|
|
 |
Important
Tips for Grassroots Activities
Grassroots activities are becoming an increasingly
important part of the lobbying process. The most effective tool for grassroots
activities is for business people to get to know the legislator for the
area where their business is located. Call the legislator’s district
office and either meet at their person’s office or invite them
to your business. Don’t try to meet in Sacramento. This tip sheet is
not to discourage you from writing your elected officials, only to add a
tactic we know to be a strong method of having your voice heard.
The idea is to have a small, friendly conversation. Explain in layman’s
language how you operate. Work into the conversation some of your concerns
that involve government, such as overtime pay, workers’ compensation,
health care, air quality management district requirements, etc. You should,
of course, bring up any concerns that relate specifically to your local
jurisdiction. Discuss how they affect your business, and how they hurt you
and the consumer.
Legislators get out in the community to attend various functions such as
nonprofit fundraisers, community planning forums, and the like. If you serve
on any volunteer boards in your community, take advantage of the opportunity
to get to know any legislators who participate, as well as city council
members and school board members. There is a good chance that they will
eventually wind up in the Legislature, particularly now that we have term
limits.
You should mention that you are a member of HPBA. However, the meeting should not be set up or sponsored by
the association. The idea is that you are local business-people with concerns
or problems, and want to get know your legislator.
As issues come up from time to time, we will ask you to contact your Assembly
Member or Senator to express your views. These contacts can be the key to
passing or defeating legislation affecting your ability to operate your business
and make a living. Grassroots lobbying of a legislator is greatly enhanced
if the legislator is already familiar with your business and your industry
and has a personal relationship with you.
The following are some general guidelines for all grassroots contacts:
1. Express your specific interests and explain how the bill or problem affects
you. Economic interests and your ability to employ people are very important
to the legislator. Legislators like to deal in concrete problems, not generalities.
2. Don’t threaten that you won’t vote for the legislator if he
or she doesn’t do what you want. However, don’t be shy in expressing
how important the issue is to you and how much you would like the legislator’s
support.
3. Never discuss making a campaign contribution in connection with legislative
activity.
4. Always be polite to the legislator and his or her staff. You want to
leave a positive and professional impression. |
|
