Ten Commandments of Citizen Lobbying

Successful Lobbists, whether paid professionals or citizen activists, always keep the following in mind.

1: Know your facts; express them accurately and positively. Facts and figures matter; so do sources. Never misrepresent your opponent's view. Long term credibility is more valuable than short term gain; it helps you win the war even though you may lose the first few battles.
2: Know your opposition. Identify your opposition early. Analyze your opponent's position and attempt to neutralize it. This analysis is as important as your own case. Carefully prepare rebuttals to your opponents views.
3: Correct errors immediately. When many individuals participate in a lobbying campaign, errors can occur. Anticipate them. Carefully follow policies regarding individuals authorized to speak for a group. Understand and follow the AAUW use of name policy.
4: Plan,Coordinate, and follow up on each lobbying contact. Carefully plan your approach to each leglislator. Know the role s/he is about to play in the outcome or your issue before you make contact. Keep careful notes about meetings and follow up with a brief summary letter to the official you visited. Develop networks of friends in the leglislature, including staff and other lobbyists, and keep them informed of your activities. Thank those who helped you.
5: Avoid being a Zealot. No on is impressed by fanatics. Credibility is enhanced by a reasoned approach supported by your commitment to the issue.
6: Cultivate your allies; make sure they do their part. Work in coalition with groups that share AAUH concerns on a particular issue, even though they may differ on another issue. Articulate and agree upon mutual goals, strategies, and tactics. Unlikely allies are the surprise ingredient in many successful political outcomes.
7: Know the Legislative process. Good intentions are no substitute for knowing how a bill becomes a law. Know the key players, the role of leadership, the folkways, customs, and timing of the legislative body. Cultivate and revere those who have developed such expertise in your group. Consult with them often.
8: Be careful with money. Lobbying campaigns can be expensive or inexpensive, depending upon your planning. Keep accurate records of mailings, phone calls, photocopying, and trips to the legislature. use them to plan a realistic budget to support your future leglislative goals.
9: Grow thick skin. Taking a position can often evoke criticism. Don't take it personally. Although lobbying is serious, don't take yourself too seriously. Above all, maintain a sense of humor. Lobbying can also be fun.
10: Win. Dedicate yourself to winning. Dream of it, plan it. Believe in yourself, your group, and your issue. This is what gives you power as a citizen lobbyist. Share the credit with everyone who helped. Be gracious to your opponents. They may be your allies on another issue.