Transcript Grassroots lobbying

Grassroots Lobbying
It Takes More than Just a Single
Testimony..it Takes an Organized
Community
Lobbying vs.
Advocacy
What is Advocacy?
General promotion of an
idea/cause via education for a
solution.
Advocacy is unlimited.
What is Grassroots lobbying?
Asking public to persuade an
elected or appointed official to vote
in a particular way on a specific
piece of legislation or rule.
What is Direct lobbying?
Asking an elected or appointed
official to vote in a particular way
on a specific piece of legislation or
rule.
Lobbying is limited by legal statute.
State and Federal have different
rules.
Why, Where, Who,
When?
Where can the decision be made?
Ongoing issue in multiple/single area?
Who are the key decision-makers?
Who are your champions –or can become one?
When is the vote(s) happening?
How: Best Lobbying Campaign Strategies
Multi-partner and Platforms
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Educ./awareness events
Action alerts
Public speaking / Forums
Media (LTEs/Op Eds/Ads)
Blogs
Social media
Ex. NOT ONE AND DONE!
Know Your
Audience
If supportive, help them to be a
champion. Provide
information, resources,
intelligence.
•If opposed, move on. Think
about ways to neutralize their
opposition.
•If undecided, figure out what
they need to move –
information, public cover,
personal testimony, etc.
Long term effective advocacy requires positive,
trusting, strategic relationships with elected and
appointed officials, staff, the media, organizations
and individuals.
•Whine
•Threaten
•Misrepresent facts
•Malign the opposition
•Personalize differences of opinion
•Burn bridges
DONT PROMISE
ENDORSEMENT
Limitations
 No “substantial part” of the activities of
Surfrider can go towards propaganda or
attempts to influence legislation. However, only
legislative lobbying is restricted, not lobbying in
general.
 Approximately 20% of Surfrider’s total budget
is allowed for all lobbying and a quarter of that
(5%) is allowed for grassroots lobbying.
 You must report funds and hours to HQ
For more info on Lobbying
Contact:
Angela Howe
[email protected]