General guide to lobbying.

But we must always fight for social advance and political change- we live in an unfair and unequal world so trade unions must always be immersed in campaigning for a better society”

Mick Lynch

Lobbying is about broadening the amount and deepening the quality of political engagement. The more good ideas that get heard, the better off our democracy is. The important thing is taking your time to develop high quality messages that work and to share these with people who can make the change you want. The first step is just getting started. You will get more comfortable as you lobby more.

Lobbying targets people with real or imagined power:

  • Politicians (local; national)
  • Policy makers (political party officials and activists; caucus research staff; and Government department key officials)
  • Local body or regional government officials
  • Media (to cover issues, to influence others)
  • Your employer or senior managers in your organisation

Anyone can lobby

One of the great things about being a small country, with available MPs and an open political culture is that good ideas can get a hearing.  However, if we leave lobbying to a small number of firms and the corporate sector who can most afford to engage professional lobbyists and Government Relations advisors, then we create imbalances in our democracy.

Everyone should lobby

  • Lobbying should not be the domain of just those with good access and deep wallets
  • The most effective lobbying is personal persuasion backed up by the mobilisation of public opinion 
  • Most lobbying done by NGOs or other groups relies more on tapping into a public mood rather than the individual strength of an argument
  • There are many different actions that can be taken, e.g. the issue of mining in national parks was stopped through a major street protest in Auckland, backed up by direct lobbying efforts
  • Often non corporate interests are on the side of the angels – but with the voice of a mouse. Right issues, popular and supported – but don’t know how to lobby, or achieve the outcome
  • Being strategic with limited resources is the challenge, but it is doable
How to lobby
  • First set a goal.Tip – make it narrow and achievable. Measurable goals are important.
  • Also know what your compromises are – establish what outcomes you can live with.
  • Research the topic. Here are some basic research questions.
    • What is wrong with the status quo? Identify all the problems that you are seeking to change. What are the negative outcomes? What is the law on this issue? 
    • What academic evidence/official reports support your cause? Quote them. Frame your proposal as a solution to the problem.
    • Who are your allies? What influential individuals or organisations agree with you? Talk to them. Quote them.
    • Who is the target? Identify the key decision makers that you need to persuade.
  • Identify in-direct targets also who can assist in persuading the primary target.
  • Research the target. Find out what they have previously said on the issue? What are their current concerns? Frame your issue within their realm of concern and within the economic, social and environmental interests of New Zealand.
  • Use public opinion to support your argument. Polling is good if you have the resources. Focus groups, online polls are also useful tools.
  • Practice delivering your message. Run through your arguments with trusted others before meeting or writing to decision-makers.
  • Engage the media. Backing up your lobbying with media stories is important. MPs seeing the issues they are being lobbied on in the media reinforce the perception that the issue is important and needs to be addressed. It also gives MPs political cover if needed.
  • Keep going. It requires sustained effort, utilising many activities or actions to achieve outcomes.
Meeting your MPs
  • Take a colleague or TEU member along with you. Real people telling real stories tend to be more persuasive to politicians. Include people who are impacted by the issue you want to talk about.
  • Meet in a comfortable place. An MP is going to be most comfortable meeting in their office. You can invite them to your place, but initial meetings are best where they feel comfortable.
  • The meeting should not be too long. Ask at the start how much time the MP has got and/or check with their staff member beforehand. Plan your presentation accordingly. Usually it will be 30 minutes max.
  • Keep the MP involved. Don’t lecture for 30 minutes. Have 5 minutes max to overview your pitch and then open to discussion. Plan questions to get the MP talking.
  • Use real examples. Make sure your argument is grounded in specifics as well as theory. How would it apply to the average NZer? What is the impact on the Government? (Using examples of case studies of where something has been applied overseas often helps).
  • Recognise tiredness and boredom. The MP may well be tired. Pick up the signs and focus down to the key points. Change the focus onto them; introduce something lighter.
  • Know your stuff. Only admit to ignorance if comprehensively cornered. If they ask a question, try and avoid saying that you don’t know.
  • Cope with aggression. The MP may simply loathe the message or the messenger. If possible, maintain your cool and follow rational argument, focusing on the most powerful and irrefutable facts. Be aware that a threat can backfire.
  • Follow up. MPs move on to the next issue. Do a follow up email or phone call or letter. Also make a note of any issues or concerns raised in the meeting and respond to these.
Things you should know about MPs
  • Their EA’s run their lives. Book meetings through EA’s. To meet with an MP in Wellington, they often have more time in recess weeks and later in the week – Thursdays are often best, as many are out of Wellington from Friday through to Monday.
  • They are experts on a few things. Many know their main subjects inside out, but they don’t know every topic inside out. Don’t patronise them, but don’t assume in depth knowledge in your issue
  • They are often driven by media coverage. Will it make them look good? Are there media opportunities in the proposal?
  • They have to tow the party line. Individual MPs can be sympathetic and supportive, but at the end of the day most MPs are whipped along party lines, so it is best to build support with senior MPs and Ministers if possible
  • They are actually quite human. They have families, interests, careers outside parliament. Don’t be shy or put off

Using the TEU strategies and position papers in lobbying

You are not alone when you go to lobby your MP! The TEU has a number of prepared position papers, policies or strategies that you might use to build your arguments. In particular, 'Te Kaupapa Whaioranga, The Blueprint for Women', 'Te Koeke Tiriti', and Academic Freedom may be relevant to you when lobbying for gender equity. Here is a print out you can share with other members to help them use these position papers when lobbying of MPs around gender equity issues.

Evaluating your approach to lobbying

This is a useful tool to use as you build your lobby approach and/or evaluate your progress so far. Print it out and use as a basis for discussion with your Branch Committee or other groups of interested members.

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