Six ways to better influence your elected officials
- Fri, February 24 2012
- Filed under: Advocacy
All the presidential election drama dominating the news has me thinking about how we influence politicians and policy makers. So does a presentation I recently heard from Brad Fitch, author of the Citizen’s Handbook.
Namely, how do you become a more persuasive advocate? Can you make a difference for your issue?
Here are some key things to think about, based upon Brad’s recent research and tips on effective advocacy.
1. Remember that you and your supporters are more influential that you realize. Elected officials care about re-election, so they listen to constituents.
2. The more individualized and personal the approach to policy makers, the more effective and influential it is. A personal visit or personalized note beats a form letter.
3. Persistence pays off. Squeaky wheels get the grease.
4. Appeal to the head. Policy makers are wonky, so make a clear case for why you hold a position and have the data to support it.
5. Appeal to the heart. Tell a good, personal, emotional story. It will stick.
6. Appeal to health. Political health, that is. Show how your issue affects that official’s constituency directly.
It’s an election year, and you have a voice. Use it for your cause!
Comments
Katya, his recommendations are on target, but I agree with #2 a lot more than #4. In seven years as a political appointee I learned that it’s bureaucrats and legislative analysts that make decisions based on facts and figures, not legislators. Legislators make decisions based on personal, anecdotal information, especially if it comes from one or more of their constituents. One call from a constituent has more influence than all the facts and figures you can provide. If you do give them a fact sheet, make it short and to the point; otherwise, they probably won’t read it. If they want more information, they’ll ask for it.
Katya,
Glad you enjoyed Brad Fitch’s presentation at Independent Sector on Wednesday. We’re happy to have you as a member of our marketing and communications task force.
Thank you for an illuminating invitation to use our voices and impact the community around us. It’s too easy to forget how vital it is to not only react to political dialogue, but to contribute to it - if not frame the issues for debate. Do we really want FOX to tell us what’s important and true? As a volunteer for a recently elected progressive official on a small budget, we found that the reach of social media was instrumental in currying attention to facts, progressive solutions and getting the votes.