What are the most effective ways for community organizers to work with elected officials?

It's all about relationships, so use every opportunity to build them! It's particularly effective to invite them into your environment to see what you do, address one to three pressing issues, follow up with written documentation and then find multiple ways to tell the same stories in different settings -- town halls, office meetings, etc. The more "face time" you can get with elected leaders at every level of government will make you (and your issues) more memorable.

Before approaching the elected official, do your homework: what committees do they sit on or chair? Where are your interests overlapping with their interests? What event have they done that you would like to collaborate on and support to improve impact and visibility? Be prepared and have a plan before scheduling a meeting with any elected official.

Beyond knowing about the officials you'd like to target, which is critical, you need to then find out what their interests and values are and how they connect with your organization's interests and values. Then you can go about building a relationship and, more importantly, finding an ally who will connect you to more allies and help you navigate the system.

A great thing to understand about your decision-makers is that there are people. You will benefit from not thinking of them as a target and rather as a point of influence to achieve change. It can help to think of the change you want to make as a the target. If you think of the decision-makers as points of influence, you can then understand what or who “influences the influencer”. You can get greater understanding of their ecosystem. Once you have this awareness and understanding, you can map shared points of influence and have a more targeted strategy to achieve your desired goals.

As someone who has been a campaign organizer and now an elected official I understand very well the importance of research for both positions. People organize to lobby an idea or for a political candidate. I’ll discuss the idea. I would add that the proper understanding of civics and government are most important. Very often people have passion and have done the work for their idea or desired outcomes but miss which branch of government they should be addressing. Look at the budget of the respective governing body. Who has the power to legislate and the money to spend on the decisions you seek before beginning? I, unfortunately, have seen this be a very common mistake.

Present elected with examples of your effort's leadership, commitment, and size! They should be developing a public relationship with your *organization* - you might already have or develop relationships between electeds and your top leaders, or electeds and your organizing staff - but your power comes in them knowing that they are ALSO relating to a determined, organized and powerful group, who wants this relationship in the public sphere (joint public action and collaboration - or public pressure, including media!)

As an elected Member of the Forest Hills Borough Council, ending an eight year term in office on Dec 31st I offer this perspective. Many people do not realize they have local representatives who can address problems and issues where they live. People have reached out to me for help with things under local jurisdiction like zoning issues or service issues. But some have asked about issues at the state or federal level, and I have been able to add my voice to theirs to reach our state Senator, or Federal Representative. Our representative democracy only works when informed citizens engage actively in tge process. Know who represents you-at all levels. Know where they stand on issues that concern you. Hold them accountable. And VOTE always!

Play the long game. While politicians come and go, government structures remain. Understand and develop the perspectives of your organization, understand your issue and share an authentic position with your elected officials. Think critically about all angles, long-term solutions on opposing ends, and establish yourself as a credible individual/organzation.

We elect officials to be our representatives in making policy. Therefore, we who are on the front lines of implementing or feeling the obstacles to implementing policies have the duty to share our insights with our elected representatives. This requires a consistent dialogue and a careful stewardship of the relationship. When they are in the middle of policy debates, they need to know who to call for perspective, they will call you if you have a relationship.

I work with lots of elected officials, but i do not have a strategy. I mostly talk at public hearings and rely on testimony as performance art to get my point across. The ability to articulate the issues with a bit of flair gets some attention and then they are willing to talk and work. I then can provide them with lots of the background information and news from the wider world. I rarely have much backup, do I have to rely on style and deep issue knowledge, and treating hearings as performance art really can make a difference. Check out my testimony on the Bottle Bill at the RI legislature in 2023. If you can not find it, get in touch and I can send the link

You need to communicate in a way that resonates with the political interests of the elected officials. You have to provide compelling examples that the lawmakers may refer to when they are arguing for a policy. As much as you may believe that you have the "moral" argument, you must be clear in speaking w/ points that help the elected officials see themselves in the policy. Communication strategies must be tailored becasuse speaking to a strong supporter is different than talking to a skeptical, but persuadable lawmaker.

Learn to listen. You will communicate better when you stop thinking about what you want to say and you focus on what they are telling you. When people know they are being heard, they’ll elaborate more intentionally when you have something you have to say.

I’ve found it helpful to reach out to other community organizers to learn about their interactions with a lawmaker and what moves a specific target. Some elected officials are moved by stories and others are moved by data and statistics. Some want the top lines only while others want to get into the weeds. Research is crucial for planning your communication strategy and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help and learn from others in your community.

During my work for cabinet ministers, I found they develop a certain style and its your onus to recognize and emulate that style. Its in no small way their success formula. In speechwriting, they have a message and its your talent that brings that to light for their voting audience. If you are pitching them on something, be prepared that they are more astute than you may be led to believe. Be clear and not too much inside jargon but respect their ability to comprehend in a weighted persuasive way. And again, don't forget their signature style.

Effective communication involves listening and understanding both parties clearly inorder to have the best intended result in the communication. So even when dealing with any leader as a person or organisation, we need to have things kept in a precise and accurate way inorder to easien the process of addressing any thing affecting people by the respective authorities for the better reason being by the end of the day leaders are God chosen through people to serve people.

Learn how to turn your “protest” into policy! There are times where protesting is necessary as it is the voice of the voiceless, the oppressed and of the people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Then there’s also a time where there’s a need to turn your cries, shouts and rallies into a tangible policy recommendation and find ways to get your legislators, politicians and others to listen, take action and turn those cries and shouts into policy for long-standing and sustainable solutions that will make a world of a difference to the constituents and community.

