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Mastering Policymaker Communication: Effective Strategies for Impactful Engagement in Public Policy Advocacy

Learn how to communicate effectively with policymakers to convey your message clearly and influence policy decisions. Understand the importance of crafting compelling messages, knowing your audience, and mastering communication tactics.

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Mastering Policymaker Communication: Effective Strategies for Impactful Engagement in Public Policy Advocacy

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  1. Communicating with Policymakers: What to Say, to Whom, When, & How!June 2, 2013 Emily HolubowichSenior Vice President, CRD Associates Follow me @healthfunding

  2. Goal: Be a Better Messenger • By the end of today, you will better understand… • What you can (and should) do • How your audience thinks • How to craft a compelling message • How to deliver your message effectively

  3. You CAN (and Should) Do This! • Right to petition government is one of five freedoms guaranteed by Constitution • You do not forgo rights because you work for the public sector, receive public funding • …But play it smart! • Unless an official duty, do it on your own time • Be transparent • Use the “headline” test

  4. Types of Communication • Education: information sharing • Talking about a policy problem, providing expertise “on background” • Advocacy: any activity to influence policy • Talking about a policy problem, providing expertise • Seeking change to address it • Lobbying has strict legal, IRS definitions • Asking policymakers to act on specific legislation • Asking others to ask the same • Lobbying doesn’t make you a lobbyist

  5. Know Your Audience • Elected officials (and staff) are jacks of all trades • They are NOT (necessarily) health experts • They are drinking from a fire hose • They need you to help educate them about important issues in the “real world”

  6. Know Your Audience • Is your elected official… • On committee of jurisdiction? • In leadership? • In majority? • With seniority? • Member v. Committee v. Personal Staff

  7. Crafting a Compelling Message • Customize for your audience • Keep it simple • Begin at the beginning • Focus on 2-3 key messages • Anticipate “why should I care?” • Get personal

  8. Words Matter. Choose Wisely.

  9. Breaking Down the Message

  10. Prepare for Interruptions • Practice a 1-minute, 3-minute and 5-minute version of your pitch • Use flags and bridges to stay on track • Prepare for potential minefields • Never repeat negative language

  11. When To Communicate (Timing is Everything) • When an issue of concern arises • When legislation is introduced • In advance of markup • In advance of floor vote • Whenever you need help (that may not require a legislative fix)

  12. How to Get Through Yourself • Meet with elected officials/staff (in DC or back home) • Contact legislators, staff via phone, e-mail, letters • Attend town halls and ask questions • Make political contributions; attend/host local fundraisers

  13. How to Get Through with Media • Publish an editorial in local paper • “Friend,” “Tweet” your elected officials • Post YouTube video and share with elected officials • Host a rally or event (and invite media)

  14. Meeting Face to Face • Chit chat, discuss common issues back home to build rapport • Get down to business quickly • Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” • Be polite and respectful (no matter what) • Avoid arguments

  15. Close the Deal • Don’t be afraid to ASK • Reiterate key points and specific action requested • Ensure agreement on next steps and future efforts • Be thankful and appreciative of their time and support • Realize there’s more to do

  16. Stay in Touch • Follow-up on specific action requests • Share pertinent information on a regular basis • Continue to make specific requests • Remember: relationships built over time

  17. Emily Holubowicheholubowich@dc-crd.com Follow me @healthfunding

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