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“It is easy to sit up & take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action! ” Honore de Balzac, famous

“It is easy to sit up & take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action! ” Honore de Balzac, famous author. From Taking Notice to Taking Action. Learn how to develop an effective message Find your own personal delivery style Tailor your message to fit the audience

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“It is easy to sit up & take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action! ” Honore de Balzac, famous

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  1. “It is easy to sit up & take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action!” • Honore de Balzac, famous author

  2. From Taking Notice to Taking Action • Learn how to develop an effective message • Find your own personal delivery style • Tailor your message to fit the audience • Apply these techniques • Become an effective advocate! Effective Advocacy: The Power of Participation

  3. Taking Action Smart Starts! Step 1 Identify Your Issue. Step 3 Know Your Audience. Step 2 Who Has Jurisdiction?

  4. Define the Problem. Put in real terms Get down to sound bites Personalize it. Practice explaining it. Identify the Solution. What needs to happen? May be more than one. Practice explaining it. Get a question ready for your legislator. Prepare Your Message.

  5. Research Your Issue. Put together a fact sheet. Develop 3-5 persuasive reasons to support your solution. Why is it important for legislator’s district? Speak in sound bites – and practice your delivery. Research Your Legislator. What is your legislator’s occupation, background? Look for personal connections. Find ways to tailor your message to legislator interests. Committee assignments show areas of interest. Does s/he have the power to change this? Prepare Your Message.

  6. Deliver Your Message • Introduce yourself. • Briefly identify your issue. • Put the issue into context – tell a story. • Ask for something! • Answer & ask questions • Ask for your legislator’s position. • Listen carefully. • Thank them for their time and consideration. • Follow-Up!

  7. Polite. Persistent, but Patient. Positive. Passionate. Persuasive. Prepared. Personalize! Courteous. Concise. Clear. Credible. Consistent. Compromise. Be “PC” in your Advocacy!

  8. Tips on Your Meeting • Call for an appointment. • Be organized. • If you are going as a group, have a pre-meeting. • Always be a good listener. • Be on time, and don’t overstay your welcome. • Don’t let the legislator evade the issue. • Don’t be awed. • Leave a fact sheet. • Thank them. • Support those who support you. • Remember, it is not personal. • Don’t give up – or give in!

  9. Advice, Advice, Advice! There is no one way to lobby. Start with what makes you comfortable. As you advance – challenge yourself! No one else will do it for you. It is your right & responsibility.

  10. Habits of Highly Effective Advocates • Get in the game early • Do your homework • Make your contact memorable • Be assertive in a polite way • Ask probing questions • Ask for what you want • Be direct • Be concise and clear • Thanks • Follow up on each contact • Build Relationships • Build coalitions with others who have similar interests in your issue(s) • Remember to use the news media • Tell a good story

  11. Mistakes to Avoid! • Never use glittering generalities • Never guess or lie • Do not mix politics with policy • Never threaten or act righteous • Do not make promises you cannot keep • Never criticize other elected officials or organizations • Do not call them by the wrong title

  12. The Legislator’s Perspective • Focus first on their own constituents. • Perception is reality. • Does anybody else care about this? • Who else can be influenced to advocate on this issue? • Are people or groups advocating on an issue reputable? • What are my colleagues hearing about this? • Silence means that everything is ok!

  13. The Best Ways to Advocate? • Personal Visits • Identify yourself as a constituent • Schedule an appointment and visit one-on –one or in a small group • Leave something in writing • Personal Letter • Identify yourself as a constituent • Use plain, personal or business stationery and avoid form letters and always send originals, not copies • Identify your organization • Telephone • At home or at the Capitol • Talk with staff

  14. The Best Ways to Advocate? • E-Mail • Not all read e-mail consistently • Ask if this is a good method of contact • Forums and Community Meetings • Talk to policy-makers before and after • Get others to attend and speak up • Create your own opportunities • Third-Party Contacts • Who else can be influenced to advocate on this issue? • Find others who share your message to contact policy-makers

  15. Taking Action • Go home and call your State Senator and your State Representative. • Right before session starts, call them again! • Start talking to your friends, neighbors and others to build support! • Don’t forget the Elections. Vote!

  16. We in America are not a government of the majority. We are a government of the majority who participate. Thomas Jefferson

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