Holding Their Feet to the Fire

How to pressure politicians to act: bird dogging; social media; lobbying.

DEMOCRACY MATTERS BIRD-DOGGING THE CANDIDATES 

  • Bird-Dogging is the art of attending political events with the goal of forcing politicians/candidates to publicly state their positions on issues that are important to you.
  • The goal of our bird-dogging efforts will be to get candidates on the record about money in politics issues (including our pledge)
  • The goal of all of these tactics is to create an environment for both campaigns and elected officials where they are hearing about our issue from all sides.
  • Ideally their organizers should be hearing about us from potential volunteers. Finance staff will hear from donors pledging not to give until campaigns sign the pledge.
  • Their social media staff should be annoyed every time we hijack a hashtag and their advance staff and the candidate will be aware of our constant pressure at events.
  • The goal here is to weigh heavy on the minds of every level of staff within the campaign and continue to escalate pressure!

Bird-Dogging Tactics

  • Bird-Dog with friends: It is crucial to bring as many allies as possible to events. This gives us several advantages. First it creates a supportive environment for questioners and makes it more difficult for candidates to duck questions. Second, it allows follow up questions that keep the pressure on candidates.
  • Use the following format for developing questions. 1) Talk about an important issue. 2) Connect it to money in politics. 3) Read the pledge and ask them to sign on the spot.
  • Make sure team members are recording candidates on phones. We want to capture whatever happens.
  • DEMOCRACY MATTERS SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE
  • Contact your representatives on facebook or other social media and tell them what you think!
  • Hijack hash-tags: Research hash-tags that campaigns are using and use those hash-tags while highlighting money in politics and voting issues.
  • Organizing on twitter is a great way to amplify your impact. Local politicians have top staffers running their accounts and will feel the pressure if you organize effectively.
  • Use Thunderclap to achieve maximum effect.

DEMOCRACY MATTERS  LOBBYING TIPS

 Plan how the meeting will run and who will speak from your group.  Find out how long the meeting will be when you make the appointment. Then agree among yourselves what you would like to ask the legislator, tell her/him, and what action you want him/her to take. Designate someone from your group in advance to facilitate the meeting.

The facilitator should begin by having everyone in the group to introduce themselves. Use the introductions to legitimize your group and your reasons for being there (e.g., “I am a Democracy Matters chapter member from Jones College “; “I worked on your campaign”; “We represent many students on our campus”.

 Don’t be disappointed if your appointment is set up with a staff person. Legislators are busy and staff members pass the information they receive on to their bosses.  By developing a rapport with a staff member, you open an important line of communication.

Present a clear and concise message/include facts. Get your points across in the fewest possible words. Have each person take part of the argument to present.  If your issue involves legislation, cite the specific bill’s name or number. Make it personal – say why you care – tell your story! Don’t be afraid to be passionate!!

Don’t ramble – stick to the subject. Be specific about what it is you hope to accomplish in the meeting.

Use hard facts to support your arguments. Give the legislator a handout with information, data or support from newspapers.

Refrain from overstatement; honesty builds credibility. Don’t exaggerate. Never lie.

The ASK. Ask them what you want them to do. Ask if she/he will support your work by introducing a bill, voting for a bill, supporting your position, working to convince other legislators. If not, ask them why not.

Be prepared for questions, even challenges. Be sure to think through the criticisms of your position and have answers ready.

If you don’t know something, say so.  If a question throws you off balance, say you will research the matter and report back.

 Bring only a small number of people. Between 4 and 6 is ideal  – enough to show you have support, few enough so the legislator doesn’t feel overwhelmed (this can work with fewer people as well).

 Be knowledgeable.  Practise beforehand! Know with whom you are speaking, know  your issue, and know the politicians’ stand.

 Be patient. It is not uncommon for an elected official to be late, or to have a meeting interrupted. Be flexible.

Be a good listener, BUT…Give the legislator or staff member a chance to express his/her point of view, but don’t let her/him control the meeting or talk over your ideas.

Treat the representative with the same dignity and respect you expect for yourself. Don’t threaten, offer rewards, or call names. Be polite.

 Don’t back legislators into a corner Lobbying is like any negotiation: both sides should leave without feeling like they lost. Keep the door open for further discussion.

Thank them and hand out materials Thank them for their time, give them materials to read (petitions etc), tell them you will be in touch with them in the future.  Include your contact information on each document.

Follow Up Follow up with a letter to thanking him/her for meeting with you. Repeat the details of the meeting and any specific commitments or outcomes.