Essential Elements of Effective Advocacy Prepared by:

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Essential Elements of Effective
AdvocacyPrepared by
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Three Legs of Advocacy Stool

• Grassroots
• Lobbyist
• Financial Support PACs (Political Action
  Committees)

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Understanding Elected Officials

• Conservatives, Moderates, and Liberals
• Business and personal background
• Respect of their peers

• Ohio General Assembly
• Majority and Minority
• Leaders
• Committee Assignments

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Tips in Dealing with Elected Officials

• Time is Precious
• Tell both sides of the story
• Never lead them to an ambush

• Never lie or mislead
• Public recognition
• Financial support
• Networking

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Tips in Dealing with Staff

• Regular Contact
• Official Inquiries
• Make them feel important
• Help them with their careers
• No one ever leaves

• Understand work load and peak times
• Make them look good
• Make it easy for them
• Use them to bring decision makers and interest
  groups to the table

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Communication

• Speak to their level of understanding
• Executive summaries one page lots of bullets
• Assume they have not read the legislation
• Assume they do not understand the law or your
  industry
• Make it easy to digest

• Be direct. Do not clutter the message
• Do your work before and after committees
• Always be positive
• There are no secrets
• Listening is an art
• Follow the 5 minute rule
• Ask what you can do to help them

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Relationships

• Work at building relationships with elected
  officials, staff, advocates, and interest groups
• Build confidence, trust and respect
• Dont burn bridges
• Talk to your opponents

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Message

• Honesty is 1
• Keep it simple
• Maintain consistency
• Tailor it to your audience
• Play to your strengths and your opponents
  weaknesses
• Does it sell?
• Ask for feedback

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