How to Plan and Execute a Highly Effective Lobby Day
Every year, advocacy and issue-based groups go to Washington, D.C., or their state capitol for lobby days to connect with legislators and impact legislation. Very often, there can be competition with dozens of other groups for attention, making it hard to stand out. Lobby days can be complicated, but we’re here to help.
Bottom line: If you want to make your lobby day count, you need to think ahead and have a thoughtful strategic plan.
Prioritize Constituent Connections
First and foremost, legislators are public servants, and their attention during a lobby day is most focused on their own constituents. It is highly encouraged to have as many in-district constituents of your target legislators in your group. Balance this by also including individuals who are directly and personally impacted by the issue. Authentic, local stories remain the most powerful currency in advocacy.
Prepare With Precision
Significant organization is required to recruit for and plan a robust lobby day. Pro tip: Don't just show up unprepared. Have a clear plan with tailored messages and talking points for each legislator based on what their individual interests are. For more on preparing your advocacy message, check out our blog post here. Be explicit with your volunteers about the specific action you are asking for: a vote, a co-sponsorship, or a budget allocation. Since you have limited time, plan your follow-up steps in advance and be ready to articulate them at the meeting's conclusion.
Strategically Differentiate Your Visit
To stand out from hundreds of other meetings, leverage your group’s unique strengths. Are your volunteers exceptionally knowledgeable? Do you have a compelling personal story to share? Does your organization offer a novel perspective? Play up these differences. Utilize the format of your meeting—whether in person or virtual—to your advantage. Consider sharing a short video or a compelling visual aid to make your point memorable. Always conduct a technical check or rehearsal beforehand to ensure a smooth presentation.
Integrate a Social Media Strategy
Layer in a social media element to amplify your efforts and create public buzz. Encourage volunteers to tag your organization, the legislators, and to share their experiences online. Legislators and their staff monitor digital channels. Provide volunteers with a simple “how-to” guide for real-time posting. Use social media to thank legislators, share meeting outcomes, and demonstrate broad public support for your issue before, during, and after your lobby day.
Layer Your Advocacy Actions
Increase your impact by complementing lobby visits with a public-facing campaign. Tactics like organizing letter-to-the-editor drives, planning follow-up events in the legislator’s district, or launching a targeted digital advertising campaign can reinforce your message and show sustained, widespread interest.
Execute Meticulous Follow-Up
The key to a successful lobby day is persistent follow-up. The work begins when the meeting ends. Promptly send thank-you notes that reiterate your ask and any commitments made. Provide any promised information and keep the communication channel open. Continue to engage constituents to maintain pressure and demonstrate ongoing interest.
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