Once you’ve engaged or introduced your coalition to a local official, you can either make a direct ask of them for a specific policy and they can help guide you through the local legislative process. Alternatively, you can use them as an advocate for your cause if you don’t need a policy enacted. Here are a few strategies you can use:
ADVOCACY STRATEGIES
Organize and mobilize your stakeholders (e.g., your coalition partners) to speak up, take action and advocate for change
Educate legislators by providing them with data, research, stories and general information about key issues
Produce data and research that highlights pressing needs in your community
Host educational conferences and trainings to gather, network and share information on policy priorities
Educate the public about the legislative process, and/or introduce communities and constituencies to the legislators who represent them
Build public awareness by educating community members on relevant issues that impact them
Organize a rally, town hall or press conference to build public awareness about an issue and to hold your policymaker accountable
CALLS TO ACTION
Invite policymakers to your site to learn about an issue or program
Meet with your member of Congress in person while they are at their in-district offices during congressional recess
Call your elected officials’ offices to weigh in on a legislative issue
Share stories, data and resources with elected officials to illustrate the implications of their decisions
Participate in lobbying visits or hold advocacy days to advocate for or against specific legislation. (Note: 501(c)(3) public charities can engage in some lobbying; more information about the rules of nonprofit lobbying are here.)
Draft a petition or sign-on letter to express views on an issue and ask coalition members to sign on
Write an op-ed or letter to the editor to share your expertise on an issue that recently became salient in your community
Participate in a town hall [view lesson 21] and ask your elected officials questions about his/her policy positions
Encourage citizens to vote (through nonpartisan voter mobilization efforts)
Submit comments or feedback on regulations as they are being developed
Use social media like Twitter and Facebook to educate the public and lawmakers about your issue. Don’t forget to tag them and include relevant hashtags!