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Communicating with Policymakers: What to Say, to Whom, When, & How! June 2, 2013

Communicating with Policymakers: What to Say, to Whom, When, & How! June 2, 2013. Emily Holubowich Senior Vice President, CRD Associates Follow me @ healthfunding. Goal: Be a Better Messenger. By the end of today, you will better understand… What you can (and should) do

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Communicating with Policymakers: What to Say, to Whom, When, & How! June 2, 2013

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  1. Communicating with Policymakers: What to Say, to Whom, When, & How!June 2, 2013 Emily HolubowichSenior Vice President, CRD Associates Follow me @healthfunding

  2. Goal: Be a Better Messenger • By the end of today, you will better understand… • What you can (and should) do • How your audience thinks • How to craft a compelling message • How to deliver your message effectively

  3. You CAN (and Should) Do This! • Right to petition government is one of five freedoms guaranteed by Constitution • You do not forgo rights because you work for the public sector, receive public funding • …But play it smart! • Unless an official duty, do it on your own time • Be transparent • Use the “headline” test

  4. Types of Communication • Education: information sharing • Talking about a policy problem, providing expertise “on background” • Advocacy: any activity to influence policy • Talking about a policy problem, providing expertise • Seeking change to address it • Lobbying has strict legal, IRS definitions • Asking policymakers to act on specific legislation • Asking others to ask the same • Lobbying doesn’t make you a lobbyist

  5. Know Your Audience • Elected officials (and staff) are jacks of all trades • They are NOT (necessarily) health experts • They are drinking from a fire hose • They need you to help educate them about important issues in the “real world”

  6. Know Your Audience • Is your elected official… • On committee of jurisdiction? • In leadership? • In majority? • With seniority? • Member v. Committee v. Personal Staff

  7. Crafting a Compelling Message • Customize for your audience • Keep it simple • Begin at the beginning • Focus on 2-3 key messages • Anticipate “why should I care?” • Get personal

  8. Words Matter. Choose Wisely.

  9. Breaking Down the Message

  10. Prepare for Interruptions • Practice a 1-minute, 3-minute and 5-minute version of your pitch • Use flags and bridges to stay on track • Prepare for potential minefields • Never repeat negative language

  11. When To Communicate (Timing is Everything) • When an issue of concern arises • When legislation is introduced • In advance of markup • In advance of floor vote • Whenever you need help (that may not require a legislative fix)

  12. How to Get Through Yourself • Meet with elected officials/staff (in DC or back home) • Contact legislators, staff via phone, e-mail, letters • Attend town halls and ask questions • Make political contributions; attend/host local fundraisers

  13. How to Get Through with Media • Publish an editorial in local paper • “Friend,” “Tweet” your elected officials • Post YouTube video and share with elected officials • Host a rally or event (and invite media)

  14. Meeting Face to Face • Chit chat, discuss common issues back home to build rapport • Get down to business quickly • Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” • Be polite and respectful (no matter what) • Avoid arguments

  15. Close the Deal • Don’t be afraid to ASK • Reiterate key points and specific action requested • Ensure agreement on next steps and future efforts • Be thankful and appreciative of their time and support • Realize there’s more to do

  16. Stay in Touch • Follow-up on specific action requests • Share pertinent information on a regular basis • Continue to make specific requests • Remember: relationships built over time

  17. Emily Holubowicheholubowich@dc-crd.com Follow me @healthfunding

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