How to educate public officials about your issues

From the Maine Association of Nonprofits

WHEN ORGANIZING an advocacy campaign to change public policy, tactics such as phone calls to elected representatives, letters to the editor and other forms of public education are all important. However, sometimes the most effective tool for change is a face-to-face meeting with Legislators. Such meetings provide an opportunity to educate elected officials about issues important to your organization and to ask for their support.

There are two ways for nonprofits to organize such briefings – by arranging meetings with individual legislators and by holding briefings where groups of legislators and staff can learn more about your issues. Here are two strategies for successful communication with elected officials, including special tips for preparing a Capitol Hill briefing:

• Using Face-to-Face Meetings to Educate Legislators: http://www.npaction.org/article/articleview/670/1/228  
• Tips for Planning Briefings for Legislators: http://www.npaction.org/article/articleview/669/1/228