There are several methods of grassroots lobbying. However, using the right one at the appropriate time is essential to have an impact on the legislative, process. This section covers various effective grassroots lobbying techniques.
Reporting Back Results of Grassroots Lobbying
One fundamental key to a successful grassroots lobbing program is communication. Without a constant flow of two-way communication, the success of any grassroots effort is limited and ultimately futile. Another important key to a successful grassroots lobbying program is the accuracy of information and the timing in which it is passed along.
On any given legislative issue, members of Congress can be classified into three given categories: supporters, opponents and "undecideds." The focus of your grassroots lobbying efforts should be on those Members who are opponents and undecideds. The job is to convert the undecideds and opponents before a vote is cast. For those legislators who are undecided on how to vote on an issue, as few as 30 letters from individuals can affect the outcome of their decisions. These undecided legislators should be the primary targets of the your lobbying efforts.
For those elected officials who are opposed or hostile to EMS causes, your grassroots lobbying efforts may not succeed in gaining their vote, but it may cause them to lessen their opposition. Also, since there are many stages in the legislative process, legislators have the opportunity to vote with us some of the time, even though they won't be with us all of the time. This is important too, because early votes can help move legislation through the committee process, whereas without this early support, bills may prematurely die from lack of support.
For elected officials who are sympathetic, but not strong supporters of emergency medical services issues, grassroots lobbying can help increase their commitment to become more supportive and active on EMS legislation. Volunteers should never be satisfied with a Member of Congress only passively supports our position. The goal should always be to increase this commitment.
Another key ingredient in effective grassroots lobbying is timing. Timing is essential. Accurate and detailed communications and the right information at the right time helps keep the lobbying network moving in the right direction.
Remember, members of Congress always have one eye focused on their re-election. They want to make sure that the actions they take in Washington are popular and their constituents are supportive of these activities. If EMS fails to communicate our positions on issues through phone calls, letters, and personal visits, our voices will go unheard and the association’s legislative agenda will face certain defeat.
Building Coalitions
In addition to your own personal political activity, it is at times also necessary to build coalitions with other community groups and organizations. The following is a checklist for coalition building:
Step 1: Compile a list of local organizations likely to join forces with you on a particular issue. An attempt should be made to balance the list with representatives from varied organizations: religious, civil rights, minority, women’s, consumers, public interest and community service groups.
Step 2: Develop a list of well-known individuals who generally support EMS issues, i.e., radio-TV personalities, state legislators, lawyers, "good" business leaders, civic and religious leaders, law enforcement groups, etc.
Step 3: Contact these individuals and organizations and ask them to join in endorsing a statement of principles as a first step. Send a copy of the statement with a cover letter inviting their participation should be mailed and followed up by a phone call.
Step 4: Develop a steering committee of six to 10 reliable people. They should meet and be provided with a list of possible activities for their organizations and the other members of the coalition. The advice of the steering committee should be solicited.
Step 5: Be specific in the kind of action requested of each group. For example, they should be provided with a sample resolution to consider. Once the resolution is passed, make sure that it gets sent to the appropriate elected officials and the local news media.
Step 6: Keep in touch with the coalition participants, share information with them, and call and meet with them occasionally. They should be asked to complete specific tasks. For example, each organization should be asked to send 50 letters to their Representatives and Senators, generate 25 telephone calls, represent the coalition on radio programs, write letters to the editors, etc.
Step 7: Issue news releases periodically about the activities and work of the coalition to the local newspapers, radio and TV stations.
Step 8: Notify the association office of the coalition's activities and planned events. Send copies of correspondence to Congress to the office so we may publicize and support your efforts.
Besides building long-term coalitions, it is also possible to develop short-term coalitions that revolve around a single issue.
Adapted with permission from the National Volunteer Fire Council (www.nvfc.org).