before the actual official. BE PERSISTENT. Call and follow up no less than every 48 hours. Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 5. The First Meeting 4. Know what you want. Initially, you are looking for an advocate—NOT funding. You should expect to do at least one free job/pilot before you get funding. Be specific about what you want (besides money) to come from the relationship. MONEY COMES AFTER THEY SEE, BELIEVE & CONNECT WITH YOUR MISSION. Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 6. Building the Relationship 5. Find out what they want. What kind of platform did they use when campaigning for office? What are they working on right now? How can you help? Major legislative goals/achievements? Every elected official wants a positive profile. How will your work together make the official look good to their constituents? Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 7. Selling Your Message 6. “Media Literacy” is vague. Use language that embodies ‘media literacy’, but avoid using the “L” word. Terminology should never dominate the conversation. Use limited words to express essential goal/focus of your work. Keep it simple. Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
- 8. Quid pro quo? 7. How much do I donate? • The ugly reality is that all elected officials are thinking of the next election. You can donate to or volunteer for their campaigns, but only as an individual. • Donations do not automatically guarantee equivocal support. WINNING THEM OVER IS HARD WORK Proprietary The Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. All rights reserved.