grassroots lobbying.pdf

8/14/2019 Grassroots Lobbying.pdf

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Grassroots Lobbying

The Leadership Institute Issue Advocacy
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=U4nNzbF5HX0zQM&tbnid=j_mH18o56VYqQM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://fingercandymedia.com/6321-laws-of-public-policy-from-the-leadership-institute&ei=NF8uUafqFvCO0QG6_oCYBA&bvm=bv.42965579,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNHKo8OPep82Npu2aBxc0YgKCryeLA&ust=1362079922834095


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What is lobbying?

Lobbyvb: to conduct activities aimed at

influencing public officials and especially

members of a legislative body on legislation.



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First Amendment

Congress shall make no law

abridging the freedom of speech

or of the right of the peoplepeaceably to assemble, and to

petition the Government.


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Two types of lobbying

Direct lobbying.

Any effort to influence legislation through communication

with legislators, legislative staff, or government officials.

Grassroots lobbying.

Any effort to influence legislation by moving public

opinion or by motivating citizen activists to engage/lobby.



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Legislative Process



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Governor

Senate BillIntroduced

SenateCommittee

SenateFloor

House BillIntroduced

HouseCommittee

HouseFloor

Legislative Process



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Governor

Senate BillIntroduced

SenateCommittee

SenateFloor


HouseCommittee

HouseFloor

When is the best time to kill a bill?



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When is the best time to kill a bill?

Before the bill is ever introduced.


Senate Bill

Introduced

Senate

Committee

Senate

Floor


HouseCommittee

HouseFloor

IDEA


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Research



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Researching an issue

Timing.

Where is the issue?

Has a bill been introduced?

Where is it in the legislative process?

What can your lobbying accomplish?

Have you formed/mobilized your coalition?



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Potential allies and opposing organizations.

Identify the primary stakeholders.

Legislative history.

Legislative priority lists.

Public statements.

Follow the money.



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Identify support/opposition in the legislature.

Strength of the bill sponsor.

Opinion of the majority leadership.

Opinion of the committee chair.

Whip count of committee members.

Whip count of a potential floor vote.



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What to look at when targeting legislators.

Past voting record on similar issues.

Surveys, endorsements, sources of money.

Public statements.

Term of office.

District geography and demographics.

The legislators coalition of support.



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Five-column analysis: Legislature

++ + 0 - - -Cruz Cornyn Alexander Baucus Baldwin

Lee Grassley Corker Johnson Boxer

Paul Hatch Graham Kaine Harkin

Thune McConnell Heitkamp King Feinstein

Rubio Landrieu Nelson Schumer

Manchin Reid

McCain Tester

Pryor

Warner



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Force politicians to get on record



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Common tactics used by organizations

Questionnaires.

Questions regarding a candidates stances on issues.

Pledges.Written commitment to take a specific action.

Interviews.

Opportunity to pin down candidates on issues.



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Public Appearances


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Public appearances

Hone your message.

Focus on one specific issue.

Orchestrate a coordinated attack.Have multiple people ready to ask/re-ask questions.

Record it.

Have multiple cameras. Dont ignore the audio quality.



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Apply Pressure



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Applying pressure

Three primary sources of pressure.

1. Constituents.

2. Organizations.

3. Media.



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Tactics to apply pressure

Constituent engagement.

Letters from constituents and key stakeholders.

Phone calls from constituents and key stakeholders.

Personal visits from constituents and key stakeholders

Interested organizations.

Organize membership to take action.Provide resources for earned and paid media.



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Earned media coverage.

Letters to the editor.

Op-eds.

Newspaper articles.

Interviews/call-in on talk radio shows.

Local television coverage.



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-- SAULALINSKYAmerican Community Organizer

Power is not only what you have, but

what the enemy thinks you have.


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Paid media.

Targeted direct mail.

Online advertisements.

Television advertisements.

Radio advertisements.



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-- SENATOREVERETTDIRKSEN(R Illinois), 1951-1969

You have to hold their feet to the fire

because its only when they feel the

heat that theyll see the light.


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QUESTIONS

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