Lobbying
Lobbying has taken on the perspective as a dirty unseemly profession. When one thinks of lobbyist one often thinks of back-room deals made by powerful individuals with little or no concern for others. A formal definition of lobbying is:
A group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue.
For administrators of special education not wanting to “lobby,” maybe a better word is issue advocacy. In order for politicians and others to help with the needs of the students with disabilities they need to be made aware of the current climate, issues, and needs. There are no restrictions about the number of times you may meet with politicians (or their staff), but you need to make sure what you are doing …show more content…
Learn if they are on the committee addressing your issue(s). If they are not, ask for them to speak with members of that committee for you.
3. Be aware you will most likely address an aide instead of the actual legislator. Do not get upset by this. Also, do not expect a long policy discussion on the merits of your case.
4. Develop a concise, succinct presentation about your issue. Leave additional information if asked, but typically long briefing papers go unread.
5. Focus on the short-term needs. Be able to talk and address long-term but the short-term is what will likely be addressed first.
6. If you cannot get to Washington, DC (and many cannot) be aware that all members of Congress (both House and Senate) have offices back in the states. Meet with the staff in the district offices. The local staff is not typically involved in legislation, as they are more often involved in service for the constituents. However, they are the best way to get a legislators attention because that is whom the staff in Washington talk with.
7. Keep your request short and to the point. What would you like your legislator to do? Co-sponsor? Amendment? Vote for? Vote against?
8. Bring real life examples that are clear and easy to
Lobbying has taken on the perspective as a dirty unseemly profession. When one thinks of lobbyist one often thinks of back-room deals made by powerful individuals with little or no concern for others. A formal definition of lobbying is:
A group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue.
For administrators of special education not wanting to “lobby,” maybe a better word is issue advocacy. In order for politicians and others to help with the needs of the students with disabilities they need to be made aware of the current climate, issues, and needs. There are no restrictions about the number of times you may meet with politicians (or their staff), but you need to make sure what you are doing …show more content…
Learn if they are on the committee addressing your issue(s). If they are not, ask for them to speak with members of that committee for you.
3. Be aware you will most likely address an aide instead of the actual legislator. Do not get upset by this. Also, do not expect a long policy discussion on the merits of your case.
4. Develop a concise, succinct presentation about your issue. Leave additional information if asked, but typically long briefing papers go unread.
5. Focus on the short-term needs. Be able to talk and address long-term but the short-term is what will likely be addressed first.
6. If you cannot get to Washington, DC (and many cannot) be aware that all members of Congress (both House and Senate) have offices back in the states. Meet with the staff in the district offices. The local staff is not typically involved in legislation, as they are more often involved in service for the constituents. However, they are the best way to get a legislators attention because that is whom the staff in Washington talk with.
7. Keep your request short and to the point. What would you like your legislator to do? Co-sponsor? Amendment? Vote for? Vote against?
8. Bring real life examples that are clear and easy to