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