Education, Advocacy and Lobbying – Oh My!: What’s Allowed (and What’s Not) When Reaching out to Elected Officials An ALA Washington Office Webinar

Topics About the Webinar Who’s Speaking? Welcome from ALA Defining Terms What the Law Says (Or How to Find Out What the Law Says) What Some People Say the Law Says Your five minute action plan

About the Webinar What’s happening? Muting Q&A Recording and Follow-Up Materials

Who’s Speaking?

Welcome from ALA

Where are we Starting From? Let’s go to the polls!

Education = Knowing What You Do Generally achieved through direct and indirect outreach (sending newsletters, website, connecting through visits, etc.)

Public Relations = Feeling Good About What You Do Generally achieved through outreach from others (media, community groups, etc.)

Advocacy = You Asking Them to Be Engaged in and Supportive of What You Do Policy Asks Support a bill Support a local initiative Support a funding request Relationship Asks Visit our library Talk to our board Connect with our friends group Make a statement

Lobbying = Ongoing Direct One on One Communication (and Tracking) Tracking Federal: 10,000 bills introduced. 4% pass State: Somewhat less abysmal Note: OGR does this on the federal level and chapters do this on a state level Someone needs to keep track of all that!

One Determining Factor in “Lobbying”

Associated with specific vote or political action? Or not? Another: The TYPE of Ask

What the Law Says: Federal Tax Implications Legal Implications Constituent / Grassroots Exemptions

What the Law Says: State & Local Themes Registration Reporting Identification Gifts Non-Profits CA Example Resources The State Board of Elections Secretary of State State Legislature Best State Resource: National Conference of State Legislatures National Conference of State Legislatures Local Government Websites

Special Rules for Election Seasons Balance Nonpartisan Not favoring one candidate or perspective over another Examples Voter registration and GOTV Candidate-wide forums

The reality (in some areas) You’re not “allowed” to speak to officials Only certain people can speak to legislators Communications with officials must be coordinated through others

Solutions Be clear on your rights as a citizen Cultivate alliances internally (such as the organization-wide lobbyist) Offer to help with monitoring Offer to assist on other issues (with all this advocacy training you’ll be an asset) Focus on education, public relations and advocacy (not lobbying) Train others to do advocacy – Board – Friends – Trustees

Checklist for Education, Advocacy, Lobbying and Beyond!  Know your rights as a private citizen  Know the local, state and federal laws  Take baby steps (education first, then build from there)  Know the perspectives of your organization  Nervous?  Somewhat willing?  Other internal staff need to be involved?  Excited?  If needed, develop arguments for higher-ups to enhance your ability to advocate / lobby  Find and train others who can lobby  Create “win-win” situations (how can you help someone else?)

Questions?

Contact Information Ted Wegner, ALA Washington Office – – Washington Office Line: (202) (800) (for the cash strapped among us) – Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru – – (202) –