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Legislative Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy. Do’s and Don’ts Graham L. Sisson, Jr. SRC Liaison Alabama. Overview. Legislative Advocacy takes time- it is not a short sprint, but a marathon Know your facts/never lie/be prepared Build a relationship with your legislators- homecooking

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Legislative Advocacy

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  1. Legislative Advocacy Do’s and Don’ts Graham L. Sisson, Jr. SRC Liaison Alabama

  2. Overview • Legislative Advocacy takes time- it is not a short sprint, but a marathon • Know your facts/never lie/be prepared • Build a relationship with your legislators- homecooking • Work with everyone regardless of partisan politics- disability issues are the right thing to do • Do not get discouraged even if the legislator forgets your name or you have to meet with a staffer • Follow up with your legislators • Practice good etiquette/follows rules of decorum • Be prepared

  3. Know Your Facts • Know material before meeting • Facts, figures, legislative and/or regulatory history, etc. • Example: ADAAA purpose, when ADA was passed, etc. • If you do not know the answer, do not be afraid to admit that ; state that you will research question and get back to him or her • Never lie or even fudge on the truth; otherwise your credibility will be at stake

  4. Build Relationships • Good Homecooking • Meet your legislators in your home district • Get to know them and local staff • Invite them to local events • Points to learn about legislators: • Political party/ideology • Committee assignments • District • Voting record on disability issues • How long in elected position • http://thomas.loc.gov

  5. Work with Everyone • Disability issues are not measured by political party or ideology • Advocate from a position of fairness, the right thing to do, not partisanship • Do not alienate any potential supporter • Build bridges, do not burn them

  6. Be Positive • Do not get discouraged • Legislators may forget your name at first- wear a name tag • Sometimes you will meet with a staffer when another event arises

  7. Follow up • Send follow up letter thanking for meeting • Do not send form letter or letter of more than one page • Resend one page fact sheet or other concise information (outline of information) • If possible, schedule a follow up visit in the home district

  8. Follow Rules • Schedule meetings in advance • Be on time • Designate one person to be spokesperson if meeting as a group • Introduce yourself and state name of hometown • Dress appropriately-business casual • Do not speak negatively of other politicians or groups • Always follow up with your promises

  9. Miscellaneous • Practice, practice, practice. • Do not be afraid: legislators are people too. • Keep discussion to 15-20 minutes and do not get sidetracked with an inordinate amount of small talk.

  10. The End • Questions? • Comments? • Thank you.

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