Many of us will at some point need to advocate for ourselves before our elected officials on some matter. Whether It’s to seek a change in law or policy, to support or oppose proposed legislation, to seek information about a benefit or program, or even to apply for a capital bond issue, there are ways spend to invest your time and effort to the best effect.
The single most important rule when engaging in advocacy is to remain professional. If you are appearing in person, dress should be neat and businesslike. If you are calling, be calm and reasonable, and treat staffers who answer the phone with courtesy and respect. When emailing or writing, be as professional as you would for any business correspondence.
This rule seems obvious, but many people fail to keep it in mind. They bring tremendous energy and passion to their cause, but their message is not heard with the attention it deserves because the way it is delivered is a distraction.
Know Your Legislators
Do research into what issues are of concern to your local officials. There are many useful sources of information, including back issues of newspapers, social media, legislative records, and even books they may have published. Often a prior career offers hints as to areas of policy expertise and interest. Campaign literature usually makes clear the priorities a legislator intends to address while in office.
Sometimes, the best person to talk to might not be your own representative. The issue you are hoping to address might not be of any interest to them, or they might feel it is well outside their range of knowledge. You might be advised to approach another legislator with a concern that’s in line with their policy areas, or you might contact them yourself. Be sure to make it clear why you think the issue is relevant to them, and why you came to them instead of to your own representative.
Don’t Be a Stranger
Get acquainted with your elected officials and their staffers. There are plenty of opportunities to do this; many state, county, and city officials attend Chamber ribbon-cuttings and other events, and most offices keep a calendar of public appearances. You shouldn’t stalk anyone, but it’s much easier to get a few moments of someone’s time when they have at least some idea who you are.
Every business owner should make it a point to meet their county and state representatives, even if they did not vote for them. It’s the job of each legislator to represent their constituents regardless of their political leanings, and they take that responsibility seriously.
Value Staff Relationships
In the office of any elected official, you’re going to encounter staffers whose job it is to manage constituent contacts, schedules, and correspondence. Many offices also have staffers who do policy drafting and analysis, manage communications and media, and coordinate a range of functions.
These staffers are the people who have the most access to the elected official you are trying to reach. Treat them with respect and work with them. Often your primary contact will be a staffer instead of an official. You are not being ignored or put off; it’s the staffer’s job to synthesize your presentation and bring it to the boss for further consideration. It’s also the staff that will keep you apprised of further developments, pass on relevant information, and provide you with assistance in developing your idea. Make staff members your allies.
Demonstrate Relevance
Elected officials are busy. Whether it’s a state senator during the 90-day legislative session or a county councilwoman who has a day job in addition to her legislative responsibilities, time is always short. It’s important to quickly show why your concern is relevant to this representative.
The easiest way to demonstrate relevance is by being a constituent. You don’t have to have voted for or donated to their campaign (and never, ever say that you did – that’s an implied bribe, and you will be asked politely to leave), just live or do business in their district.
If you are emailing or sending something via the postal service, make it clear that you are a constituent. If it’s a postcard as part of a mass mailing campaign, add a personal note with your address and point out that you live in that district. Make it clear why your message is relevant to that legislator.
The other option is to have a parallel interest. Many officials prioritize specific areas of policy, and you can interest them by advocating in conjunction with those interests. This can take more time, because busy politicians often prioritize meeting with constituents over other advocates. However, working with staff and being accommodating of busy schedules can pay off.
Set Achievable Goals
It’s always best to have a goal in mind that is realistic and can be achieved. Often elected officials are approached by constituents advocating for goals that are frankly impossible or at least unrealistic. Do research ahead of time to understand the context of your request and listen to the feedback you get from the legislator or staffer. They may explain why the cause you are advocating for isn’t going to happen. The reason may be budgetary, or timing, or purely political, but no politician wants to be tied to a lost cause.
Sometimes making an advocacy goal into a possibility means breaking it out into smaller steps and building on each step. This approach takes time, multiple legislative cycles, but it can turn a previously unmanageable effort into a doable one.
Say Thank You
Never underestimate the power of gratitude. Be gracious and be public about your thanks. Don’t offer any kind of gifts (that’s an ethical no-no), but sincere praise goes a long way. Professional advocates and lobbyists understand that building relationships is the most fundamental aspect of their job; making people feel appreciated helps build those relationships.
Advocacy is a skill, and it doesn’t come with the wave of a hand. There’s an investment of time and effort, and getting the best return on that investment is important. Professionalism, planning, and a little research will help ensure that return.
Know When To Hire A Pro
Like legal or tax matters, there are thing you can manage yourself, and times when you should retain the services of a professional. Lobbyists and professional advocates not only have experience in framing a message to best effect, but they have networks of contacts and an understanding of the mechanics of government that ensures they know who to talk to and when to talk to them. They also develop subject-matter expertise, and officials come to rely on them for information on topics outside of their own areas of specialty.
Of Note: This year – as part of our business kick-off and marketing campaign, we are offering Chamber members the opportunity to sign up for our weekly Annapolis briefings – our summary of what you “need to know” that week, as well as a forecast for the week ahead. This is a benefit our clients receive – we are offering our fellow Chamber members this service at no cost.
If you would like to opt-in to these weekly emails, simply email Robert.VanRens@NVRGovAffairs.com to be added to the list.
Robert Van Rens is a founding partner in NVR Associates LLP, a lobbying and advocacy firm located in Frederick. He has worked as a legislative staffer, lobbyist, and advocacy consultant at the federal, state, and local levels in various capacities since 1998, as well as operating and managing businesses in a range of industries.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.