How to lobby
- 1. How to Lobby Created by Narelle Stoll May 2013
- 2. Purpose of this presentation Provide guidance on how to Lobby covering the following topics Questions to ask Letter writing Meeting
- 3. Why Lobby Raise awareness Increase your organisations profile in the community Establish a relationship with key decision makers Key to successful Lobbying is pre-planning
- 4. Preparation- Questions to Ask Why is the issue important to raise with the Government Member? Consider the following Own personal experience Articles in the Media Community reaction Community interest Outcomes of a survey General community observations Possible community backlash Potential to improve the Members standing and reputation in the community
- 5. Questions (cont) Where can you obtain information on your issue? Newspapers and magazines Interviews Statistics Hansard reports Government websites Political party websites Key organisation websites
- 6. Questions (cont) Who is the most appropriate Government Member to approach? Is the issue local, state or national Government Member background and political affiliation Government Member portfolio Government Member success and influence to date Government Member personal interest in topic
- 7. Questions (cont) What type of action do you want the Government minister to take? Speak in Parliament or at the next Council meeting Discuss matter with Government Department responsible for managing the issue Make a public statement Ask a question in Parliament or at Council about the issue Speak to your local community group or a public meeting Refer matter to a Parliamentary or Council committee
- 8. Questions (cont) What other action can to be taken? Other groups contacted Community event/survey Article in the paper
- 9. Letter Writing Format Your name and address in the top right hand corner. Government Members address in left hand corner Ensure correct titles are used (refer to Government websites for further information) for Members of Parliament ;The Hon (first name, last name),MP then position, address For Senators; Senator The Hon (first name, surname) , then position, address Ensure correct address is used; Dear Prime Minister, Premier, Mr, Mrs, Dr, Ms Include the title of the issue at top of the letter Keep the letter personal avoid sending a generic letter Introduce yourself and include any personal information that might assist them to recognise you If you hold a position in an organisation you are representing include these details as well Keep to one issue Be brief and keep letter length to one page State issue you would like them to support ( keep to one sentence) Include a statement of why you have sent this letter to them State why you would like them to support the issue ( maximum three points) State what action you would like them to take Request response Be polite thank them for their support Sign your name Add your name and if relevant position and name of the organisation you are representing
- 11. Sending emails Include the Government Members email address in the "To field" column rather than "Blind copy"or "Copy" Avoid sending bulk emails. Target only the Government Members relevant to the issue Personalise the letter with Dear Minister and their address Include your signature and name
- 12. Letter to the Editor Select appropriate media Find out the appropriate contact and their details Find out deadlines for publications Include your name and contact details Keep letter to one page Establish best time to follow up Editor to ensure letter has been published Avoid contacting Editors during deadline period
- 13. Exercise 1 Practise writing a letter to a Politician on the following topics New playground for the children New railway station in the area Proposed high rise development High youth unemployment
- 14. Phone call to the Minister Here a few tips for making a call to your the Government Minister Prepare what you want to say beforehand Introduce yourself when you call the Government Members Office with your name, organisation State clearly what the issue is about and why you think it will be important to them Ask if you can speak to the Government Member When you are speaking to the Government Member restate the issue and describe what action you would like them to take Follow up the phone call with a letter and meeting Be polite on the phone Be brief Thank the minister or member of staff for their time
- 15. Exercise 2 Divide into groups of three. Have one person the Government Member, the second person the phone caller and third person the observer. Decide on a theme or topic. Commence the role play with the observer making notes on how effective the phone call was. Swap roles. Topics can include the following. Building of a skate park Major road development Traffic Youth unemployment
- 16. Meeting the Minister Prior to the meeting • Arrange the meeting well in advance and preferably in the morning • Ensure there are a maximum of three people in attendance with at least one person with expertise in the area • Inform the Minister beforehand of whom will be in attendance • Find out who will be in attendance from the Ministers side • Send letter stating purpose of the meeting (keep letter to one page) • If required send supplementary material (no more than one page) • Prepare agenda and timetable for future action and obtain agreement with people you are bringing to the meeting • Arrive at the meeting early • Take business cards • Take supporting information and references • Take one page briefing sheet with issue, action and information including arguments for and against
- 17. Meeting the Minister (cont) During the meeting Dress professionally Introduce everyone Explain to the minister why you have selected them to discuss the issue with. Discuss who else you have contacted and their response. A minister is more likely to become involved if not many other Ministers have been contacted. Be professional and polite Respect potential ramifications and conflicts Present with confidence and avoid being emotional Listen to the Politicians response and take notes Keep to the agenda and issue you came to see them about avoid being sidetracked Take no more than half an hour of their time Obtain their commitment and agreement to timetable for future action Be polite if they cannot commit to your proposal and thank them for their time Be honest in your commitment to future action and information you are presenting
- 18. Meeting the Minister (cont) After the meeting Debrief Send thankyou letter with outline of what they and you have agreed to do as a result of the meeting Ensure any actions you have agreed to you follow up in the timeframe specified Follow up with the Government Representative on any action they agreed to take in the timeframe specified
- 19. Exercise 3 Divide into groups of 4. Appoint one person as the Government Member. Decide on a topic. The remaining three members prepare a presentation to lobby the local member. Suggested themes can be: Child support welfare Youth unemployment Playground for local children Environmental issues in area Heritage issue. Removal of buildings to make way for high rise Violence against Women
- 20. Maintaining Relationships Here are some suggestions for ensuring you build and maintain relations with the Government Member Follow up on all agreed actions in the time specified Send thank you letter Keep the member informed of developments through newsletter and emails Invite the member to speak at a community or local event Attend a community event that is relevant to the issue that the Government member will be in attendance Be polite even if the Government member cannot assist you Be honest in your dealings with them. If you cannot committ to action be upfront about it straight away. Acknowledge their support in letters to media and articles in newsletter
- 21. References Click on link for the following List of Federal Politicians List of State and Local Politicians Electronic Frontiers Australia Act Now Connecticuit Not for Profit Network
- 22. Videos Watch the following videos Message in a box Tips for talking to legislators How to write a press release