When "mobilizing" make sure you're doing so strategically. Real power isn’t about intimidation, it’s about influence. Influence is based in relationships. And no relationship has ever been built by deploying a megaphone, or picketing someone’s home. Relationships are the reason that the best organizers wield information and strive to be a trustworthy resource to elected officials. Some activists don’t know enough to know the difference. They see fictionalized accounts of demonstrations making a big change, and they (erroneously) believe that the louder they are, the more effective they will be. The more they frame their wants as demands, the more seriously they’ll be taken. And then they find out that’s not the truth.

Effective mobilization is about choosing the right tactics for your audience and goals. In regions like Utah, where rallies for medical cannabis may be less effective, controlled press conferences, op-eds, and organized call campaigns by patients have proven impactful. Timing is critical; coordinate these efforts to coincide with legislative sessions or committee meetings for maximum impact. Employing these strategies thoughtfully can lead to powerful outcomes, while missteps in timing and approach can hinder progress.

Once you determine your target you can start thinking about how to mobilize your base in a way that will move that specific elected official. I find it helpful to make a list of tactics that each constituent group can best use to make their power felt. Mobilization tactics are most effective when they are flexible and creative, directed at a specific target, make sense to your base, and are backed up by a specific form of power.

Too often community organizers, try to stick their members on elected officials to bully them into submission. This misses an opportunity to create a win-win scenario for the community, your organization, and elected officials. Activate your members to engage with elected officials to show them the breath and death of support for your organization and mission invite the elected official to meet your members to create new relationships that will benefit your organization, create a communication channel for two-way dialogue, to serve everyone think strategically communicate effectively.

Negotiating with elected officials is a nuanced process that requires a clear understanding of one’s ethical boundaries and desired outcomes. In the throes of political maneuvering, I learned the importance of defining my line in the sand—knowing which compromises could be made and which could not, even at the risk of losing influence. Advocates must determine their non-negotiables in advance, preparing to stand firm on core principles while remaining flexible on less critical aspects. This clarity enables strategic negotiation, ensuring that even in the face of complex politicking, one’s integrity and critical interests are preserved.

Too often organizations go looking for the silver bullet. They want everything and they want it now. Incrementalism and compromise are your friend. Baby steps are building blocks for tomorrow. A strong foundation allows for the tallest buildings. Don’t be afraid of compromise. Don’t be afraid to take what’s available. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

Understand the specific advocacy strategies that truly resonate with the lawmakers/elected officials. This is particularly important for communities that do not have a lot of disposable time. For those individuals, their advocacy must be efficient and effective. Thus, we have to make the elected official feel the pressure and potential ramifications based on their vote. While some can use the influence of their money to drive policy changer, others have to use the power of their vote as most elected officials are concerned with being re-elected, and thus, they will tend to listen to their constituents who will make it more likely that they win reelection, which are the super voters.

Follow up and show support to elected officials who support the policies and remind the opponents that they will continue to hear from you on the these issues. Remember, advocacy in more than just voting in elections. #Advocacy365

One thing I've found helpful is to document everything. If you do not do so, you won't have any leverage when promised projects go awry. If you document the whole process, then you have a written proof of things discussed.

Couldn’t agree more, reaching an agreement is the start of the change you want to see but to ensure implementation following up and following through is necessary. This will not only aid your advocacy but also solidify your impact and drive the change you and your community need. Once your policy has been effected, give feedbacks and appreciation to the team and officials that has helped out, this leaves the door open for you should you need them another time. Do not close the door.

Accountability is crucial, yet the path to victory starts with early conversations. This is the essence of advocacy and civic engagement. Define your cause and its structure. Understand demographics and identify beneficiaries. Inclusive focus groups, led by the community, are pivotal. Achieving agreement or victory demands a robust framework, strategic planning, and earmarks. Remember, it’s an ongoing, evolving process toward positive change.

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched others in my industry over promise and under deliver. If you want to cultivate a lasting relationship, you need to follow through on your promises. try to assist, pay it forward or give back exponentially more than you ever ask of someone you want to build a relationship with.

It is important to look for collaboration with those who share your goals and those who may not share all your goals, but with whom you can find common ground. Alliances can be game changing!

Something like 99% of elected offices are part-time roles, so use official communications channels and interact in places where electeds are in attendance for that reason. And let them do their grocery shopping and kid pickup in peace. :)

As a city council member, I see many ignorant examples of how to "treat" those who serve at LOCAL levels (not state/federal). NOT A PLACE FOR PARTY POLITICS - They are in NONpartisan positions and should be treated that way even if some don't behave that way. THEY'RE MOSTLY VOLUNTEERS - With stipends well below poverty levels, they're making ridiculed sacrifices regularly. Be kind to them, they're neighbors. They are (should be) pretty busy juggling office, their "real" job, & family. THEY'RE HUMAN - When they show up at your event/meeting, thank them for being there. There are many other things they can be doing instead. Humans remember kind people...and mean people. Build bridges, don't burn bridges. IF THEY SUCK, elected someone else!

I probably have somewhat different experience, but in my opinion, working (esp. effectively) with elected officials is like treading on egg shells. You should be extremely careful and mind your words as the officials rarely have the interests of your community in mind, but the their own interests to stay where they are. It means it that dealing the officials means being flexible and sometimes this flexibility goes too far, but you may not realise it until it is too late.

It’s easy to forget elected officials are people with lives, goals, and aspirations. It’s easy to vilify, demonize, or even glorify electeds and morph them into something more than they are. Take time to learn about your electeds, their goals, they lived, their community involvement. Most importantly? Understand what electeds can and cannot do. Don’t ask for the impossible, and help them see why YES and being practical is a win-win for the community and your organization.