REAL PEOPLE CAN BE POLITICAL TOO!

REAL PEOPLE CAN BE POLITICAL TOO! Using parental clichés as a guide to political success Presented by: Carolyn Logue Ca loguePublic Affairs

Communicating With Legislators Is Easy! You CAN Do It • Know who they are: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx • Know their Adminstrative Assistant – this can get you far • Meet them in district – let them get to know you too. Take them to where you are! • Contact them in Olympia: http://www.leg.wa.gov/LIC/Pages/hotline.aspx "THEY PUT THEIR PANTS ON ONE LEG AT A TIME!"

Make Sure You Have the Best Information • Do not rely solely on anecdotes. Have quantifiable data if you can. • Make sure your information is brief and concise. You want it to be read. • If you do not know…FIND OUT! • Do not assume lawmakers will go to a website – do it for them. "BECAUSE I SAID SO, THAT'S WHY!"

In the Political World Your Credibility Is All You Have • Always tell the truth. Do not think that you won’t be found out. • If you do not know, let them know that (but go get that answer) • Make sure you are only talking to them in comfortable areas – no bathrooms • Do not offer money in exchange for their support. Campaign contributions should be done separately. Make no promises. • If you are up at the Capitol and meeting with them regularly, register as a lobbyist to be safe – www.pdc.wa.gov "HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!"

Know the Other Side's Arguments and Rebut Effectively • Do your research – make sure you know what your opponents will say • Tell the legislators what your opponents will say and then rebut • Be respectful of your opponent’s and their position – they have valid reasons for thinking the way they do and it is your job to rebut… not judge. "DON'T ASSUME -- OTHERWISE YOU MAKE AN A** OUT OF U AND ME!"

If What You Want Costs Money, Know Where the Money Will Come From • If you are asking for money have a basic understanding of the budget and the budget situation. (http://ofm.wa.gov/budget/default.asp) • Make sure you can quantify your need to show that it will benefit many. • If a fee for those who use your program is feasible, you need to be open to this. • Make sure you don’t advocate taking money from someone else to pay for your program – sell the merits of your program and the overall benefit. "MONEY DOESN'T GROW ON TREES!"

Political Action – How to Get Involved and How to Make it Work in Your Favor • Politics is not bad – it’s how we get our lawmakers and make our democracy work • Be ready to help elect/reelect your friends and get your other friends involved. • Create a PAC (watch legal issues) and pool small dollars into something meaningful • Be an active campaign volunteer! • Try to be bi-partisan • Go to town hall meetings, make yourself known "I BROUGHT YOU INTO THIS WORLD AND I CAN TAKE YOU OUT!"

Maybe YOU Should Think of Running for Office • Voting is easy, so is writing a check or waving a sign – if you really want to make a difference get yourself into one of the seats • Figure out your party, talk to them and see what help is available • Let all of the groups you belong to know you want to do this and ask for help • Put together a committee – DO NOT TRY TO DO IT YOURSELF! "UNTIL YOU'VE WALKED A MILE IN THEIR SHOES...!"

For more information: Contact Carolyn Logue, your WLMA Lobbyist 360-789-3491 OR Carolyn.logue@comcast.net (or follow on Twitter -- @calogue) Visit www.leg.wa.gov to see the information available regarding committees and bills. Sign up for the WLMA Listserve to make sure you are getting up to date information Stay in contact with your WLMA Advocacy Leaders

REAL PEOPLE CAN BE POLITICAL TOO!