Leveraging the grasstops (Grassroots lobbying methods: part 6)

While the term “grassroots” refers to the average activist or constituent in an elected officials district, “grasstops” refers to community leaders.  Individuals that are fairly well known in their community - and/or by the elected official.   These are people that an elected official knows can have an outsized impact in their area, (whether it's a geographic area like a precinct, city or county, or in an area of interest). 

In other words, these people are the "Mr. Bigs" in their area.

Finding grasstops leaders

Since elected officials are always more likely to respond to “Mr. Big”, try to find people who know them on a first name basis and can get their phone calls returned.  Be creative.  You can find and cultivate community leaders everywhere.

Look for people who fit any of the following criteria:

• The official knows them personally
• The offical knows that they have a large influence over others
• People who usually contribute a lot of money

Here are some examples of potential "grasstops" leaders:

• Pastors
• Large employers
• Other elected officials
• Party leaders
• Major contributors (especially to the elected official)
• Civic organization leaders
• Media leaders, (publishers and editors of media outlets and websites)
• Relatives, friends and neighbors of elected officials
• YOU! – as a local grassroots leader, you’re a community leader

Once you identify "grasstops" who support your cause, enlist them in your lobbying efforts.  A lobbying campaign that consists of both "grassroots" and "grasstops" contact is far more likely to get the attention of any elected offiical.

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Related entries:

• Lobbying days and fly-ins (Grassroots lobbying methods - Part 5)
• Nine tips for Personal Meetings with elected officials (Grassroots Lobbying Methods - part 4)

 You can find more tips and information like this in the Intermediate Guide to Grassroots Politics.  Check it out!