The following post is from Lu Ann McNabb, NCTE Policy And Alliances Associate.
In my experience as an advocate for many issues I hold dear, I have learned a lot about what it takes to win the change you seek. Here are my 10 tips for advocacy.
- Develop close working relationships with legislators and staff members by meeting with them, writing them, attending events, and talking about their families and interests.
- Dress nicely when you meet with or testify before policymakers.
- Speak succinctly—never more than 3–5 minutes in a public forum.
- Target every committee member, even if you think speaking to them may be futile.
- Write letters to the editor and post them on social media.
- Enlist help from friends, family, and other organizations and individuals sympathetic to your cause.
- Gather the facts and information behind your issue and share, especially when legislators ask for them.
- Reach out to opponents and offer to work on policy language that is mutually acceptable.
- Keep the pressure on and never give up: if a bill fails one session, review what happened, learn why it failed and change the language for the next session.
- Always write thank-you notes after meeting with staff or elected officials.