Lobbying 101

Anyone who wants our political and legal systems to become more animal-friendly can make a valuable contribution simply by learning how to become a citizen lobbyist.

If your vision of a lobbyist is a slickly dressed, smooth-talking hired gun, get ready for a surprise. The most effective lobbyist is the determined, engaged, and tenacious volunteer armed with some simple facts about legislation.

You need not live in Washington, D.C. to be a lobbyist, nor do you need to be an expert on legislation. You simply need to care about helping animals, have a spare minute or two, and learn some basics on grassroots lobbying.

The HSUS is pleased to offer the following helpful tools on becoming a humane legislation advocate.

Lobbying 101

An animal's strongest advocate may be you. That's because you, as a citizen, have the power to influence your legislators. The Government Affairs staff would like to see every person who cares about animals take part in lobbying. With this in mind, we have created training documents to enhance your lobbying techniques. You do not need any prior experience to help pass pro-animal legislation; all you need is the determination to communicate with those who represent you in your local, state, and federal governments.

Many people believe that non-profit charitable organizations in this country are not allowed to lobby their elected officials. The reality is that the federal government acknowledges, through regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, that non-profits do have the right to lobby legislators. More specifically, 501(c)(3) organizations such as The HSUS may actively seek the introduction of legislation to protect animals. However, the amount of an organization's budget that can be used for lobbying is limited.

Do not mistake lobbying elected officials on important issues with political activity or electioneering. Section 501(c)(3) organizations cannot participate in candidate races in any way. They cannot endorse or oppose candidates or contribute to a campaign; nor can workers for a Section 501(c)(3) be associated in an official capacity with a candidate. (Individuals may volunteer on their own time to help individual candidates.)

While non-profit charitable organizations cannot participate in candidate campaigns, they can actively participate in issue-oriented initiative campaigns. Twenty-four states currently allow citizens to put matters of interest directly before voters at the ballot box. The animal protection movement has been extremely successful in winning these votes in several states, banning trapping and certain abusive hunting practices.

For many years, Section 501(c)(3) groups were prohibited from engaging in a "substantial" amount of lobbying. This limitation was vague and worrisome as few groups wanted to test its meaning. These limits were modified, clarified, and somewhat loosened in 1976. Since that time, an organization can "elect" to abide by a sliding scale figure as its limit. Note: If an organization habitually exceeds this established limit, it can lose its tax-exempt status.

States also may impose restrictions on lobbying in addition to the federal IRS rules and regulations. Animal control organizations funded totally with taxpayer money are not usually allowed to lobby. However, if asked by elected officials to comment on pending legislation or existing law, they can respond and thus help protect animals.

There are thousands of animal protection organizations in this country that could have a tremendous impact on the positions taken by our elected officials. It is crucial to our efforts that these groups lobby to the fullest extent the law allows.

Knowing exactly how much you can lobby and understanding the rules surrounding these rules requires a certain amount of expertise. Your organization should have a lawyer to advise you on how to abide by existing rules.

Do's and Don'ts of Lobbying: How to Be an Effective Animal Advocate

DOs

   * Do know who represents you at all levels of government. You can obtain this information from your local library or board of elections and usually through the Internet. Keep phone numbers and addresses handy. Help others do the same.

   * Do identify yourself by name and organization (if any) when talking with an elected official. (Politicians always act like they remember who you are to avoid offending anyone.)

   * Do state a clear and concise objective. For example, say specifically that you want to ban canned hunts-not just that you want to stop outrageous hunting practices (which is too broad). Explain the meaning of terms that may be unfamiliar, such as "canned," "pound seizure," "class B dealers." Broad statements such as "hunting bears with hounds is inexcusable" may reflect how you feel, but don't convey a message as to what action needs to be taken by the official.

   * Do explain why the issue is important to you personally. If possible, link the issue to a personal experience or a situation in the elected official's district.

   * Do be aware of previous actions the official has taken on behalf of animals. You can be sure the opposition is aware of the assistance he or she gave on our behalf.

   * Do get to know your elected officials. Make an effort to appear at town meetings and other events, and be sure they hear you ask at least one question on animal issues at each event.

   * Do mention how important it is for your elected officials to adequately fund animal programs ranging from local animal control to state enforcement of wildlife protection laws to enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and others. Let them know that this is how you want your tax dollars spent.

   * Do join, create, or revitalize state federations or other state-wide groups to give your cause additional clout. Whenever possible, mention how many individuals your group represents.

