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Hints on Running Lobbying Meetings
- Sketch out the agenda before the meeting. Know who will be at the meeting, what they
should say, what issues will be brought up and in what order. Each meeting should have three
main components: (1) introduction; (2) presentation of the issues; (3) getting commitments from
the legislator. Talk to each person ahead of time so that they know exactly what will happen and what their
role will be. If possible, make sure that constituents of the legislator take a leading role
in the meeting.
- Make sure as many people as possible participate. You don't want the meeting to be completely
dominated by one or two people. A good way to do this is to start off with introductions, where everyone
introduces themself and at least one representative from each organization presents a short explanation
of why a particular piece of legislation is important to their membership. Next you can have designated "issue" people
highlight each of the bills on the agenda, if necessary. (Some of the bills might have been explained thoroughly in the
introductions.)
- Keep control of the agenda. Don't be rude, but make sure that you cover everything on your agenda.
If the legislator or someone in your group goes off on a tangent, gently guide the
discussion back to the issues at hand.
- Have a designated "scribe" fill out a lobby response form for each meeting. They should keep track of
exactly what the legislator's position on each bill is, what commiments they've made, and what commitments
were made by your group members. Don't forget to write down the name(s) of any legislative aides you meet with.
- Get commitments. This is the tough part. You have a "menu" of potential commitments, depending on how supportive they are.
If they strongly agree with the position: (1) thank them; (2) ask them to take a leading role on the issue by: talking to
Senator Bruno or Assemblyman Silver about the importance of the bill; talking to the appropriate committee chair about moving the bill out
of the committee (if that's necessary), and sponsoring the bill; (3) ask them to get back to you about what they find out, and
(4) ask them who else you should talk to.
If they agree with you: (1) thank them; (2) ask them to sponsor the bill; (3) ask them if they would
be willing to help out in moving the bill through the legislature, as things come up (talking to colleagues, etc.).
If they are undecided: (1) present your argument as clearly and concisely as possible; (2)determine
exactly what their reservations are, and respond or offer to get them additional information; (3) don't press them further;
(4) arrange to have someone get back to them to see what they decided.
If they are opposed: (1) determine what their concerns are and how adamant thier opposition os;
(2) politely address their concerns but don't spend a lot of time trying to move someone who may be immoveable;
(3) thank them for their time.
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