_Lobbying_ (http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/organise/weblobby.html)
Lobbying means persuading individuals or groups with decision-making power
to support a ... In this section we cover the most common lobbying
methods. ...
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1. What do you use lobbying for
Lobbying means persuading individuals or groups with decision-making power
to support a position you believe is right. When you do your organisational
planning it is important to identify other stakeholders whose co-operation
or influence you need. So you lobby people with power to act in support of
the needs and interests of those who do not have direct power and
influence. Lobbying can be used to influence anyone with power for example:
Parents can lobby the school governing body to provide after care at
school
Shoppers can lobby the manager of the local supermarket to stay open for
longer hours
Civics can lobby the council to write off arrears
Conservatives can lobby the President to bring back the death penalty
Lobbying is mostly used by organisations to persuade politicians or others
with power and influence to support the organisation’s position. There are
many ways of lobbying. You can:
* phone
* make submissions
* write to individuals
* go to meet decision-makers or invite them to meet people in your
area
* get other powerful people to influence them informally, etc.
1. Important things to know about lobbying
It is important to understand some basic principles of effective lobbying
before we look at methods.
Some basic rules for lobbying:
* Be clear about your issue, your facts and your position
* Use lobbying only for important issues that will improve life in
the community and make very sure that your position is the right one before
you start lobbying
* Be careful not to speak "on behalf of people" unless you have
consulted them and involved them in developing your lobbying strategy (See
section on Planning for guidance on analysing the problem or issue)
* Target the right people - analyse who has the power to make a
decision on your issue and target your lobbying at these people
* Build a lobby group - analyse who [individuals and organisations]
can influence the decision-makers and try to mobilise them to support your
issue – never try to lobby alone. People with political power are often most
sensitive to grassroots mobilisation that represents their voters.
* Prepare for opposition - analyse the opposition’s position and
develop counter arguments to that since they may also be lobbying the same
person
* Think about your target audience - how the decision-maker can
benefit from agreeing with you and include this in your arguments – most
decision-makers will agree more easily if they can see how your proposals link
to
their concerns
* Never use blackmail or bribery or even gifts and favours to
persuade someone. That is corruption, not lobbying.
1. How to lobby
In this section we cover the most common lobbying methods. Read through the
whole section and then choose the methods that best suit your organisations
’ goals. The lobbying exercise at the end of this section will help you to
plan which methods to use.
1. Support base
You should never, never lobby alone. Try to get organisations or
individuals who support your cause to also use the methods discussed below.
Whilst
politicians are always sensitive to organisations, they also respond well to
lots of appeals from individuals.
1. Letters
Letters are the easiest method to use to lobby but they are not always the
most effective. Many people in positions of power have administrative
staff who read their mail and summarise it for them. Make letters as personal
as possible and avoid getting different organisations and individuals to all
send exactly the same letter. See the format under submissions for the
issues that should be covered in a letter.
1. Submissions
Submissions are usually made to committees, or chairpersons of committees
in government, and it is important to structure them in such a way that you
get your points across powerfully. Here is a recipe you can follow. State
clearly:
1. The group or organisation you represent, and contact details.
2. The topic or issue that you want to make a submission about
3. Why your group is making the submission e.g. your concern, how you
are connected to the issue and your expertise or experience on the issue.
4. The specific actions you would like the committee to take.
5. The reasons why you would like them to take this action – this is
where you give the facts and make your main points. Be as brief and
accurate as possible.
6. The reasons why the actions you recommend will be good for the
interests of the committee – e.g. how it will improve the quality of service,
make a contribution to the welfare of the community, save money or
generally please their constituents.
7. It is sometimes useful to outline briefly what would happen if no
action is taken. Be careful not to sound as if you are threatening the
decision-maker.
8. Offer further information or face-to-face meetings on request
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