   * Do get to know and develop a working relationship with key people who have influence over animals. For example, animal control officers, veterinarians, state wildlife board members, prosecuting attorneys, and health department officials have a major impact on animal protection bills. Legislators listen to their views, so work with them whenever possible.

   * Do join forces with other types of groups that may have the same position as you even if for different reasons-groups such as churches, teachers unions, chambers of commerce, local universities, or specific industries. Whenever appropriate, get school children to support your efforts.

   * Do wear many hats-not just your animal advocate hat. When lobbying legislators, identify yourself as a parent, businessperson, campaign contributor, or fellow church/club/team member.

   * Do work with legislative staff. They often have more knowledge of the issues, can give you vital background on the legislation's outlook, and have extraordinary clout.

   * Do get involved in legislative campaigns-as an individual, not as a nonprofit group. Volunteer to work, place a campaign sign in your yard, hand out leaflets, or otherwise help get someone elected.

   * Do learn how to work with your local press by developing a relationship with friendly reporters and editors.

   * Do respond to action alerts sent by The HSUS and other groups. Alerts are usually sent when legislation is close to passage or in a precarious position, so your action can make a tremendous difference.

DON'Ts

   * Don't threaten or antagonize a legislator even if he or she deserves it. If an elected official opposes your viewpoint, but respects you and bears you no animosity, you may find common ground in the future on another issue. But if you make an enemy, that person may take extra steps to defeat the bill you support. A legislator who doesn't agree with you on wildlife issues may be great on companion animal issues and vice versa. Don't make enemies. Today's city council member can be tomorrow's governor.

   * Don't refer to bills by their numbers alone.

   * Don't fail to listen to elected official's comments and questions on an issue. If she asks how a bill will impact jobs, or medical care, or the budget, you'll know where her concern is focused. Find ways to address those issues.

   * Don't ever lie to or mislead a legislator-especially someone who is on your side and needs to know the truth about an issue. Trust is essential for a working relationship.

   * Don't overwhelm a legislator with too much information or paperwork. They don't have time for it. Provide them with whatever is key to their efforts and be ready to supply any other needed information.

   * Don't be inflexible. Sometimes we have to compromise. As long as such a change won't harm any animals, consider the situation carefully. Learn legislative strategies that might save a bill otherwise destined to die, such as sunset provisions, grandfathering clauses, and placing provisions into a regulation instead of a statute.

   * Don't forget to thank someone who was helpful. Whenever possible, let your membership know how helpful the person has been.

   * Don't use terms or abbreviations that may be unfamiliar to an official without explaining their meaning, such as WLFA, PIJAC, or even The HSUS.

Getting to Know Your Elected Officials

We encourage you to meet and develop a relationship with the state legislators who represent you in your state's capital. Here are a few tips to get you started. If taking the first step makes you nervous, get a group together and jump in!

While there are only 540 elected members of Congress, there are nearly 8,000 state legislators. They are approachable. You can start with local officials such as your mayor or a city or county council member. Many of these elected officials move on to hold state and then federal office. If you are a constituent, simply call an elected official and ask him or her to meet with you to discuss some issues of importance to you.

If you don't know how to find out who represents you, call The Humane Society of the United States, your local board of elections, the library, or your League of Women Voters. Or go online; every state has a website with information on its legislature.

In some states the legislative staff is large, but many other elected officials operate virtually on their own or with a single aide. Legislators may have offices in the state capital, but they spend most of their time in their home districts.

If you don't how to take that first step, here are some tips:

   * Be politically active. Put campaign signs in your yard, volunteer to work on a campaign, or attend political functions. Buy tickets to political fund raisers or work for a political party. Any legislator you actively support will get to know you and appreciate you. (Note: This is electioneering. As an individual you can help with political activities, but nonprofit organizations cannot.)

   * Involve your local animal shelter. If you're involved with a good shelter, invite the politician to come view it. If the shelter has problems, ask him/her to come and discuss solutions. Invite the legislator to be a part of activities (such as spay/neuter clinics, rabies inoculation clinics, pet picture days, and rummage sales). He or she may be happy to be a master of ceremonies or just to be introduced to the crowd. Invite the legislator's pet, too! If the legislator is interested in getting a pet, encourage the adoption of a shelter animal. It's a good opportunity to explain your shelter policies.

   * Give awards. If a public official is deserving of recognition, present him or her with an award. Do it publicly and invite the media. If you are presenting someone in your community with an award or certificate of appreciation, involve local elected officials. Let him/her know ahead of time so a letter of congratulation can be written. Include legislators' spouses at ceremonies and events. Often they are also interested in animal protection issues.

