Tips, Grassroots Lobbying
< NWL Home > 

Tactics for Influencing Public Policy
                                     

Most legislators and other public policy makers listen to their constituents, and they hear from very few of them. You can be one of the voices they hear, and you can also influence the opinions of your friends and family - and the general public. You can even influence the outcome of elections. It's easy! And it can take very little of your time.
  1. Contact Policy Makers - Let them know your feelings on the issues you care about, and be clear about the actions you want them to take. When you hear about a good vote, statement or action on your issues, give a quick thank you (and do the same on bad votes and actions). When you make contact, be sure to leave your name and address; some will respond. The more personal your contact, the more weight it will usually carry. The following actions are in approximate order of effectiveness. On controversial issues with many contacts from voters, messages and letters are tallied as an index of public opinion. Don't let your voice be left out.
    Contact numbers        
  • Visit personally, making an appointment to discuss your issues; bring others who feel the same and include constituents. Be prepared by setting meeting goals and priorities, having all the needed facts at hand, and bringing some information to leave with them. If you don't have an answer, say that you will find out and get back to them. Your meeting can be at their legislative office or you can arrange a visit when they come home.
  • Discuss your issue in social settings or other contacts with your policy maker.
  • Telephone and discuss your issue.
  • Question policy makers about your issue at town meetings and other forums
  • Write or fax a letter personalized to a single policy maker.
  • Send or fax a form letter.
  • Send an e-mail message (this is really quick; state and national policy makers have e-mail addresses you can keep on your computer for quick messages)
  • Send a pre-printed postcard, or sign a petition.
  • Leave a phone message (for legislators you can ask that your message be delivered to several at once when you call 684-1385).
  1. Write Letters To The Editor - These letters are widely read and are very effective in showing public sentiment and in influencing it. If you have trouble getting your thoughts down, pair up with someone else. Some papers have word limits of 180 words or so, and some will print a second letter from the same person only after a delay. Your letter has more chance of being printed if it links to recent coverage by the paper.
  2. Arrange An Editorial Board Meeting with a local newspaper or TV station and a concerned group. See the tips above on visiting legislators.
  3. Call In On Radio Talk Shows and To Newspaper Hot Lines with your thoughts on issues.
  4. Activate Friends, Relatives and Co-Workers
  1. Join An Activist Group
  2. Become Active In Party Politics - Be there when platforms are set and issues and candidates are discussed.
  3. Donate Money to Groups or Candidates Supporting Your Issues
  4. Work on Candidate Campaigns - This not only helps good candidates win, but it gives you a good contact to help you on your issues later. There are multiple jobs in campaigns, but one of the most important is door-to-door campaigning; try it!
  5. VOTE!!! and put in some special effort on election day to get like-minded friends out to the polls.
Make a plan for your activism. Decide how much time you can spend, and which activities appeal to you. Set some goals for the year (like three letters to the editor, or working on two campaigns, or participating in your precinct meetings, or making x contacts with your legislators).
Nevada Women's Lobby, nevadawomenslobby.org