Advancing Your Legislative Agenda

There is no other time when message development, coalition building and grassroots outreach is more vital than when building legislative support. When developing a campaign it is important to consider:

Organizing a Lobby Day
Although a popular way to gain legislative and media attention, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a lobby day. In order to stand out in the crowd, you need to be creative. Make sure your event/rally is visually stimulating, has a theme and tells a story highlighting your main priority. Organizing individuals from around the state (or region) to meet with multiple decision makers can maximize your message by communicating with several targets at the same time. Try to garner press coverage beforehand and target media outlets throughout the state so the legislators continue to hear or read about the issue when they return home.

Planning an Event with Key Decision Makers
When inviting legislators and key decision makers to an event, careful consideration is required.  Always identify who to invite well beforehand and remember that it may be more effective to contact staff members instead of the actual elected official. In order to ensure attendance, do not plan an event while legislators are in session and choose a location and time that requires minimal effort for invitees. Always send summary materials to individuals who are unable to attend so your event still has an impact.    

Building Support Through Grassroots Outreach
Elected officials want to know what their constituents are thinking, and building coalitions through grassroots efforts sends a clear message. Many times, organizations have a natural constituency built in.  In order to gain more support, it is important to think beyond this group and reach out to others who are concerned with the issue at hand. Then, distribute materials that outline your position and encourage individuals to sign, customize and send support materials directly to a targeted official.
 
When asking your supporters to contact legislators, keep in mind that one personalized letter, has more impact than 15 'sample' letters. These days, elected officials are inundated with form letters so a personalized letter from a constituent or organization really stands out.

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Carolyn Grisko & Associates Inc. has the experience and savvy to navigate complex legislative and regulatory arenas and maximize impact through communications. Click on the following samples to see how we help advance our clients' legislative agendas. 

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/Chicago Public Schools: Graduation Pathways Summit

• U.S. Cellular: Connecting Rural America Campaign

• AIDS Foundation of Chicago