How to be an Effective Lobbyist

Know your government. Consult your local library, election board, or internet to find out who is representing you at all governmental levels.

Know your elected officials and let them know you. Know your officials' history, what actions they have taken, and what their positions are on the issues relevant to the community. In addition, write letters, e-mails, and set up a meeting with your official. To be an effective lobbyist one must build a positive long-term relationship with their elected officials.

Know your officials' staffs. Usually, staff members are more accessible than the official and they can be highly influential in regards to issues and decisions.

Educate yourself on the issues. Contact the ADC government affairs office to provide action alerts and fact sheets. An effective lobbyist does not need to be an expert, but having a basic knowledge of the facts and issues will always strengthen your argument.

Check the status of a bill frequently. Change in a bill's status can occur rapidly, therefore it is important to habitually contact the legislature's bill status information office. It is also possible to check the status of a bill at The Library of Congress's Thomas website (thomas.loc.gov).

Be positive and honest. Remember that you are dealing with an official who could remain in office for a number of years. To cultivate a friendly relationship with the official and staff refrain from using sarcastic or threatening language. Furthermore, it's perfectly acceptable to admit that you do not know the answer to something.

Identify your bill by name not just by number. Remember that an elected official deals with many bills and might not be able to identify your bill by number alone. Furthermore, let the official know your name and organization and whether you seek their support or opposition.

Be direct. Express your point in terms that are concise and clear and be specific about your exact objectives. It is perfectly acceptable to include your personal opinion or explain how the matter personally affects you and other community members.

Cooperate with other groups. Create alliances with other special interest groups and organizations which express similar concerns in regards to issues affecting the American Arab community.