Doula Lobby Day Training 2019

Your Power! You are a constituent! Once voted in, legislators are there to represent their constituents. They know that re-election is always around the corner. You being there shows that there are concerned voters who are watching what they do in Olympia! You are an expert on this issue, do not assume just because they are a legislator that a) they are up to date about the legislation b) have had education or personal experience on the issue c) can not be moved to be a supporter or champion! While lobbyist are important, they still are not constituents. Legislators know lobbyist are paid to be there, while on the other hand, you being there in person shows just how important this issue is to constituents.

Why Your Story Matters! Legislators are hit with numbers and statistics every day, your story adds the face to the issue. Legislators have emotions just like you and I, stories are a way to help humanize the issue. If a legislator is committed to this issue, they will use the story you shared to advocate and garner support from their fellow legislators. Personal stories give them the reasoning to show that this is an issues that matters to their constituents

Developing your Story What will I be calling on Legislators to do? What values move me to take action and might also inspire others to similar action? What stories can I tell from my own life about specific people or events that would show (rather than tell) why it is critical and urgent to move on this issue. Your story should show the human side of the issue, helps to make a connection between you and the legislator, shows why it is urgent, and critical to take action Be yourself, be authentic, and remember your story matters!

Meeting With Your Legislator You will get about 15 min with your legislator Follow the “Handy Message Guide” Sometimes legislators will try and get off topic by asking questions that may seem like they are trying to get to know you but often waste valuable time, try and get them back on the agenda Make sure you have a note taker. DO NOT FEEL like you have to have all the answers! If they ask a question you are unsure about, simply say “you will have somebody follow up with them. Make sure that question gets back to Jordan. If you are not able to meet with your legislator, speaking with their aid is just as important! Make sure they take notes, do not be shy to ask them to if they do not at first.

“Handy Message Guide” As mentioned before, you will have only 15 minutes to meet with your Legislator Make sure to cover all 5 points The “story” and the “ask are very important! Make a clear “ask” and remember to record their answer, even if they say they can not make a decision at this time.