Lobbying for Social Change
Who can Lobby?
• There is a common notion that the government is
only open to a select group of individuals, however,
this notion must be dismantled.
• In reality our political system is incredible accessible.
• Therefore, there is no reason why people of all
backgrounds should not lobby for what they believe
in.
• ANYONE CAN LOBBY EFFECTIVELY!
• Our ability to have our voices heard, outside of
elections, is what makes Canada’s democracy so
strong.
• Amanda Sussman, The Art of the Poosible, McClelland &
Stewart, 2009.
How to get started?
• If we want to see changes to policy we need
more reformers, just like you.
• The most direct route to social progress is
working through the government.
• In order to do so, it is important that your
point of view is present when it counts.
• It is also very important to first know how your
government works.
• Sussman (2009)
Overview of the Federal Legislative Process.
Getting started…
• It is first important to understand the
process in which a proposal to an MP
must go through before it can become
law.
• The process by which a typical
government initiated bill becomes law
involves many steps.
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
• A. DEFINITIONS
• Public Bills
These are proposals for laws that will affect
the public in general. Most public bills are
introduced by Government Ministers.
• Private Bills
These are limited in scope: they concern an
individual or group of individuals only. They
confer a right on some person or group, or
relieve them of a responsibility.
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
• B. POLICY PROPOSAL
– Most legislation originates with the Government.
Policy proposal requiring legislation is submitted to
Cabinet by Minister(s).
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
• C. CABINET
• Policy proposal is considered by the
appropriate Cabinet committee and
recommendations are made to the Cabinet.
• If Cabinet approves, the responsible Ministry
issues drafting instructions to the Legislation
Section of the Department of Justice.
• Draft bill is presented to Cabinet for approval.
• If approved it is ready to be introduced in
Parliament.
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
D. PARLIAMENT
– Bill is read through thoroughly three times and is
debated and voted upon by members of
Parliament.
– Once bill has been read 3 times in the House, it is
sent to the Senate for its consideration.
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
• E. Royal Assent
– Bill is presented to the Governor General for
assent.
– Governor General may assent to Bill in the
Queen's name, withhold assent or reserve assent.
– When Bill is given Royal Assent it becomes law.
The Federal Legislative Process in Canada
• F. IN FORCE
– Statute is in force:
• upon Royal Assent, or
• when it is proclaimed by the Governor General, or
• On a day specified in the act
Government of Canada, 2007
Finding your MP
• There are a number of ways you can find the
MP you are looking for.
• To quickly find the contact information of your
local Member of Parliament please visit to the
following link:
http://canada.gc.ca/directoriesrepertoires/direct-eng.html
What next?
• Now that you have a good
background on the Canadian
Legislator and know how to access
your local Members of Parliament,
it is also important to understand
how to be an effective lobbyer.
Ten steps to effective lobbying
10. Follow up.
1. Understand the issue.
2. Pick your targets.
9. Hold the meeting.
3. Know your targets.
8. Expect the unexpected.
4. Plan the meeting.
7. Prepare.
5. Know the political climate.
6. Determine what you’re asking for.
Why lobby?
In-person lobby visit
Handwritten letter
Phone call
Email form letter,
Postcard, petition
Step 1: Understand the issue
► Know the issue well enough
to talk convincingly about it.
► Create your “rap” and key
messages.
► Give the members of
Parliament factual
information.
Step 2: Pick your targets
Tier 1 targets:
► Your own elected officials!
Tier 2 targets:
► Key legislators on relevant
committees
► Legislators who have
demonstrated interest in the
issue
► Legislators who are more
senior than others
Step 3: Know your targets!
• What communities
do they represent?
• What issues do
they care about?
• What political
realities do they
face?
Know your targets: Research
► Start Local
► Know their interests:
• Biography
• Press Releases
• Relevant Legislation
Web resources
www.canada.gc.ca
www.elections.ca
www.dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca
Step 4: Plan the meeting
► Be polite.
► Call and explain who you are
and the purpose of seeking a
meeting.
► Ask how best to schedule a
meeting.
► Ensure that you speak to the
right person.
► Be prepared. The staff may
ask for a fax or email
requesting a meeting.
Step 5: Know the political climate
Understanding the political
climate can help you do
the following:
► Make convincing arguments.
► Target the right decision makers.
► Act at the right time.
► Design a strategy that will win.
Step 6: Determine what you are asking for
Step 1: What is your concrete
“ask” ?
► A piece of legislation you want
them to sponsor or reject
► A sign-on letter
► A media piece
Step 2: How will you ask for it?
► How can you target the ask to be
more attractive to the legislator?
► Know the issues that the target
cares about – politically and
personally. (For example, what
committees is he or she on? Was
he or she a Peace Corps
volunteer?)
► Start off with something small as
you begin to build a relationship.
Step 7: Prepare for meeting
► Make an agenda for the meeting.
► Follow the three C’s:
Connection | Start with a personal
connection. Why is this issue
important to you? Get them talking
– ask them how much they know
about the issue.
Content | Deliver your talking points
based on their level of
knowledge/position.
Commitment | Ask them to commit
to a particular action. Tell them you
will follow up with them.
If lobbying in a group:
► Decide speaking roles
► Write up talking points
► Anticipate questions/concerns
from staffer
► Practice with your group
► Create a “leave-behind
packet”
Ways to be prepared
Agenda for meeting
• Jane opens and thanks the
staffer for his or her time.
(Always start off the meeting by
asking the staffer how much he
or she knows on the issue.)
• Group members introduce
themselves (giving name,
location, and profession/interest
in issue).
• Jane states reason for being
there.
• Group goes over personal
stories.
• Jane sums up.
Do your homework
• Have something nice to say about
something the Congressperson has
done in his or her district.
• Bring a paper and pen to take notes.
• Have your two to three talking points
written down in case you forget them.
• Be prepared to answer questions
about your position, but remember–
you don’t have to be an expert!
• Have two leave-behind packets
prepared.
Step 8: Expect the unexpected
► Be flexible with your time
(meeting cancellations,
starting late, etc.).
► Make sure to leave your cell
phone number.
► Remember that the staffer
may or may not know a lot
about the issue.
► Know all the talking points
about the various issues.
Step 9: Hold the meeting
Gather a few minutes early.
Build a relationship.
Dress nicely.
Open the meeting with a smile.
Step 10: Follow up
If you don’t follow up, it is like the
meeting never happened.
► Send a thank-you email or letter for the meeting.
► Send any information the staffer requested.
► Keep updated on any developments on issues.
► Follow up with the staffer on your asks.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
THANK YOU!
CONTACT INFO