What is lobbying all about anyway?
What is lobbying?
It's an advocacy group's attempt to promote or secure passage of our legislative objectives by the General Assembly.
What is a lobbyist?
... any person who discusses issues with a member of the General Assembly in the hope of influencing the legislative proceedings.
Why is lobbying necessary?
.. because decision-makers do not always have direct access to information on how a particular proposal might affect an issue, such as the education of youngsters in their area schools or the school employees who work in these schools. That's our job as advocates--to educate those elected officials who will be making these decisions to make certain that they have the necessary information to make the best decisions possible.
Lobbying: the heart of our democratic system
The lobbying process, an extension of the right to be heard and an exercise in democracy, reflects the heart of our American system. Lobbying, to a greater degree than most, depends on common sense and luck--a description that perhaps explains its engrossing attractions.
Some legislators prefer that the attention bestowed on them be varied: campaign funds, incidentals such as mailing lists, hosting friends, providing entree to persons and places--all manner of things small and not so small. Loyalty to legislators who support you are essential. It should and can legitimately be translated into endorsements, fund-raising, voter turnout, etc.
Be careful. You will do little for your cause or that of the legislator himself if you misunderstand the proper limits of support. You are always free to say no to requests you judge to be unlawful, improper, or subject to misinterpretation or misunderstanding. When in doubt, refrain.
Your integrity is key
Integrity and professionalism are the cornerstones of all fruitful legislative activity. There is no place where a person's word is more important, and no place where personal integrity is more relied upon and more appreciated than in the legislature.
It's the grassroots members, i.e. voters, who are really important
Many lobbyists are convinced that they are central to legislative decision-making. But careful study of the reasons for the success or failure of legislation shows that pressure-group representatives alone seldom determine the fate of a bill. Knowing and hearing from those the lobbyist represents lets the legislator know how his/her voters feel.
Never forget that as an advocate you may influence but you never vote. The legislator is the one who casts the vote--the only vote that counts--and he or she takes a natural pride in having it be his or her vote.
Always thank a legislator
After every contact with a legislator, be sure to say the magic words of THANK YOU.
