The Single Most Important Ingredient for Successful Advocacy

Throughout my career, I have sat through dozens of meetings with constituents asking their elected officials to help them solve a problem. One thing is clear: the constituents who previously introduce themselves and build a relationship with their legislative representatives have the best chances of having their issues addressed.

So, how can your nonprofit build relationships with elected officials?

Research which of your elected representatives has influence over your priority issues.

You probably don't have capacity to build relationships with all of your elected representatives, so choose the ones that are likely to have influence on your mission. If funding is your main concern, identify which officials chair or sit on budget committees. If housing is part of your mission, make sure you focus on city council members who are on a committee with jurisdiction over housing issues. You can find a full list of your elected representatives on the League of Women Voters website here.

Schedule meetings with your elected leaders in their offices or at a local coffee shop.

Some elected leaders are more accessible than others. Keep in mind that persistence pays. Once you get a meeting scheduled, invite a board member to join you. ?Come prepared with a one-pager that describes your mission, services, and policy priorities. ?Be sure to follow-up the meeting with a handwritten, personal thank you note. ?Pro tip: If you have an opportunity to meet with a staff member, take it. ?Staff members often have helpful information and understand how to get things done.

Maintain these relationships through ongoing interactions. ?

Invite your representatives to visit your site or host a legislative breakfast with your local delegation. Speak with them at a community event or testify at a hearing on a matter that is important to your organization. Avoid contacting your elected representative only when you need something. ?Doing so is unlikely to deliver the results you are hoping for.

The graphic below can be a useful tool in creating a plan to build relationships with your elected representatives. ?

If you need some guidance, contact me to schedule a free consultation. You can find additional advocacy tools at my website https://marsh-solutions.com

In my two decades working in government and government relations, I have seen the positive impact that advocacy can have on people’s lives.? I am dedicated to empowering nonprofits to incorporate advocacy as part of their mission.