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Lobbying Workshop

Lobbying Workshop. Visegrad Summer School, Cracow 15 July 2008. Workshop Outline. 10:00 Introduction to Lobbying; Coffee break 11:40 Presentation of scenario & roles 12:10 Game begins 13:30 Lunch break 14:30 Official talks 15:30 Press conference; Coffee break

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Lobbying Workshop

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  1. Lobbying Workshop Visegrad Summer School, Cracow 15 July 2008

  2. Workshop Outline 10:00 Introduction to Lobbying; Coffee break 11:40 Presentation of scenario & roles 12:10 Game begins 13:30 Lunch break 14:30 Official talks 15:30 Press conference; Coffee break 16:40 Continued informal talks 17:15 Politicians announce results 17:20 Debriefing & feedback

  3. Introduction to Lobbying Before the game… I Lobbying – Etymology & Definition II History, Who & How III Group work & Feedback • Skills? • Steps? • Tools/Activities/Communication Strategies? • Criticism? IV Checklist After the game… V Open questions

  4. Etymology One version • Willard Hotel’s lobby in Washington DC • US President Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) called those waiting there to talk to him ‘lobbyists’ But more likely… • British Parliament’s central lobby • Where citizens can go & request to meet with their Member of Parliament

  5. Definition Lobbying – Theoretically… The practice of trying to persuadelegislators topropose, pass, or defeat legislationor to change existing laws. Lobbying – General… To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause

  6. Lobbying & Advocacy

  7. History – United States Started after War of Independence • Citizens petitioned Congress directly 1946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act • Defines lobbyists • Lobbyists must now • Register with Senate & House • Report how muchthey paid to whom, andfor what purpose  Highly regulated

  8. History – European Union Late 1970s: Lobbying appears in Brussels 1979: First direct election of the EP • Sparked explosion of lobbying at the EU 1986: Single European Act • Lobbying now more important & attractive The more important the EU becomes as a player in the world, the more it becomes a lobbying target Changes brought about by 2004 enlargement

  9. Who? Interest groups Any association of individuals or organisation that attempts to influence public policy in its favour Categories of interest groups • Sectional • Industry • Professional bodies • Trade unions • Promotional: Cause • ‘Fire brigade’: Specific issue

  10. Who? European Union – Brussels • 15,000 lobbyists • 2,600 special interest groups have a permanent office • Distribution: • European trade federations: 32% • Consultants: 20% • Companies: 13% • NGOs: 11%

  11. How?

  12. How? Lobbying companies aka ‘public affairs’ companies Organisations or companies pay professionals to do lobbying on their behalf • ‘In-house’ lobbyist • Via a specialised lobbying firm

  13. How? Due to fragmented nature of EU institutional structure, can lobby at EU or national level Main targets • Commission • Council • European Parliament Main channels • National delegations in Brussels • Members of the many Council working groups • Influencing the Council via national governments Rules: only a non-binding code of conduct

  14. How? Different Levels • Direct or indirect contact with representative • Contacting other interest groups • Presence in the public sphere • Research & analysis of political issues • Intra-organisation information • Mobilisation of population in favour of your issue

  15. Skills • Analytic skills • Strategic thinking & planning • Negotiation skills • Networking • Public representation • Management skills

  16. Skills Analytic skills • Knowledge of political & legislative process and institutions, rules • Analysis of the relevant actors and their arguments • Research and analysis of upcoming decisions, legislations; gathering of information etc.

  17. Skills Strategic thinking and planning • Key: Scanning/observing the political process – allies/adversaries; current debates; arguments • Then strategic decision: where, when, how to invest time, energy and money for direct or indirect lobbying activities

  18. Skills Negotiation skills • Trust, credibility, authenticity, integrity • Good preparation: Have arguments ready, prepare counter-arguments • Good listening & interpersonal skills • Ability to read situation well • Be ready to insist, irrespective of scepticism, attacks, etc.

