Organizing a

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Organizing a State Lobby Day
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• Start EarlyFour Months Out
• Determine your lobbying date(s)
• Decide the form your advocacy will take
• Consider essential logistics
• Meeting room
• Hotel rooms
• Transportation and meals

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• Consider Your Delegation
• Chose those with experience
• Ensure there are constituents
• Strive for diversity

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• Build Your Delegation
• Approach past participants
• Work with your board
• Connect with leading congregations

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• Identify Your Issues
• Rely upon your allies
• Be flexible and have a backup
• Understand bills limitations

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• Determine the Legislative Targets
• Identify your supporters
• Focus on swing votes
• Build relationships with new members
• Research voting history

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• Make Appointments
• Start four weeks out
• Meetings with officeholder or staff
• Remember diversity
• Have a constituent
• Know your issues

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• Prepare Materials
• Assemble helpful information
• Be concise
• Explain your constituent status
• Information for delegates

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• Organize and Present Training
• Determine special speakers
• Volunteer needs

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• Consider Involving the Media
• Notify media of lobbying efforts
• Social media
• Follow-up

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• Advocacy and Education
• Introduce yourself
• Explain your organization
• Relate why you are involved
• Let them know youre a constituent
• Discuss the legislation you are advocating

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• Know Your Audience
• Legislative offices are busy
• Keep it simple
• Provide succinct information
• Communicate impact on constituents

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California Interfaith Power Lightis
mobilizing congregations all over the state to
lead the movement to protect our climate. 600
congregations have joined CIPL as of April 2013.
With nearly 250,000 congregants in these
communities of faith, this can make a big
impression with our elected officials.
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• After Lobby Day
• Seek input from participants
• Update membership through newsletter
• Campaign to persuade the undecided
• Thank the legislators/staff
• Continue to stay in touch

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• Building Relationships
• Stay in touch with staff
• Provide answers to questions and/or information
  requested during meeting
• Provide information
• Use social media--LinkedIn
• District level contacts