"Primer" on Individual Lobbying
"Primer" on Individual Lobbying
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Individual Lobbying is:
- Attempting to persuade a public official to vote your way.
- An appropriate exercise of the 1st Amendment right to petition for redress of grievances.
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Ways to Lobby
- Person to person - best to call or write and make appointment
- Letters by mail, e-mail, fax
- Calls
- Telegrams
- Petitions
- Rallies
- Other creative ideas - whatever is moral and right
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Tips for Effective Lobbying
- Couple passion with thoughtfulness
- Balance commitment with tolerance
- Be patient
- Keep your sense of humor--smile
- Look to the long term, don't give up
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More Tips
- Have written material, but don't insist
- Be concise and clear
- Listen carefully
- Be a friend, not a threat
- Make friends with the staff
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What You Can Do Now
- Register to Vote!
- Know who represents you
- Know your Regent
- Contact the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker
- Start developing personal relationships
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More to Do
- Ask for recognition and acceptance
- Recognize differences within the homeschooling community
- Stay informed--use the WWW
- Attend political party meetings
- Pace yourself, but stay involved
For more about lobbying the House Ed. Committee, see What Homeschoolers Can Do
© 1997 HEIR