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- You can be an effective lobbyist--follow these steps:
-Follow up your initial contact with a phone call to your Congresspersons' Wash¬ington, D.C. and local offices.
-Develop anongoing relationship with your Congresspersons and their environ¬mental aides.
-Set up a meeting with your Congresspersons in their District Of¬fices.
-Travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with your Congressperson and to educate members and staff from other districts and states.
-To multiply your power as a lobbyist ¬Organize your own network of con¬cerned citizens.
-Playa part in the Save America's Forests Action Network.
The Lobbying Process: Developing a Relationship
Many people are intimidated by the thought of lobby¬ing. Some aren't even aware of their right to write to and meet with their members of Congress. It's really very simple, and you shouldn't let anything stand in your way of exercising your right of free speech.
For many people, lobbying their Member of Con¬gress consists of writing a single letter in support of a bill. Sometimes one letter is all it takes to get action. But persuading your Member to take the action you want will usually require a much more concerted effort. To a powerful lobbyist, you must develop a relationship with your Congresspersons and their office staffs. This involves back-and-forth communication by mail, phone, or in per¬son. Through a series of contacts you should be able to figure out your Congresspersons' positions and find out what it will take to secure the support you're looking for.
After you've sent your first letter you shotI1d receive a response within a few weeks. Responses can range from "I'm happy to inform you that I've co-signed the bill", to much more vague responses like "I'll consider your views when the bill comes to a vote." In any case, you should follow-up on your initial contact, but you should really try to pin your Member down if their response is vague. Get a yes or no answer. If you don't receive a response within a month, begin your follow-up anyway.
The Follow-up
Follow up your first contact with a phone call to your Congressperson's office in Washington, DC. Ask to speak to the Environmental Legislative Assistant (ELA). This phone call will also help to set you apart from the numerous letters they receive, and elevate your power as a lobbyist. You are showing that you have a genuine concern regard¬ing the issue and that you will follow the Congressperson' s stand through the final vote.
Start the conversation off by expressing your thanks for their response. Ask them to clarify their position if the response was vague. Also, find out if they have any questions regarding the issue or the bill. Take this oppor¬tunity to again ask for a commitment to cosponsor the bill, and if not, find out what it will take for this to happen. Tell them you want to overcome their objections-help solve the problems.
If a staffer says, "We just haven't gotten any letters on this issue," don't just run out and start a letter writing campaign. Your response should be, "If you get a certain number of letters, then will you definitely sign on?" You are trying to secure a commitment, a "contract" of honor. You may even be able to set a target commitment date. Your "bargain" may consist of more than just letters--they may want to see others in their state sign on, or need some specific statistics. Your job will be to meet these needs.
It may be possible to "reward" your Congressperson for fulfilling your request. One of the best ways to reward your Congresspersons is to work on their reelection cam¬paign. You might mention "I've got some friends who might be willing to help if you took a stand for the trees." If you've been building your political network, this is a very powerful incentive!
Before you close your con¬versation, ask the staffer if he or she can sug¬gest the best per¬son to meet with in the District of¬fice. Say thanks, and tell him or her that YOU'll be staying in touch to check on their progress.
Face to Face Lobbying
Now it's time for a little face-to-face. To set up a meeting in the District or in Washington, D.C., call the office and speak with the Environmental Legislative Assis¬tant (or whoever is dealing with forest issues). You can set
Page 16 SAVE AMERICA'S FORESTS CITIZEN ACTION GUIDE
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