Grassroots Lobbying It Takes More than Just a Single Testimony..it Takes an Organized Community

Lobbying vs. Advocacy What is Advocacy? General promotion of an idea/cause via education for a solution. Advocacy is unlimited. What is Grassroots lobbying? Asking public to persuade an elected or appointed official to vote in a particular way on a specific piece of legislation or rule. What is Direct lobbying? Asking an elected or appointed official to vote in a particular way on a specific piece of legislation or rule. Lobbying is limited by legal statute. State and Federal have different rules.

Where can the decision be made? Ongoing issue in multiple/single area? Who are the key decision-makers? Who are your champions –or can become one? When is the vote(s) happening? Why, Where, Who, When?

How: Best Lobbying Campaign Strategies Educ./awareness events Action alerts Public speaking / Forums Media (LTEs/Op Eds/Ads) Blogs Social media Ex. NOT ONE AND DONE! Multi-partner and Platforms

Know Your Audience If supportive, help them to be a champion. Provide information, resources, intelligence. If opposed, move on. Think about ways to neutralize their opposition. If undecided, figure out what they need to move – information, public cover, personal testimony, etc.

Long term effective advocacy requires positive, trusting, strategic relationships with elected and appointed officials, staff, the media, organizations and individuals. Whine Threaten Misrepresent facts Malign the opposition Personalize differences of opinion Burn bridges DONT PROMISE ENDORSEMENT Whine Threaten Misrepresent facts Malign the opposition Personalize differences of opinion Burn bridges DONT PROMISE ENDORSEMENT

Limitations No “substantial part” of the activities of Surfrider can go towards propaganda or attempts to influence legislation. However, only legislative lobbying is restricted, not lobbying in general. No “substantial part” of the activities of Surfrider can go towards propaganda or attempts to influence legislation. However, only legislative lobbying is restricted, not lobbying in general. Approximately 20% of Surfrider’s total budget is allowed for all lobbying and a quarter of that (5%) is allowed for grassroots lobbying. Approximately 20% of Surfrider’s total budget is allowed for all lobbying and a quarter of that (5%) is allowed for grassroots lobbying. You must report funds and hours to HQ You must report funds and hours to HQ

For more info on Lobbying Contact: Angela Howe