Communicating with Decision-makers Nancy Bolt Colorado State Library 201 East Colfax, Room 309 Denver, CO

BE COURAGEOUS You vote - you can talk They were ordinary people before they were elected It’s your right Relax - Be yourself

First, Educate Yourself Join a state list-serv Join the state’s Legislative network Read the newspaper Be prepared to act quickly Participate in regional cooperatives Join ALTA Join ALAWON listserv for national issues

5 WAYS TO LOBBY By phone By By letter By visit – inform in advance By testimony – inform in advance

GENERAL PRINCIPLES The Contact Educate politicians State clearly you are a constituent Know your legislator Leave future contact information Be polite Contact from home Thank for something Realize other priorities rule Legislators forget

GENERAL PRINCIPLES The Message Be brief and specific Know your message  Relate to your users  Quantify if possible Prioritize Have written information you can leave Offer to provide more or find out what you don’t know Ask for the order Report back

What to say if….. There isn’t enough money. What should we cut to fund your program? We can’t fund everything. Which library program would you prefer?

If There’s Time Tell a compelling story Indicate other groups that support your position Ask for questions and explain answers Engage in polite conversation

Personal Contact Go where your legislator goes Invite legislators to library events Send money Go to fund raisers Make friends NEVER badger, bully, but be persistent

Remember ABC - N Accuracy Brevity Courtesy – Always Say “Thank You” No permanent friends, No permanent enemies

Together we can succeed! Join your State Association Join your State’s Legislative Network Join ALTA Join ALAWON Learn about the issues Keep your Association informed