Lobbying elected officials

[Humptulips]

After reading the knife thread and seeing how people relate to their legislators I thought I would post up something I wrote for the Trappers Association. It mentions trapping but there is good information for all.

Tips for Successful Lobbying

1. Don't be intimidated by the thought of approaching elected officials
State legislators especially are receptive to constituent comments.
2. Make an appointment
Call or e-mail your legislator and ask for a few minutes to talk about your issue. Don’t know your legislator. Look here http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/default.aspx?city=&street+&zip=
Click on your legislators name for contact info.
3. Appearance
Dress nice, cut your hair, shave, etc. make a nice appearance, not like you just came off of the trap line. You don't need to be wearing a suit but you should be neat and well groomed.
4. Be concise
Your message should be short and direct. It is fine to express your personal opinion.
5. Personalize your appeal
Tell how you are concerned about an issue and how it affects you and your community.
6. Cultivate legislative staff
Establish a positive relationship with staff persons. They are usually more accessible and can have tremendous influence over an issue.
7. Be honest
If you don't know the answer to something, admit it and try to get the information later.
8. Leave literature
Information on BMP’s and humane trap standards that are an integral part of our efforts should be left with your legislator. Also leave our web-site address.
9. Identify your bill or issue clearly
Whenever you get a chance to lobby elected officials, don't just refer to your effort by the bill number but if we have a bill know the number and communicate it. And always make it clear whether you are asking for their support or opposition to the matter.
10. Keep things friendly
Maintain a positive relationship with all legislators, they may be in this office or a higher one for decades. Threats and hostile or sarcastic remarks are not productive. Do not create any enemies.
11. Avoid party politics
We have friends on both sides of the aisle.
12. Say thank you

[Kain]

I can understand you needing to be more diplomatic as a member of an assoc but  I tried all that stuff I get much better result coming in full speed and snarling.  Sets them on the defensive and then when they are trying to be diplomatic I tone it down a notch.  All this being nice has got us nowhere.  Angry town halls have changed this country more in the last couple years than all the diplomatic political niceness ever has.  You think the other side is nice when they give their opinion?  And who is winning this fight?

They mentioned wanting to make changes to night hunting and my family and I gave them a piece of our minds.  Along with a bunch of others and it was stopped dead in its tracks (well for now anyways).  I think a similar thing happened with them attempting to change bear season.  The knife issue is another great example.  You think she got a bunch of nice letters to make her change her tune?

My advice is to NEVER makes threats, call names, or exaggerate but other than that rip into them.  This is not a job interview.  They work for you and most are crappy employees.  No matter which approach you take at least DO SOMETHING.

[Special T]

My reps are pretty good and likeminded...Logic works pretty well... I agree with Kain that being Very Assertive is getting more traction right now... More state reps and Sen are trying to appease the mob... Most of the time the mob is the Left.... Now the Mob is more Joe 6pack than ever before... The weakness of America is it is slow to react, but once irritated seldom backs down... Politicians are concerned with not getting in their constituents cross hairs(politically speaking)...