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It’s All About Relationship

Learn how to enhance your advocacy efforts by building relationships with politicians and overcoming common misconceptions. Discover the importance of credibility and effective communication strategies.

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It’s All About Relationship

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  1. It’s All About Relationship MAXIMIZING YOUR ADVOCACY TIME AND EFFORTS

  2. What is Advocacy • Advocacy is supporting or defending a cause. • Advocacy is educating. • Advocacy can include lobbying. • Lobbying is not a dirty word.

  3. Advocacy Myths and Misconceptions • I don’t have time • I am intimidated/scared • I am not an expert in policy or politics, I am just a regular person • I’m shy • It doesn’t make a difference • My legislators don’t seem to care about my issues. So why bother? • I’m a Democrat and my legislator is Republican.  Or visa versa. • I can’t make it to Washington or Harrisburg • I am not a lobbyist • My organization is non-profit – that’s means I can’t lobby

  4. What Makes Politicians Tick? Politicians… • Hold public office to help others • Like to be asked for help • Are good learners • Do not know everything • Have demanding schedules • Like getting to know their constituents • Love good press! • Want to be re-elected

  5. Anatomy of a Typical Meeting • Hook: Introductions • Line: Local stories or talking points • Sinker: Our request Stay on Message!

  6. Anatomy of a Typical Meeting • Do your homework and know opposing arguments if possible • Practice speaking to help organize your thoughts • Be concise with your request • Make the issues real • Be clear in your next steps, and follow through • Thank the member and staff • Follow-up

  7. Anything that’s not a “Yes” is a No.

  8. “No” doesn’t necessarily mean “NO.”

  9. 5 Conversations A Legislator Wants to Have • What are the local “statistics”? • How many people receive your services or buy your products? • How many people work there? How long have you worked there? • How is state money being spent in the district? • What are some real stories from the district? • How does your organization (or you) access voters in the district • What specific legislative action would make you happy.

  10. Establishing Credibility • Present accurate, reliable, and timely information show that you’re reliable and knowledgeable • Becoming the “go to” person for legislative staff is an effective way to influence policy • It is okay to say “I don’t know” and to research and follow up later. (In fact, this is a great starting point for your next conversation. )

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