Lobbying

Lobbying is the practice of influencing government decisions. Persons, organizations, corporations, and special interest groups regularly lobby for governmental decision making or action in their favor or for protection of their interests. Those who lobby for a living are called lobbyists.

Lobbying is a common practice dating back to the 1800's, when special interest leaders would gather in the lobbies of state legislature and Congress to petition for their interests. Legislators regularly work with lobbyists, and lobbyists contend with decision making legislators, insomuch that lobbyist-written legislation is occasionally approved. Many large and well-known special interest groups, organizations, and professional lobbyists maintain a constant presence in Washington and in state capitals to sustain the protection and favor of their interests. Large corporations will often employ lobbyists to represent their interests in legislature.

Lobbying is infamously associated with the potential for corruption. Bribery of decision making officials in particular has been unfavorably associated with lobbying. Federal law has been passed in an effort to regulate lobbying and prevent any type of bribery or other illegal action.

Lobbying Methods
According to The Democracy Center, there are basically two methods used to carry out lobbying: "inside" and "outside".

Inside Lobbying
Inside lobbying takes place in Washington at the Capitol. Inside lobbying involves:

- Meeting with lawmakers and legislative staff;
- Providing information to committees and legislative offices;
- Testifying in committees;
- Negotiating with policy makers and other lobby groups;

The majority of inside lobbying is carried out by or in conjunction with advocates or lobbyists with a regular presence at the Capitol.

Outside Lobbying
Outside lobbying takes place away from the Capitol, and utilizes activity that aims to shift pressure and politics of an issue. Outside lobbying involves:
- Media activity, such as news conferences, editorial board visits, and assisting reporters with stories;
- Local lobbying visits by constituents to their legislators;
- Building broad and diverse coalitions;
- Initiating letter writing campaigns to legislators;
- Rallies and other Grassroots activities.

In order for groups and persons to logically and strategically interconnect, outside lobbying techniques must be coordinated with inside lobbying techniques.

How to Lobby
Every person has the ability, or right, to lobby their legislators and state and government officials. This is done by:

1. Being informed.
- Before lobbying a government official, it is important to obtain information and knowledge on the issue and on the officials who a person will lobby;
- If a person does not know the answer to a question or does not have certain information, honestly declaring as much and offering to follow up with the information is appropriate.

2. Establishing the issue and goals.
- A person should lobby no more than two to three issues at a time, and know those issues that are going to be addressed.
- He or she should decide what their goal is in advance: a decision? An informational visit? Opposition? Support?
- If a bill is being discussed, it should be clearly referred to.

3. Building relationships with a constructive lobby.
- Persons lobbying should listen carefully to their legislator and take advantage of opportunities to provide good information;
- Each legislator is different, and some may need to be drawn out or skillfully redirected to the issue;
- If an official in the past supported an issue a person has been involved in, thanking that official is appropriate. If they have in the past opposed an issue, persons should not do anything that may make a legislative enemy;
- Avoid arguments, confrontations, or threatening or sarcastic remarks;
- Persons should make their visit succinct. Obtaining closure on the issue, expressing thanks, and concluding the visit is appropriate and considerate. Even if an issue was impasse, the legislator should be thanked. Expressing disappointment is acceptable;
- Avoid overwhelming a legislator with excessive paperwork or information;
- Maintain positive relationships with staff members.

4.Following up.
- Persons should always send a thank-you note after a lobbying visit. Thank you notes to staff members that were present are important in establishing positive relationships too.

How to Make Issues Known
Those who work with special interest groups or organizations, or those who support them, have the task of making their issues known and educating the public and government officials. This is done by:

1. Letters. Personal letters written to public government officials play an important communicative role and reflect better than form or petition letters. Government officials understand that letters written represent a larger number of persons with the same special interests who did not choose to write a letter.

2. Meetings or Visits. Visits with legislators, council members, and/or elected officials may be arranged and help to communicate issues. Small, diverse groups who have previously determined meeting direction should know all facts pertaining to their issue. Visits or meetings on group grounds such as facilities or clinics help convey and humanize the issue.

Links:

https://www.democracyctr.org/resources/lobbying.html

https://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/citizen_lobbyist_center/lobbying_101/tips_for_successful_lobbying.html

https://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/citizen_lobbyist_center/lobbying_101/dos_and_donts_of_lobbying_how_to_be_an_effective_animal_advocate.html

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https://publicrelationsideas.com/