Developing State Lobby Day Events

Message Development
Clearly defining an overarching message for the day and a specific request of individual legislators is critical to success of a lobbying day. Your program should have both a large, thematic message (e.g., "Better planning empowers communities to enhance and preserve local quality of life") and a definite "ask" that is connected to your thematic message (e.g., "Cosponsor Bill 123 to improve planning and land use in Michigan."). Your thematic message should set a broad context and be media and general public friendly. Your "ask" should be a direct and informed request to legislators and their staff about the action required. Be sure to keep it simple.

Training
Avoid sending members to meet with legislators without training based on your message. Members need to know the "ask," understand the theme, and appreciate the legislative and political climate/situation. Further, members should be able to articulate a clear and compelling argument, ideally supported by research, on behalf of the requested legislative action. It is also useful to provide members with some background on legislative process and effective means of working with legislators and staff. Training can take a variety of forms. Some organizations choose to provide members with written and online material in advance of the lobbying day. Others offer a training meeting before sending members to meet with legislators. Organizations opting to conduct training on the day of the lobbying activity can also combine this with motivational activities (see below). A tip sheet or talking points is a must.

Member Motivation
One effective technique for lobbying day programs is to provide a prominent speaker to both inform and motivate members for action. Usually, this comes in the form of a keynote speaker or a press conference. The speaker should be someone both recognizable and knowledgeable. It is especially useful if the motivator has, or had, a prominent role in government (at the local, state, or federal level). Please note that a motivational presentation can also be provided by a respected leader within your organization. But it helps to have a rallying moment to "fire up the troops" and reinforce your message. A related issue to be considered is whether to make the motivation presentation public or private. A public presentation can involve a press conference or public rally (see below). In contrast, a private presentation would be solely for your members and would dovetail with your training program.

Event Connection
Many lobbying day efforts also include one or more events in addition to the meetings with legislators. Many organizations begin with a breakfast meeting that provides training and/or motivation for the activities ahead. If you have a prominent speaker or a newsworthy release (e.g., legislative proposal roll-out, research report, significant new support for your cause from a key political figure or group), you might consider conducting a press conference. Other options for events include, evening receptions to honor key legislators, lunch keynote addressed to the members, or a joint rally with allied organizations. Some chapters have had success by coordinating breakfast meetings between representatives (or staff) and members. Whatever form you choose, an event helps give shape and content to your day.

Coordination
Effective lobbying days require coordination and logistical support. This need for coordination exists on two levels. One, you must identify which legislators are most important to achieve your objective. This might be members of the committee with jurisdiction over a bill or party leaders in the House or Senate. Once you have identified targeted legislators, match them with specific constituent members and provide staff or Board support for those meetings. It is vital that constituents lead the meeting since they are the most persuasive voice you have. However, do not leave these key meetings to chance. Use staff to set up these meetings, make sure the constituent member is well-versed in the issue and the "ask," and support the constituent by sending staff (and/or lobbyist) to the meeting as well. Two, help individual members coordinate their meetings. Members may need help identifying their representative or accessing contact information for that representative. You might consider providing a directory of legislators and a sample script or tip sheet for setting up meetings. Also, don't forget to prepare helpful maps to ensure that member unfamiliar with area can easily find his/her way around.

Resources & Research
If possible, provide members with something to leave with legislators and/or staff. Recent reports on the subject, supportive research or even a fact sheet are useful tools. If legislators and staff come to see your organization as a credible and reliable source of information, you will be far more likely to gain access and support. However, it is NOT sufficient to provide information without a specific request. Legislative staffers are driven by specific actions and required follow up. Simply leaving information, however well-prepared, will not serve your purpose. Tie your information packet to a request. ("Here's a research report that further outlines why we are asking that you cosponsor Bill 123.") As noted above, it is useful to provide members with resources to prepare for their meeting, such as sample scripts, talking points and fact sheets. Finally, if you are releasing new information or research and it is newsworthy, you should consider some release event (e.g., press conference) and make sure that provide copies for lobbying meetings.

Partnership
Lobbying days may be conducted by a single organization or a broad coalition. There are specific pros and cons to each approach. Single organization lobby days allow you complete message control and the opportunity to monopolize the public and political recognition (and credibility) such an event provides. However, single organization lobby days mean that you assume all the costs and development burdens of the event. And, obviously, you will mobilize fewer individuals. Coalition efforts have the primary benefit of volume … simply put, more people. Coalition efforts also allow you to "piggyback" on the credibility and access of other organizations. However, coalitions by their nature mean a certain loss of control. Be sure to secure a clear agreement regarding the day's message. Also, have clear discussions regarding logistical, staff, content, and financial support. In making the decision take into account your immediate legislative objective and whether or not it is best served individually or collectively. Ultimately, these decisions require a close evaluation of the specific local context.

Follow-up
This area is often overlooked but is of great importance. Provide a means for your members to report back the outcome of their meeting. Did the legislator make a commitment? Did the legislator indicate a preference or leaning? Did the legislator request more information? The status and outcome of each meeting should be documented for later lobbying use. Also, make sure that members follow up after the meeting with a thank you. Some organizations even provide stationary and/or boilerplate text for this purpose. Finally, follow up with your own members after the legislative session or key vote to make sure that they are aware of how their representative ultimately voted on the issue.

Access APA staff resources and expertise. APA provides assistance and resources with chapter lobbying activities. Contact Government Affairs for consultation and help with building your network!