Effective Lobbying Tips

Know them!  Legislators are persuaded by people they know and can rely on who live in their district.  To find your legislators, click on the "Legislation" button on the PLW homepage (www.prolifewisconsin.org)  Then click on the "Who Are My Legislators?" button.  Type in your street address, and full contact information for your state legislators and congressmen (phone/email/address) will appear.  Anyone can lobby!  Meeting, phoning, emailing, or writing an elected official is open to anyone, although only people who are paid to represent a person or organization are called "lobbyists."  Your participation in the political process is expected and encouraged.

Build a relationship with them!  All politics is local.  The biggest thing you have in common with your legislator is LOCATION.  Build a relationship with your legislator, who is also your neighbor.  Building any relationship (personal or professional) takes time.  You want to establish a genuine, personal rapport.  You don't have to be members of the same political party or agree on all policies.  Your goal is to become a valuable, honest, and reliable resource on life issues.  Introduce yourself, tell them you are a pro-life leader and would like to stay in touch. Take the initiative and invite them to your affiliate meeting (PLW will help you set this up). Write a short note thanking him or her for their time.

Communicate with them!  As a committed voter and constituent, your voice is more influential than a professional lobbyist's voice.   Your legislator represents YOU, and your letter/call/e-mail/visit means more than you think!

• Personal visit:  A personal visit is the most intimate, direct, and effective way of sharing your views.  Be prepared!  Know where your legislator stands on life issues (PLW can provide information on this).  Be informed about what you're saying.  Know the topic, bill number, and main arguments.  Also know your opponents' main arguments so that you can effectively counter them.  Be considerate of your legislator's time.  Educate - don't preach!  Keep your message simple and straightforward - don't confuse the issue.  Clearly state the action you wish the senator or representative to take on the issue (vote for, vote against, offer an amendment, etc.). LISTEN to your legislators' point of view.  Answer their questions and acknowledge their insights.  Understanding their view will provide valuable insight into how you might support or change their view. Leave a memo after the visit, highlighting your key points (PLW will provide you with written policy papers).  ALWAYS be polite and courteous, even when you disagree
• Letter writing:  Short of a personal visit, written communication to your legislator is one of the most effective ways to deliver your message.  You can deliver the message by mail, by fax or by sending an e-mail.  Limit the length of your letter to no more than two pages, one if possible.  Explain the issue briefly, factually, and passionately in a simple and understandable way.  State your position on the bill or measure; if you support or oppose.  Give an example of the issue's local impact (maybe on your own family).  Be polite and respectful.  Never criticize.  Thank the legislator for his or her consideration of the issue.  Let them know that you are a pro-life resource for them and can give them more information if requested.
• Phone calling.  When time is short, a personal phone call to a legislator or legislative aide is an effective way to communicate.  Making a well-timed call can be very important, especially in combination with other pro-lifers in your affiliate.  It may make the difference, so DON'T HESITATE TO CALL!

Focus on a single issue, making only 2 or 3 key points in your call.  Use notes to stay focused on your message.  Localize the issue to show the issue's impact on area constituents.  Keep your call brief - no more than 3 or 4 minutes.  If asked a question you can't answer, say you'll find the answer and call them back.  On a hot issue, calls can often be "logged" and you may not get past the receptionist.  That's OK; he or she will at least register your support or opposition to a particular bill.

Go the Extra Mile!  Know the committee your legislator chairs.  Know the committees your legislator serves on.  Do they impact pro-life issues?  What time of the year is it?  Is the Legislature in session?  Is it a budget year (odd years)?  Is it an election year (even years)?  Who holds the majority in the Senate, Assembly?  PLW will provide all this information and more.

Keep PLW "in the loop!"  Pro-Life Wisconsin needs to know what your legislator is telling you and other constituents.  Please send/forward responses from legislators to Matt Sande at msande@prolifewisconsin.org.  Use www.prolifewisconsin.org to monitor and research pro-life legislation.  PLW will bend over backward to get you the bullet points, memos, policy papers, and any other material you need to be an EFFECTIVE PRO-LIFE VOICE & RESOURCE for your legislators.