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Lobbying
Tips to help you take action and make a positive difference.
Lobbying involves talking face to face with decision makers about issues that concern you. Lobbying aims to gets decision makers to state where they stand on a particular issue. It is the process of informing and facilitating change.
Advantages:
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Lobbying gives you a chance to sit down and talk through your issue in detail with decision makers and to make sure that they realise the issue affects real people.
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It shows the strength of feeling and interest much better than a letter or phone call.
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It allows for flexibility, as you can ask questions and get an immediate reply.
Disadvantages:
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Lobbying means that decision makers may have more say and control, as the meeting is more likely to take place on their ‘home turf’. However, a carefully planned strategy means that this may not be a disadvantage, as you will know what you want to cover during the meeting and can follow through with your questions.
Who and where you can lobby:
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Councillors, MEP's, politicians, senators, members of Boards of Directors, members of local business groups, youth leaders and youth organisations, school principals, school staff, doctors, members of the various churches, public bodies, district nurses, anyone in a decision making capacity connected with your issue.
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The above can be lobbied in Council Offices, at meetings, in Town Halls, at clinics, Party Headquarters, Dáil Éireann, the Seanad, in Education Offices, Youth Offices etc. - wherever the person happens to be at a relevant time.
How to lobby:
It might sound a bit off putting and even scary to consider lobbying your local politician, but it’s not as difficult as you might first think. It is much easier to lobby politicians in Northern Ireland and Ireland than in other European states because of the local nature of politics here. Remember that lobbying politicians can help change and decide the policies that affect our lives. All it takes is some courage, self-belief and preparation.
DO’s:
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Decide who the best politician in your area is to serve your cause. Aim for a Minister or TD.
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Call their office and ask for an appointment. Make sure you are early on the day and expect the person you are meeting to be late! Alternatively, you can find out when and where they hold their local monthly clinics and attend on that day.
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Be confident and relaxed on the day of your appointment. Be courteous and polite, offer a firm handshake and wear a smile!
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Prepare a three minute speech and limit your discussion to one issue. For example, if the problem with setting up a Skate Park is high insurance, then focus on that issue.
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Have your homework done and be able to quote a few facts and difficulties regarding the problem. Bring supporting documents/research/petitions.
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Make the case for the issue you represent and ask for his/her support.
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Once the time is up, thank them for their time and be sure to write down the contacts of their office staff, as you will more than likely be dealing through them from now on.
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Take notes on what was discussed and agreed and what needs following up on. Chase up the issue and phone their office back if you don't hear from them after a few weeks.
Consider:
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Make back up arrangements if it is not possible to meet the politician of your choice. Consider meeting with that official’s top staff person or another politician.
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Dress neatly and act cool. Try not to think too much about it. Just remember the good cause you represent. Take a few deep breaths if you feel nervous.
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Prepare a folder including any related newspaper clippings, photos and a brief handout they can read over later. This is sure to impress the person you are meeting no end!
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Make a list of organisations, groups and relevant individuals who support you. Mention this support lobby through your discussion and include a copy in the folder.