   * Drop names. If your group works with a celebrity-a famous athlete, singer, television or movie star, another politician, or government official-invite your local state legislator to come and meet this person.

   * Make contacts through your many areas of interest. If you can get to know an elected official while working on another issue of importance to you, do so. You can later use that relationship to cultivate his/her support on animal-protection issues.

   * Try the direct approach. Call a legislator and simply tell him/her that you would like to get better acquainted. Ask to meet with him/her at a convenient time to discuss areas of mutual interest. Offer to provide information about animal-welfare issues. Follow up with a thank you note. Keep in touch with notes on local issues, including those not related to animals.

   * Get to know legislative staff. If the staff likes you, you are more likely to get to know the legislator directly. Offer to assist the staff so that they come to think of you as a resource on animal issues.

   * Say thank you. Whenever appropriate, thank legislators for their actions. Publicize their good work in your humane society newsletter (or in other ways) and let them know you spread the word. If they voted correctly or took a stand on something important, drop them a handwritten note of thanks to let them know of your appreciation.

   * Send an invitation. Invite a legislator that you'd like to meet to discuss the legislative process with members of your humane society. Ask him/her to speak to your group on how to be more effective.

   * Network. If you ask around, you will probably find someone who knows the legislator and who could personally introduce you. This is especially useful if you are trying to make contact with a key legislator in another district.

If you spend time in the capital when the legislature is convened, you will eventually get a chance to meet most legislators. Remember, even if a legislator doesn't agree with you on an issue you may be working on, don't antagonize anyone. A legislator may disagree with you on wildlife issues, but agree with you on dog and cat issues. Cultivate mutual areas of interest.

These suggestions should help you make contact with your state representatives or any other elected officials. You can make a tremendous difference for animals.

Tips for Successful Lobbying

Don't be intimidated by the thought of approaching elected officials. State legislators especially are receptive to constituent comments.

Be concise. Your message should be short and direct. It is fine to express your personal opinion.

Use all available resources. Request position papers, fact sheets, or other documentation from animal protection groups such as The HSUS. You don't need to be an expert, but the more facts and arguments you have on your side, the better.

Personalize your appeal. Tell how you are concerned about an issue and how it affects you, your family, and your community.

Cultivate legislative staff. Establish a positive relationship with staff persons. They are usually more accessible and can have tremendous influence over an issue.

Be honest. If you don't know the answer to something, admit it and try to get the information later. Also, when working with legislators who sponsor your bill, be sure to be up front about any potential problem areas.

Research your legislators. Ask around, talk to others who have worked for legislative change-on any issue-and ask their advice on which legislators are most effective or which committees are most likely to approve of your bill.

Identify your bill or issue clearly. Whenever you get a chance to lobby elected officials, don't just refer to your effort by the bill number. And always make it clear whether you are asking for their support or opposition to the matter.

During the legislative session, constantly check your bill's status. Most legislative entities have a bill status information office. At certain times, action occurs quickly and with little notice.

Keep things friendly. Maintain a positive relationship with all legislators-they may be in this office or a higher one for decades. Threats and hostile or sarcastic remarks are not productive. Do not create any enemies.

Avoid party politics. Animals have friends on both sides of the aisle.

Be flexible. Sometimes compromise is a must. Support legislative strategies that may save an otherwise doomed bill: adoption of sunset provisions, grandfathering clauses, and placing provisions into regulations instead of statute.

Express gratitude. Thank everyone and let your members know how helpful key legislators were in your success.

What Influences a Legislator?

Elected officials are, first and foremost, politicians. When lawmakers are up for re-election, they are often more willing to listen to interests outside their normal concerns. The issues of special interest groups are important to them because they may need that support to win re-election.

The HSUS and other groups keep legislative scorecards of important votes, and politicians want to make sure that they have favorable ratings. In addition, one of the easiest and most direct ways to get to know and influence legislators is to help them. You can do so by volunteering to work on a campaign. Although assisting politicians does not ensure that they will always vote your way, it does allow you to spend time with them and their staff. Building and maintaining working relationships is always important.

The following are important questions to keep in mind when lobbying elected officials. The answers to these will influence how a legislator responds to the issue.

The Issue:

Political Considerations:

Media:

Legislative Considerations:

Personal:

Outside Influences:

Copyright © 2003 The Humane Society of the United States . All rights reserved.

This file in Word 2002

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