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Do's and Don'ts of Lobbying: How to Be an Effective Animal Advocate |
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DOs
- Do know who represents you at all levels of
government. You can obtain this information from your
local library or board of elections and usually through the
Internet. Keep phone numbers and addresses handy. Help others
do the same.
- Do identify yourself by name and organization (if
any) when talking with an elected official. (Politicians
always act like they remember who you are to avoid offending
anyone.)
- Do state a clear and concise objective. For
example, say specifically that you want to ban canned
hunts—not just that you want to stop outrageous hunting
practices (which is too broad). Explain the meaning of terms
that may be unfamiliar, such as "canned," "pound seizure,"
"class B dealers." Broad statements such as "hunting bears
with hounds is inexcusable" may reflect how you feel, but
don't convey a message as to what action needs to be taken by
the official.
- Do explain why the issue is important to you
personally. If possible, link the issue to a personal
experience or a situation in the elected official's
district.
- Do be aware of previous actions the official has taken
on behalf of animals. You can be sure the opposition is
aware of the assistance he or she gave on our behalf.
- Do get to know your elected officials. Make an
effort to appear at town meetings and other events, and be
sure they hear you ask at least one question on animal issues
at each event.
- Do mention how important it is for your elected
officials to adequately fund animal programs ranging from
local animal control to state enforcement of wildlife
protection laws to enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and
others. Let them know that this is how you want your tax
dollars spent.
- Do join, create, or revitalize state federations or
other state-wide groups to give your cause additional
clout. Whenever possible, mention how many individuals your
group represents.
- Do get to know and develop a working relationship with
key people who have influence over animals. For example,
animal control officers, veterinarians, state wildlife board
members, prosecuting attorneys, and health department
officials have a major impact on animal protection bills.
Legislators listen to their views, so work with them whenever
possible.
- Do join forces with other types of groups that may
have the same position as you even if for different
reasons—groups such as churches, teachers unions, chambers of
commerce, local universities, or specific industries.
Whenever appropriate, get school children to support your
efforts.
- Do wear many hats—not just your animal advocate
hat. When lobbying legislators, identify yourself as a
parent, businessperson, campaign contributor, or fellow
church/club/team member.
- Do work with legislative staff. They often have
more knowledge of the issues, can give you vital background
on the legislation's outlook, and have extraordinary
clout.
- Do get involved in legislative campaigns—as an
individual, not as a nonprofit group. Volunteer to work,
place a campaign sign in your yard, hand out leaflets, or
otherwise help get someone elected.
- Do learn how to work with your local press by
developing a relationship with friendly reporters and
editors.
- Do respond to action alerts sent by The HSUS and other
groups. Alerts are usually sent when legislation is close
to passage or in a precarious position, so your action can
make a tremendous difference.
DON'Ts
- Don't threaten or antagonize a legislator even if
he or she deserves it. If an elected official opposes your
viewpoint, but respects you and bears you no animosity, you
may find common ground in the future on another issue. But if
you make an enemy, that person may take extra steps to defeat
the bill you support. A legislator who doesn't agree with you
on wildlife issues may be great on companion animal issues
and vice versa. Don't make enemies. Today's city council
member can be tomorrow's governor.
- Don't refer to bills by their numbers alone.
- Don't fail to listen to elected official's comments
and questions on an issue. If she asks how a bill will
impact jobs, or medical care, or the budget, you'll know
where her concern is focused. Find ways to address those
issues.
- Don't ever lie to or mislead a
legislator—especially someone who is on your side and
needs to know the truth about an issue. Trust is essential
for a working relationship.
- Don't overwhelm a legislator with too much information
or paperwork. They don't have time for it. Provide them
with whatever is key to their efforts and be ready to supply
any other needed information.
- Don't be inflexible. Sometimes we have to
compromise. As long as such a change won't harm any animals,
consider the situation carefully. Learn legislative
strategies that might save a bill otherwise destined to die,
such as sunset provisions, grandfathering clauses, and
placing provisions into a regulation instead of a
statute.
- Don't forget to thank someone who was helpful.
Whenever possible, let your membership know how helpful the
person has been.
- Don't use terms or abbreviations that may be
unfamiliar to an official without explaining their
meaning, such as WLFA, PIJAC, or even The HSUS.
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