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Legislative Advocacy in a Nutshell

Learn essential steps from initiating contacts with legislative staff to showing appreciation for support and staying vigilant on issues. Discover sources and best practices to engage effectively in advocacy efforts.

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Legislative Advocacy in a Nutshell

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  1. Legislative Advocacy in a Nutshell The Key to Getting Started

  2. Outline of Presentation • Preliminary preparations • Know the issues • Make contacts with legislative staff • Present your ideas to staff • Maintain contact with staff • Maintain alertness about the issue • Show appreciation for support

  3. Keep up with the issues • Sources: • Louisiana Legislature http://www.legis.state.la.us • Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana http://www.la-par.org/ • Policy statements on ALA Washington Office web site http://www.ala.org/ala/issues/issuesadvocacy.htm • Programming at ALA, SELA, and LLA conferences

  4. Preliminary Preparations • Do you know your legislator? • Develop contacts in advance • Attend local meetings with your legislator • Offer your services • Offer to give a tour of your library • Write letters inquiring about issues on a steady basis

  5. Make Contact with Legislative Staff • Try to have a relationship with staff members before an issue comes to the fore (see preliminary preparations) • Before you call, be prepared, be succinct: • Don’t waste the staffer’s time • Fax the letter

  6. Present your Ideas to Staff • Make an appointment • Know your issue—including the opposing view • Stay on point • Be enthusiastic but not aggressive • Leave a written position statement with the staffer • Leave contact information

  7. Keep the Issue on the Legislator’s Radar • Write a thank you note expressing appreciation for the staffer’s time and attention • Telephone a few weeks later as a follow up to the visit • Keep the staffer informed of new developments

  8. Show Appreciation • After the dust settles, write a letter to the legislator expressing appreciation for his/her support • Take every opportunity to express your appreciation to the legislator in person

  9. Vigilance is Key • Circumstances can change suddenly-Keep an eye on the issue to the very end of the legislative session • Ask colleagues to help you stay informed • Keep the LLA Office, and if appropriate, the ALA Washington Office, informed

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