Lobbyist- A person, acting for a special interest group, who tries to influence the introduction of or voting on legislation or the decisions of government administrators.
The following information is provided to you, to enlighten you of what is expected of you when lobbying your representative to the government....
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HONESTY |
Do not EXAGGERATE the merits or
problems of a BILL. Be Realistic. Do not say "The world will come to an end." Be Sincere. Admit a mistake if one is made. Do not lose a Lawmaker's trust. |
| RESPECT | Avoid distain for Legislators and the
System. Respect Legislators' Views. Legislators will listen to CONSTITUENTS first. Never EMBARRASS a Legislator. Don't take a self-righteous attitude with lawmakers. Be courteous. Be respectful. Be concise. Always introduce People with You. NEVER follow a Legislator into a Bathroom. "NEVER" |
| BE PREPARED | Do Your homework. Do not generalize. Know each Legislator's bent. Do not assume anything. Don't get caught by surprise. Don't let Legislators get caught by surprise. Keep appointments short. Maintain a Presence. One-page/outline letters are critical. State the purpose of Your visit to the staff. Know what you can about the Legislator. Help the Legislator explain their vote. Provide everything the Legislator needs to be ready. |
| YOUR DEMEANOR | Do not demand. Do not threaten. Do not get angry. Have a sense of humor. Don't be intimidated by Legislators. Don't be cranky with the staff. Listen to EXACTLY what the legislator is saying, not what You think they are saying. |
| STAFF | Use the Golden Rule. When you are talking to staff, you are talking to the Legislator. Do not treat staff as underlings. Do not pick on staff because of their Boss' position. Be friendly. Follow up with the staff. |