2. All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only to permit you to learn more about our firm, our services and the experience of our attorneys.  The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current and is subject to change without notice.  
This information is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be
relied upon in lieu of consultation with appropriate legal advisors in your own jurisdiction.

3. Improving Your Advocacy
Gerard Lavery Lederer
Partner
Best Best & Krieger
July 12, 2017
9:00

4. You’re Not Alone and You Can Win

5. Understanding Decision Making at All Levels of Government
Power Comes From Three Sources:
Money
Information
Ability to Reach an Audience
Every Policy Decision is a
Risk/Reward Calculation

6. CALENDAR Congress is scheduled to be home from July 31 to September 5
October
November
December 15 – January

7. Who to Contact
Members of Congress were elected to represent you, so by all means, let them know what you think.
Contacting House and Senate leaders during the build-up to an important vote can be extremely effective.
Even more effective if you reach out to them before hand and establish a relationship.
sponse, particularly if your , phone call or letter is one of hundreds on the same topic, but be certain your message will be heard, loud and clear.

8. How to Contact Your Legislator
Technology has provided us with a range of opportunities to make our voices heard.
Tweets Instagram
Facebok ,
Faxes Telephone calls
Personal Visits
Interview on Channel – in house and remote

9. What to Say/How to Say it
Be specific -- Give the name and bill number of the legislation you are concerned about
Be Brief -- Identify your subject clearly and make the ask.
Please cosponsor; Please oppose
Be Local – “As a constituent”
Don't ask for the impossible or engage in threats.
And Always be Honest!!!! “I am not sure of the answer to that question, please allow me to get back to you.”

10. Listen as Much as you Talk
Ask the legislator his or her position
Close the Sale
Can we rely on your leadership to …

11. Schedule the Meeting.
or Fax your Members of Congress to request meeting. Don’t just walk in. It used to work, but not today.
Call your Members of Congress at their offices in Washington, DC or at their district offices.
ALL Senators or Representatives by dialing (U.S. Capitol Switchboard) and asking for the Member by name.

12. FOLLOW UP WITH A LETTER/EMAIL
Writing an actual letter or formal have merit. They show officials that you are interested enough to set the time aside to write and mail in a letter or formal .
Use letterhead (if appropriate to show you are from district)
Start – “As a constituent …” or some variable thereof gthen make your point or your ask. Cosponsor H.R? Oppose H.R. ?
Body -- Make your point or political cause known clearly and directly without attacking people, but instead attacking tactics.
Close – Offer yourself as a resource.

13. Other Ways to Make Your Voice Heard
Letters-to-the-Editor
An Opinion Piece – Can you find a PEG champion?
Talk With Reporter Or Editor
Radio Call-In Shows
PEG Show or Interview
Encourage Community Messaging
Reach Out to Other Organizations      

14. Lobbying as 501 (c)(3)
501(c)(3) organizations may engage in advocacy but are subject to heightened restrictions on advocacy and partisan activities.
Advocacy cannot constitute a “substantial part” of the activities of an organization. Entity may choose to make the “lobbying election” under Section 501(h) which is an formulaic “expenditure test.” See next page for scale
You cannot engage in partisan activities.
Not Advocacy/Lobbying:
Technical assistance or advice to unsolicited request;
“Self-defense activities”—i.e., communications concerning decisions that may affect an organization’s existence, powers, duties, 501(c)(3) status, or deductibility of contributions; and
Nonpartisan analysis, study.

15. If the amount of exempt purpose expenditures is:
Lobbying nontaxable amount is:
≤ $500,000
20% of the exempt purpose expenditures
>$500,00 but ≤ $1,000,000
$100,000 plus 15% of the excess of exempt purpose expenditures over $500,000
 > $1,000,000 but ≤ $1,500,000
 $175,000 plus 10% of the excess of exempt purpose expenditures over $1,000,000
>$1,500,000
$225,000 plus 5% of the exempt purpose expenditures over $1,500,000
Source: IRS Website

16. Contact Information
Gerard Lavery Lederer
Best Best & Krieger
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Suite 5300
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202)
Fax: (202)
Cell: (202)
Website: 16