  19. Skills Networking • Maintain broad network with legislators from all parties & institutions • Find potential allies/partners • Strengthen information exchange • Cooperate where and when appropriate

  20. Skills Public representation • Knowledge of media scene, their positions, arguments – media is key instrument for lobbying • Targeted use of press releases, conferences • Good public speaking; social skills • “Right” appearance depending on setting

  21. Skills Management skills • Determine your needs – tools, supplies, human resources • Organisational skills – distribute tasks, decide upon actions to take • Ability to work with scarce resources • Fundraising skills

  22. Steps • Problem analysis • Goal & Objective(s) • Stakeholders • Resource analysis

  23. Steps Problem analysis • What is the problem? • Current state of affairs • Challenges / issues to be addressed • Major obstacles • Organisation profile Strengths & weaknesses

  24. Steps Goal & Objective(s) • General goal (long term) Change policy, raise awareness, funds? • Position on the issue at hand • Respect organisation’s formal policy • Formulate objectives (short term) Be clear, specific, reasonable and set targets

  25. Steps Stakeholders & Other Actors • Main targets • For whom do you speak? • Relevant stakeholders: • ‘Influentials’ • Decision-makers • Opponents (and how to counter) • Potential partners Approach for support & collaboration in coalitions

  26. Steps Resource analysis • Needs analysis • Clear schedule • Overview of costs • Fundraising Determine potential sources of funds • Tasks & responsibilities distribution Which ones?

  27. Steps Tasks to be distributed • Public & media relations • Lobbying • Communications (website, newsletter) • Administration • Finances & fundraising • Activity planning • Research • Networking • Recruiting & training volunteers

  28. Tools & Communication Tactics, Tools & Activities • Major steps For each step: identify how will implement effort • Organisation strategies (Other) potential coalitions & partnerships? • Recruitment strategies Compile lists, organise meetings, telephone • Mobilisation strategies Direct / grassroots lobbying, media advocacy, public education, research

  29. Tools & Communication Message / Communication • Message definition • Focus on single message • Keep It Short & Simple (KISS) • Language: clear, inclusive, positive images • Talented & persuasive public relations staff • Partners Messages that will work in collective interest of coalition

  30. Tools & Communication Effective communication strategies • Be accurate • Be brief • Be clear • Use multipliers • Use appropriate technologies

  31. Tools & Communication Mechanisms • Letters / phone calls to politicians • Sign-on letters / petitions • In-person meetings • Email alerts • Website • Public events & open meetings • Op-Eds in newspapers • Background papers • Protests

  32. Tools & Communication Letters to key targets • Use letterhead • Keep to 1 page • No threatening tone • Thank your reader

  33. Tools & Communication Meetings with target group / person • Make an appointment • Bring a small delegation • Remember: you know more about the topic! • Discuss from target’s perspective • Do not bluff / invent • Leave a factsheet • Send written reminder & thank-you note

  34. Tools & Communication Press release • Send only newsworthy information • Most important facts in 1st paragraph • Answer who, what, when, where, why

  35. Tools & Communication Press conference • Schedule carefully and in advance • Choose easily accessible location • Give reminder call • Write good press release & background • Have flawless audio system • Keep it short, leave time for Q&A • Keep list of attendees

  36. Tools & Communication Letter to journalists • Polished language • Specific examples • Only one topic / letter • Signature • Address & telephone number

  37. Tools & Communication Radio & Television • Short ads • Well-briefed, articulate spokesperson on TV/radio talk show • Press releases to news directors • Give local TV/radio ideas for editorials

  38. Tools & Communication Keep in mind… • Be ‘quote ready’ • Use accurate & up-to-date facts • Make a list of already-contacted media • Hire media-experienced staff & volunteers

  39. Open Questions • What is some of the criticism made against lobbying? Its limits? • Which are the most powerful lobbies? • Which groups are under-represented? • Which topics have you covered so far where lobbying makes a difference? • Lobbying = Corruption?

  40. Democratic Lobbying is a way for citizens to signal to elected officials how they want to be represented It denotes an open, pluralistic society Not so democratic… Only represents certain groups Requires vast sums of money Is vulnerable to legislators’ and public’s short attention span Lobbying & Democracy

  41. Lobbying Spending 2007 Industries 2007 Powerful Lobbies Source: OpenSecrets.org

  42. Contacts planpolitik Friedelstr. 16 D-12047 Berlin T: +49 30 6003 4643 F: +49 30 6003 4645 info@planpolitik.de www.planpolitik.de

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