Lobbying, by definition, is the process of influencing
public and government policy at all levels: federal, state, and local. It
involves the advocacy of an interest that is affected, actually or potentially,
by the decisions of government leaders. Individuals and
interest groups alike can lobby governments, and governments can lobby each
other. The practice of lobbying is considered so
essential to the proper functioning of the U.S. government that it is specifically protected by the First
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "Congress shall make no law...
abridging... the right of the people peaceable... to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
[The Free Dictionary]
How do we effectively influence our government when
we lobby?
1. Be polite, courteous
and introduce every member of the family
a. Children - be ready to shake hands and say hello
b. Parents - remember your legislator may not have many
opportunities to interact with homeschool families so you are not
just there to talk about one bill...
you are representing all homeschool families
2. Be prepared to discuss
key aspects on the Bill in two to three concise sound bites
a. Your time with the legislator will go quickly
b. Leave them with a few key points that they will
remember and consider
3. Be ready to explain how
the Bill will help families
a. Personal stories and examples are an excellent way to
compel action
b. Legislators need to understand the why; we want them
to remember your family and your story when they are
ready to cast a vote
4. Recognize potential
objections to the Bill and be ready to alleviate concerns without being defensive or argumentative
a. Know the potential objections:
i. Does the current legislation really need
to be fixed?
ii. Will this legislation hurt struggling
schools?
iii. In a time of tight budgets and deficits
will this Bill raise costs?
b. Consider positive ways to address potential objections
i. This Bill is a simple but important
adjustment to the current law, not a fundamental
change
ii. This legislation does not impact
statewide education in anyway, instead it
makes things
easier and less burdensome for struggling school systems
iii. This legislation will not raise
education costs... (remember homeschooling
saves taxpayers
money because it is not subsidized by public funds)
5. Be prepared to present
some key facts about homeschooling
a. There are over 2.4 million homeschool students in America
b. It is a growing trend across all income levels and
ethnicities with an estimated growth rate as high as 8%
c. On average homeschool students score 15-30% higher on
standardized tests than public school students
d. Homeschool families are not dependent on tax money for
education - homeschooling results
in estimated cost savings to taxpayers of over $16 Billion
6. Do not be discouraged
or disappointed if you end up meeting with a Staff Member
a. It is very common for schedule and meeting changes to
result in Legislators having to designate a trusted Staffer to meet
with you
b. Remember the Staffer is the eyes and ears of their
Legislator - treat them with the
same respect and they convey the message
7. We will be guests in a professional office
building conducting the official
business
of our state.
a. Noise
and activity must be kept to a minimum. Closely supervise young children
to make the most effective
presentation possible and to facilitate
conversation
with our legislators
or the staffers.
b. Out of respect for our officials
and to leave a good impression, dress your best.
۞
"But
in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to
give the reason for the hope that
you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
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