Lobbyist. The very word sends a shudder through the bones of every freedom-loving American.
But lobbying is not the evil many politicians would have you think, nor is it as complicated as those on K Street would have you believe. To successfully work with government, you don’t need to be fishing buddies with the Chairman of a legislative committee, or secretly slip an envelope filled with fifty dollar bills to your City Councilman. Jack Abramoff and Rod Blagojevich are the exceptions, not the rule.
So how does one make their case to the right people in positions of influence? Well, like public relations, you have to have a compelling story to tell, and compelling reasons why lawmakers should care enough to change the law in the manner in which you propose. You need to be patient in cultivating relationships and not ask for the moon the first time you meet with a Senator or Congressman.
Lend your expertise to the legislative process. Elected lawmakers and staff at times give the appearance that they have all the answers, but in my dealings with Congress, I have found a humility and willingness to learn how things work in the real world from the people actually doing the work.
Perhaps most important, you need to communicate the impact of the change your proposing. How many people will be positively impacted if the law is changed? Or how many people will be negatively impacted if things remain status quo?
Lobbying is as old the American Republic itself, and over the last 200 plus years has actually helped pave the way for positive social change. Susan B. Anthony was a lobbyist who advocated for women’s suffrage. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was a lobbyist for civil rights. Perhaps the most powerful lobby in Washington today, AARP, was born during the fight to create Medicare. Every citizen has a right to petition the government on any issue they believe is important. With the Obama administration looking to give government a more active role in the nation’s affairs, it is vital that everyone get involved in the process.
Of special interests.
Expert rules.
Getting doors to open.
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