Grassroots lobbying methods (part 3): phone calls and meetings

Last time we took a look at some tips on personal letters.  This time, it's phone calls and meetings.

Phone Calls

The first tip on phone calls is "when" to call.  In other words, if you're lobbying on a specific piece of legislation, (especially trying to coordinate the lobbying of a group of people)), phone calls are best used late in the process, such as right before a vote.  This lets the legislators know that the people are watching. 

Even if you don't talk directly to your elected official, there are always staff available to document your position on an issue, or to answer any questions you may have.  Normally, elected officials have their staffs keep a running tally of those supporting or opposed on hotly debated issues.  It's an effective way for them to “take the temperature” of their constituents, (and since they're always running for re-election, they're always interested)..

When talking to staff, ask that the legislator send you an explanation of his or her position in writing, (so you’ll be able to document their position and remind them of it later if necessary).  When calling their office, you should always identify yourself as a registered voter in their district, (if indeed you are). 

Keep your call short and direct, (no long-winded speeches).  And when calling in regard to a highly controversial issue, be polite yet firm.  Don't give them another reason besides disagreeing with you to ignore you.

Town Hall Meetings

Legislators usually hold town hall meetings so that they can gauge the opinions of the people who really care, (and could cause  them trouble).  With this in mind, the most important time of the meeting is an open-ended question and answer period, because it’s open and spontaneous.

This is a huge lobbying opportunity. 

One question on a subject might get some attention, but three or four questions asked on the same topic will seem to represent  an avalanche of public opinion.  It shouldn’t be too hard to recruit two other people to go with you to the meeting.  Call the legislator’s office to identify upcoming dates and locations of town-halls. 

You can probably even be put on an email list to receive updates and schedules for such meetings, so call and ask.  Then be sure to pass the word about the opportunity to others you're working with on an issue.  Even coordinate on talking points and/or  who will ask what questions.

Inviting Elected Officials to Your Meetings

If you're going to invite them to a meeting of your own group, first and foremost, make sure that you have a big turnout.  If you do, it will create a lasting impression.

Your goal is to have the legislator come away thinking:

• They are bigger than I thought.
• They are well informed.
• They really feel passionately about their issues and made me be specific.
• They were firm, but treated me with respect.
• They’ve got potential influence.  I’ll stay on their good side.
  

So only bring them to a meeting if their coming will leave an impression that serves your purposes.

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Related Entries:

• Grassroots lobbying methods (part 2): tips on personal letters
• Grassrooots lobbying methods (part 1): petitions and post cards
• Picking the right methods from the grassroots lobbying buffet

Get other tips and information in my "Beginner's Guide to Grassroots Politics"

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