Legislation & Politics

• Guide to Lobbying
• Lobbying Do's & Don'ts
• 2007 Legislative Summary
• 2007 Legislative Review
• 2007 Legislative Positions
• 2006 Legislative Review
• 2006 Legislative Scorecard
• Blue-Green Alliance

How to Plan an Effective Legislative Campaign

How can I be an Effective Citizen Lobbyist?

While an effective legislative campaign plan will help you outline your organizational efforts, it is also important to be aware of the basic “Do’s and Don’ts” of citizen lobbying.

Several factors contribute to effective meetings with legislators. When you engage in citizen lobbying, it is important to follow the guidelines described below.

Sierra Club volunteers and staff meet with Representative Ron Erhardt
(R — Edina) to discuss issues related to transit funding in Minnesota.

Do’s of Citizen Lobbying

Make sure that you cover all these points when you’re at the Capitol:

• DO make an appointment
• DO dress neatly
• DO be on time — but be prepared to wait
• DO introduce yourself
• DO cultivate a good rapport with the assistant and staff — they can be very helpful!
• DO stick to the subject at hand
• DO be honest — if you don't know something, say so
• DO know something about the official
• DO know the number/name of the bill and something about it
• DO GET A COMMITMENT — ask them whether they will support your position
• DO thank the public official for the meeting
• DO call in or e-mail a summary to the relevant committee chair and Chapter lobbyist as soon as possible after the meeting

Dont’s of Citizen Lobbying

Try to avoid the following types of behavior when engaging in citizen lobbying. It can hurt not only your case, but also any lobbying activity on the same subject after you.

• DON’T be angry
• DON’T be hostile (I’m a taxpayer!)
• DON’T threaten (You’ll pay for this at the polls!)
• DON’T be afraid to be assertive
• DON’T have a lot of material (it will never be read)
• DON’T lose credibility (it will affect everyone who lobbies on the same subject after you)