Articles
Research shows lobbying is essential to effectively advocate for the issues that matter to your organization. We recognize that lobbying can be a daunting task, especially for those with limited or no legislative experience. That's why NPAction is providing you with lobbying advice from the perspective of someone who has been lobbied: a former state legislative staffer. While there is no one way to communicate with legislators, there are best practices that have proven to get results. See what works, what doesn't, and how you can most effectively lobby your legislators. Read More
The Coalition of Religious Communities (CORC) is a network of different religious communities in Utah working to improve the lives of low-income people through education and advocacy. Realizing that even their most passionate members can find their first visit to the state legislature an intimidating experience, CORC developed Faith Days on the Hill, an introduction to the legislative process at the Utah capitol for citizen advocates. Read More
Many national organizations hold briefings for Congressional staff where experts on issues involving upcoming legislation present facts, analysis and answer questions. These briefings make it possible for the sponsoring nonprofit to reach many members of Congress at once and provide their offices with quality information. If you want to organize a briefing on Capitol Hill, there are specific procedures that you will need to follow. (These can be adapted for briefings at the state or local level.) A former Hill staffer shares her tips on what to consider as you plan a briefing: Read More
Sometimes the most effective tool for change is a face-to-face meeting with legislators. Such meetings provide an opportunity to educate elected officials about issues important to your organization and to ask for their support. Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts (N2N) works to build power in low-income and working class communities around economic justice issues. To promote these issues, N2N uses a grassroots community organizing model that includes delegation visits to educate legislators about the needs of their working class constituents. Read More
State and federal lobby days are great ways for organizations to promote their issues. They can also help organizations increase funding, maintain relationships, and provide time for participants to advocate for certain legislation. Lobby days are an effective way to bring participants together from a range of different communities. Read More
Writing letters in your own words is probably the most efficient and effective way to influence members of Congress. They need to hear from you! They depend on you to educate them about what is happening in their district and what legislation is most important to their constituents. Read More
Face-to-face visits with your elected officials, or their staff, is the most influential form of advocacy. This direct lobbying can be time-consuming, but it can also be fun, interesting, and highly effective. Read More
How Congress Deals With Processing Thousands of Pieces of Legislation a Year
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There are many tools that grassroots groups can use to get elected officials involved in making changes for the public good. Small, individual meetings with elected officials can establish credibility for your group, gauge the officials' support for or opposition to the issues the group is working on, and get a sense of other issues the officials are working on. Larger meetings, called forums and accountability sessions, focus public attention on specific issues your group is working on and put pressure on elected officials to vote in favor of your positions. Read More
A few quick tips to review before meeting with a legislator or their staff. Read More
More tips on communicating with legislators. Read More
One of the most important aspects of our system of government is that it is representative government. Those who make our laws represent us. But how can they represent us unless we let them know what we are thinking? Read More
"Numbers numb, jargon jars and no one ever marched on Washington because of a pie chart. Tell stories." Andy Goodman (Good Ideas for a Good Cause) Read More
Legislative advocacy refers to efforts to influence the introduction, enactment, or modification of legislation. This can include lobbying, ballot initiatives, legislative networks and campaigns, and explanations of legislative processes. Legislative advocacy can also encompass instruction on how to conduct campaigns, educating legislators, communications strategies to implement lobbying campaigns, rules regarding lobbying, building legislative networks, and tracking legislation and committee votes. Read More