How to LobbyPresented by

Linda Anderson, Carnegie Mellon UniversityScott E. Miller, PHEAA

Our Goal

• De-mystify the Lobbying Experience• Help You Prepare for a Lobbying Visit• Share the Keys to Successful Meetings• Encourage You to Be an Advocate

PASFAA’s Role in Advocacy

• Government Relations Committee– Advises PASFAA leadership– Arranges annual D.C. Capitol Hill visits– Maintains Government Relations Resource

Center on PASFAA website– Alerts membership to key issues– Communicates with Congress on specific

issues

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Preparing for a Hill Visit

• Identifying and Researching Relevant Issues– Are there specific bills to address?– What is the Congressional agenda and

timetable?– What are the perspectives/positions you

should know?• Defining Your Position on An Issue

– Gather input from PASFAA members, your school, other associations (e.g., NASFAA)

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Preparing for a Hill Visit

• Gather Data About Your School– Numbers of aid recipients and dollars– Trends in aid and costs

• Collect Student Testimonials– Personal stories– Putting a “face” on the aid programs

• Obtain Clearance from Your Institution

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Preparing Handouts• Goal of a Handout

– Guide your discussion– Provide reference material for Members of Congress

and staff• One-Page Versus a More Detailed Letter

– Detailed letter allows more in-depth descriptions and adds points beyond those discussed at the meeting

– One-page “effect” can be met through an upfront summary and subheadings

• Attach data, student testimonials, PASFAA brochures

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Conducting A Hill Visit

• Who to Visit– Hometown Representatives– Members of Education Committee– Key staff

• Remember, You are the Expert– Avoid jargon– Be prepared to explain from scratch– Tell them something they don’t know

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Keys to A Successful Visit

• Be Prepared for a 10-Minute Drill– Prioritize your issues– Have a simple, memorable message– Provide a summary they will easily remember

• Personalize Your Pitch– Build in data and student testimonials– Anticipate questions

• Explain Opposing Views– Who and why

• Treat Staff With As Much Respect As the Member or Senator

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Do’s and Don’t

• Be Prepared• Represent PASFAA sector perspectives• Never Argue• Never, Ever Lie or Exaggerate• Find a Reason to Follow Up• Start to Build a Long-Term Relationship

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The Real Lobbyists of PASFAA• Things We’ve Learned

– Be Flexible– Meetings in the hallway can be

just as good, or better– No two meetings are alike– PASFAA’s opinion is valued– Wear comfortable shoes– Hill visits can be fun!

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The Real Lobbyists of PASFAA

• Stories From GRC Members….

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