Communicating Science and Policy To the Legislature
Building Relationships Chris Golledge
Politicians Are People � Who am I and why am I doing this � Citizens’ Climate Lobby methods ◦ Treat others with respect ◦ Build relationships ◦ There are no guarantees ◦ There are approaches that work
Meeting with Legislators 1. Doing your homework 2. Requesting a meeting 3. Meeting 4. Following up
Doing Your Homework � Visit their web site � Sign up for their newsletters � Set up a Google News alert � Learn who their staff are � Find something you can appreciate
Requesting a Meeting � Find out the “preferred method” ◦ Web forms are common ◦ Phones still work
� Call to confirm your information on staff ◦ Especially the one best fit for your issue
� Request to meet with the legislator ◦ Be prepared to fall back to staff ◦ Persist
Meeting � Express appreciation � Ask how much time they have ◦ Do not go over
� Keep it simple ◦ Depends on their awareness level
� Avoid telling them they are wrong � Record questions you can’t answer
� Listen, Listen, Listen
Closing and Follow-Up � Have a few “Asks” ready, pick one ◦ Big ask ◦ Medium ask ◦ Little ask
� Send a Thank-You
Addendum � Writing letters ◦ Web forms ◦ Hand written
� Respect, Building Relationships, Appreciation