Influencing Public Policy: Nonprofit Advocacy and Lobbying John Chamberlin Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy The University of Michigan

Stages of the Advocacy Process Laying the groundwork –Awareness and information –Developing the organization’s positions –Becoming known to the professional and political communities –Networking with other groups Being ready when the right moment arrives –Be prepared with policy recommendations Legislation and/or regulations –Be prepared with a political strategy: communications, coalitions, mobilization plan

Types of Advocacy Public Education Lobbying Electioneering Litigation

Targets of Advocacy Elected officials Ministry officials Mass public Professionals in policy communities Political parties Candidates for elected office

Public Education Campaigns Increasing public awareness directly –Public meetings –Rallies that attract media attention –Leaflets –Posters –Websites, , blogs

Public Education Campaigns Indirect education through the media –Meetings with reporters –Meetings with editorial boards –Letters to the editor –“Op-ed” essays –Advertising –Call-in radio shows

Public Education Campaigns Increasing awareness among elite groups –Doctors and nurses –Professional societies –Community organizers –Teachers –Church officials

Advocacy Resources Expertise and information –Scientific and technical information –Case studies –Preferences of the public Networks (local, national, international) Media contacts Reputation –Name recognition –Prominent spokespeople Volunteer time Votes Money

Lobbying Definition: Deliberate attempts to influence policy decisions through forms of advocacy directed at policy makers on behalf of another person, organization or group –Usually concerning specific details of legislation or regulations

Types of Lobbying Direct lobbying by NGO staff and policy professionals (doctors, administrators, experts) –Elected officials (meetings, legislative testimony) –Agency officials Indirect lobbying –“Grassroots” lobbying by NGO members/clients Letter writing campaigns Office visits –Invitations to officials to attend public meetings

Electioneering Endorsements Campaign workers Media contacts Voter registration Get out the vote campaigns

Litigation Legal partners –Pro bono attorneys –Law students –Medical consultants and expert witnesses Identifying potentially successful arguments Identifying strong plaintiffs Media contacts and strategies