1 Jenny Brown – Senior EU Relations Adviser Christian Aid 12 February 2011 Transformational lobbying

2 The plan for today What is lobbying? And……… How do you do it? And then…….. Your turn!

3 Views of lobbying……

4 But it doesn’t have to be like that!!

5 The Christian approach “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Luke 4:18-19

6 Influencing for change….. Advocacy……. includes a range of activities which organisations or individuals can take to exert pressure for change in a specific policy or behaviour of a government, organisation (e.g. EU) or possibly a single individual. It can be public or private influencing to achieve a change.

7 Advocacy……. Awareness-raising Lobbying Campaigning Media

8 Lobbying………… “Directly persuading decision-makers and influential stakeholders of the importance of your advocacy objectives and convincing them to act accordingly”

9 Lobbying……… The message – what needs to change The targets – who can make the change happen (power analysis) The methods – conversations, meetings, briefings (choice of style) The purpose – to make the change happen

10 A real life example

11 A travel agent’s dream……..

12 …….but tax is good! Tax as development issue Message – need for transparency in corporate tax reporting and in tax havens Target – European Commission Method – conversations, meetings, briefings Purpose – Tax and Development Communication reflects Christian Aid concerns

13 Some top tips for lobbying

14 Lobby meetings: before Know your audience – views, knowledge, what they can do, dynamics Know your stuff! Timing – processes, events, other ‘hooks’ Agree strategy for meeting – objectives, message, roles, possible compromises Anticipate difficult questions and plan responses Prepare briefing

15 Lobby meetings: during Introductions, agree agenda Make the message relevant Emphasise your perspective and expertise Keep it clear, concise, factual Provide evidence Offer examples to illustrate State desired action Agree specific next steps (and timescale)

16 Stating the obvious, maybe, but… Listen Ask questions (show an interest) Show respect Stay calm! Don’t bluff Don’t waste time Watch your body language

17 Lobby meetings: after Debrief Write notes Evaluate Thank (and summarise main points) Follow up

18 Tips for talking to politicians You may know more than they do They have an interest (your vote!) in being polite to you and listening to you You have a right to talk to them Cultivate their assistants

19 No comment……..

20 Your turn !