Picking the right methods from the grassroots lobbying buffet

There are lots of ways to try and influence your government on issues you care about, but there are tradeoffs between different techniques that you should be aware of.

Generally, the more personal and spontaneous the lobbying, the harder it can be to to generate big numbers. For example, it's easier to get 30 people to sign a preprinted postcard than it is to get them to write their own letters.

The lobbying method you should choose depends on your own situation

Before deciding which methods you’ll use in your efforts, give some thought to the resources (current and likely) that you, your group or your cause can bring to bear.  Choose those that you’re best equipped for and that everyone is most comfortable with.  Don’t try to do everything.  Focus.  It's better to do a few things really well, than attempt a lot that you only mange to do half-way.

Again, remember that you can use online “groups” from services such as Google, Yahoo, Facebook or Ning to coordinate your activities, and/or create an online campaign around your issue with a service like AktNow.

As a guideline, here is a list of lobbying techniques in ascending order of effectiveness.

• Petitions
• Pre-printed post cards
• Personal letters
• Phone calls
• Townhall meetings
• Personal meetings
• "Lobby day" at the legislature
• "Grasstops" lobbying

Also, don't forget one of the most often overlooked lobbying techniques: saying "thank-you".

All of these are important items on the lobbying buffet, and I'll give some details and tips on each of them next soon.

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Related entries:

• Effective contact with elected officials
• Basic grassroots lobbying
• Lobbying at the local level (fighting city hall)

 (You can find more tips and help with effective lobbying in the Intermediate Guide to Grassroots Politics)