TIPS FOR ADVOCACY
Focus on persuadable votes first. Don't
waste time on politicians who have built a reputation opposing everything
you're fighting for. However, there is a lot of power in finding common ground
with a lawmaker who is normally an opponent. Many lawmakers agree to build
bridges and pass good legislation. Don't count them out.
Do your homework. Find
out where your legislator stands on the issue you wish to discuss. Look up
their voting record at the Louisiana State Legislature. What
committees are they on? What caucuses are they in? What district do they
represent?
Be polite. Be on
time. Be respectful, even if you disagree. Be brief and to the point. You might
end up talking with an aide, but just remember that the aide will report your meeting.
The goal is to persuade: sometimes that will take multiple visits. It's good to
build relationships with staffers.
Write up Talking Points. Make
it easy for your legislator to quickly understand your argument and your ask.
Use statistics sparingly. Too many can be overwhelming and dilute the point.
Try to keep it to one sheet. Add contact information for further research. This
can do double duty for tabling opportunities and on your site to direct members
too.
Include your contact information. Make it
easy for the legislator's office to get in touch with you. Above all, tell the
truth.
It’s OK not to know. If you
don't know the answer to a question, admit it. Offer to follow up with
additional information.
Be clear about your ask. Do you
just want to begin a dialogue with someone you know stands opposed to your
issue? Do you want your legislator to introduce legislation or sign onto a
bill?
Make it personal. How
does this legislation or issue affect this lawmaker and his/her district?
Tell a story. Stories
that illustrate the point you are trying to make in human terms are much more
persuasive than statistics.
Bring a constituent. One
constituent in hand is worth 20 "clicktivists."
LISTEN. You
can learn a lot about what motivates a legislator by giving him/her or a
staffer lots of room to talk.
Ask for leads. A
legislator may be willing and able to help you troubleshoot a committee vote,
for instance.
Say thank you. Say
thanks when you leave, then follow up with an email.
