Lobby Your Legislators

Here are some helpful hints! Bring a DM staff person to campus for a Lobbying Workshop. Have your Staff Link help you make appointments and provide you with needed materials!

Most legislators spend a lot of their time thinking about money – mostly how to raise it for their re-election campaigns. But you can give them a different perspective on money and politics. They will be impressed that college students have taken the time to understand the issue of public financing and can present it to them in a clear and passionate way. Here are some helpful hints on successful lobbying.

  • Be on time and neatly dressed.This may be the most important thing to know!
  • Be patient. It is not uncommon for elected representatives to be late or to have a meeting interrupted, due to their crowded schedule. If interruptions do occur, be flexible.
  • Don’t be disappointed if your appointment is set up with a staff person.Legislators are busy and staff members pass the information they receive on to their bosses. Often, by developing a rapport with a staff member, you open an important line of communication to that office.
  • Be a good listener…Give the legislator or staff member a chance to express his/her point of view.
  • …But don’t allow your legislator to evade the issue.If the representative does change the subject, don’t be afraid to firmly but tactfully bring the conversation back to your point. Ask specific questions.
  • Don’t be arrogant, argumentative, or condescending toward legislators or their staff.Treat the Senator with the same dignity and respect you expect for yourself. Don’t threaten, offer rewards, or call names. Always be polite.
  • Don’t back legislators into a corner where they take a definite position against you.This is an educational session: both sides should leave without feeling like they lost. Keep the door open for further discussion in spite of any disagreements.
  • Never talk about legislators, staff members, political parties, or other individuals involved with your issue when you are in hallways or elevators before or after meetings.You never know who will be listening!

Conducting the Meeting:

  • Be prepared.
  • Plan how the meeting will run and who will speak from your group. Agree among yourselves what you would like to ask the legislator and what action you want him/her to take. Someone from your group should be designated in advance to facilitate the meeting.
  • The facilitator should begin the discussion by allowing everyone in the group to introduce themselves. Use the introductions to legitimize your group (e.g., “I am a Democracy Matters chapter member from Jones College “; “I worked on your campaign”; etc.)
  • Present a clear and concise message. Get your point across in the fewest possible words. The easier your position can be explained, the more likely it is that a legislator will be persuaded to accept it.
  • Use hard facts to support your arguments.
  • Refrain from overstatement; honesty builds credibility. Don’t exaggerate. Never lie. Even a simple issue has pros and cons. Don’t try to cover them up.
  • After your initial pitch, ask specific questions and allow the legislator to respond. First, ask if the legislator would be interested in supporting public financing. If they won’t, ask what is preventing them from doing so and discuss possible compromises.
  • Be prepared for questions, even challenges. Read responses to our Frequently Asked Questions
  • If you don’t know something, you can say that. If a question throws you off balance because you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to admit it. Say you will research the matter and report back to them.
  • Mention that you live or go to school in the legislator’s district. Representatives may be concerned that college students don’t really live in their districts; make sure s/he knows you do and will, even after graduation.
  • Bring materials. Bring to the meeting information and materials supporting your position that are succinct and easy to read. Highlight important facts and arguments. You can leave these documents with the representative when you leave.

Follow Up

  • Follow up with a letter to the legislator by thanking him/her for meeting with you. Repeat the details of the meeting and any outcomes or agreements made. If you agreed to send any further information, include it with your letter.