Printable Version Email to a Friend "In the broadest sense, anyone who writes a member of Congress or questions a candidate at a political meeting is a lobbyist." Donald E. deKieffer
10 Commandments for Effective Lobbying:
See results of research on advocacy by 501(c)(3) groups in Seen But Not Heard
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Summary of Donald E. DeKieffer's: A Citizen's Guide to Lobbying Congress
A Citizen's Guide to Lobbying by Donald E DeKieffer provides an important perspective on lobbying. Aside from commendably demystifying the actual process of lobbying by providing step by step lobbying tips, this book not only dedicates an entire chapter to additional lobbying resources but it also gives readers savvy tips for when/if things go wrong, guidance on when a professional lobbyist should be sought, as well as ten commandments for more effective lobbying.
Note: The book focuses on lobbying Congress, but most of the information is useful for state and local efforts as well. It is not limited to charities and religious organizations, so these groups should avoid tips that involve supporting or opposing candidates for office. (See IRS Rev. Rul. 2007-41 for details.)
The New Perspective on Lobbying:
- Lobbying is a vital part of the American political system. In the US, unlike other countries, lobbying has been institutionalized by at least three provisions of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The actual structure of elections ensures that constituent concerns, as well as those of lobbyists are represented. It is in this way that the special interests of various constituents (such as minorities, pro-choicers, teachers, exporters, salesmen, consumers or the disabled) are represented. According to deKieffer, "there is not an American today who is not represented (whether he or she knows it) by at least a dozen special interest groups."
- Since lobbying is such a vital component of the American political system, civic participation in lobbying should not be condemned as "some sleazy practice of the privileged."
- Although some lobbyists may have undue influence, lobbying is still one of the best protections Americans have against extremism. Other countries have decree laws, which do not allow groups to support or oppose proposed legislation.
Overall Useful Lobbying Tips
- Determining if your group will be a single issue or multiple issue organization typically dictates how your group will lobby. Single issue groups, which base their support of a candidate solely on his/her stance on a particular issue, have experienced more success in the past two decades than in years past. However, the most powerful lobbies are still multiple issue lobbies. These groups have experienced more success in achieving their policy goals, in part, because they are concerned with so many different pieces of legislation. Negotiating a compromise on one bill usually allows them to gain ground on another.
- Do not presume that having a large group of supporters will improve the political effectiveness of your lobbying efforts. As an organization grows, the probability of conflict rises and conflicts are not always easily resolved.
- The very nature of politics ensures that there are no single issue political goals. Policies, more often than not, have unintended legal and social ramifications which can ultimately end up affecting a wide gamut of issues.
- Avoid making promises you cannot or do not intend to keep.
- When approached by others for support, ensure that supporting their cause is truly in your group's best interest. The credibility of your organization should not be entrusted to another organization, unless you have the means to control the statements made in your name.
- In some instances, partial victories can be better than defeat.
More Tips
Do your homework: Most lobbying campaigns fail because lobbyists do not have a fair understanding of primary or ancillary issues associated with their policy goals. To avoid this mistake, do your homework before drafting justifications for proposed legislation. Research past advocacy efforts and laws as well as tangential issues which may come up during heated debates. Avoid re-inventing the wheel.
Know your enemies: Find out as much as possible about your enemies and opponents. Do not make the mistake of assuming they are a "pack of scoundrels and idiots" simply because they do not agree with your perspective. Underestimating their intelligence or commitment could adversely affect your policy goals. Identify groups who are likely to side with your opponents or who have already done so. Avoid labeling a group as an opponent until an action has been taken against you. Why create more enemies? "Fight hard and fight clean. If you have both credibility and the facts, you have won half the battle."
Know your friends: You may be able to broaden your sphere of influence by gaining the endorsement of other organizations. Diverse alliances of disparate groups can add credibility to your campaign. However, spend the bulk of your time attempting to convince people to work with you (investing their manpower, time and money) instead of lending your cause mere name endorsements. Government officials can be friends/allies also, and can be crucial in designing a successful lobbying campaign. For example, they can organize "Dear Colleague Letters" (which are letters from a legislator to other legislators supporting or opposing bills ) or get endorsements from government agencies (i.e. bureaus, commissions, departments, sub-commissions). Government agencies can also be key allies since adding or cutting certain programs will directly affect their budgets, prestige and influence.
Identify Key Players: Once foes and friends have been identified, identify your target members of Congress. Creating a resource book of current issues, existing laws, legal memoranda, a listing of opponents, allies, congressional contacts and administrative agencies can also positively impact your lobbying efforts. (For more information on: drafting an action plan, Congressional hearings/visits, demonstrations/gimmicks, dealing with the press and Congressional staff, writing members of Congress or guidelines on money restrictions, reference chapters 4-13.)
If Things Go Wrong? The credibility of a lobbyist is very important. If an error is made in a fact sheet, double-check the document for other errors. Upon reviewing the document again, re-issue a revised version with an errata slip (a short note explaining the corrected information included in the new document) to all original recipients. Errors must be corrected as soon as possible.
When To Hire A Professional Lobbyist
Although this book provides enough details for your group to design its own lobbying campaign, you may still prefer a professional lobbyist if schedule conflicts or other constraints inhibit lobbying efforts. While a hired professional can serve as a spokesperson, the outcome of your campaign should not hinge entirely upon him/her. Your organization must still provide the clout necessary for him/her to present a credible case.
Thinking About Hiring a Lobbyist: Lobbyist do not necessarily have any specialized training or experiences. You/members of your group will more than likely have a better understanding of your issue/political goal. Also, there are very few lobbyist with a significant degree of personal political power, but they can help you harness the power of their contacts.
When deciding if a professional lobbyist should be hired, consider the following:
- Can you or anyone in your organization dedicate the necessary time towards the lobbying campaign?
- Can you afford to hire a professional lobbyist?
After considering the answers to these questions, it is equally important to realize upfront that professional lobbyists are not miracle workers. They simply connect your clout to their contacts and present your case on the Hill.
Counting the Costs:
Professional lobbyist typically charge one of two basic rates: a flat fee and a retainer and an hourly rate. Choosing an hourly rate will usually be in the best interest of your organization. Flat fee options typically include expenses, which can be an open invitation to lobbyist to cut costs to maximize their own profits. Also, flat fees can encourage a lobbyist to spend as little time as possible on your initiative. To avoid this, select the hourly rate and then graduate to a fixed fee if necessary.
Choosing a Lobbyist:
For more details on any of the information included in this summary, reference the book A Citizen’s Guide to Lobbying.