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Legislative Advocacy

Learn the essential tips for successful legislative advocacy, including building relationships, following up, and practicing good etiquette. Know your facts, work with everyone, and be positive. Follow the rules, dress appropriately, and always follow up to reinforce your message effectively.

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Legislative Advocacy

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  1. Legislative Advocacy Do’s and Don’ts Graham L. Sisson, Jr. SRC Liaison Alabama

  2. Overview • Legislative Advocacy takes time- it is not a short sprint, but a marathon • Know your facts/never lie/be prepared • Build a relationship with your legislators- homecooking • Work with everyone regardless of partisan politics- disability issues are the right thing to do • Do not get discouraged even if the legislator forgets your name or you have to meet with a staffer • Follow up with your legislators • Practice good etiquette/follows rules of decorum • Be prepared

  3. Know Your Facts • Know material before meeting • Facts, figures, legislative and/or regulatory history, etc. • Example: ADAAA purpose, when ADA was passed, etc. • If you do not know the answer, do not be afraid to admit that ; state that you will research question and get back to him or her • Never lie or even fudge on the truth; otherwise your credibility will be at stake

  4. Build Relationships • Good Homecooking • Meet your legislators in your home district • Get to know them and local staff • Invite them to local events • Points to learn about legislators: • Political party/ideology • Committee assignments • District • Voting record on disability issues • How long in elected position • http://thomas.loc.gov

  5. Work with Everyone • Disability issues are not measured by political party or ideology • Advocate from a position of fairness, the right thing to do, not partisanship • Do not alienate any potential supporter • Build bridges, do not burn them

  6. Be Positive • Do not get discouraged • Legislators may forget your name at first- wear a name tag • Sometimes you will meet with a staffer when another event arises

  7. Follow up • Send follow up letter thanking for meeting • Do not send form letter or letter of more than one page • Resend one page fact sheet or other concise information (outline of information) • If possible, schedule a follow up visit in the home district

  8. Follow Rules • Schedule meetings in advance • Be on time • Designate one person to be spokesperson if meeting as a group • Introduce yourself and state name of hometown • Dress appropriately-business casual • Do not speak negatively of other politicians or groups • Always follow up with your promises

  9. Miscellaneous • Practice, practice, practice. • Do not be afraid: legislators are people too. • Keep discussion to 15-20 minutes and do not get sidetracked with an inordinate amount of small talk.

  10. The End • Questions? • Comments? • Thank you.

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