GREAT Example of Advocacy Done Right: NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome
Every now and then, I see an example of an advocacy campaign that hits it out of the park. Frequently they are not the largest or most well-funded. In some cases, the effort is not even led by the national organization -- sometimes a motivated local chapter takes the lead and has considerable impact in its own right. This press release from the New Jersey Center for Tourette's Syndrome summarizes what struck me as a campaign by a state level organization that got a whole lot right.
1) Outreach from a constituent. The New Jersey Center found individuals within the Member's district to be the spokesperson on the issue 2) A compelling personal story. There is no better way to convince a staffer or legislator of the importance of your issue than to introduce them to someone who is personally affected. 3) In-person visit to the Member's office - Visits to the district office are helpful. When possible, a fly-in to the Washington office can also be extremely effective. In many cases the Washington visit by a constituent will give an opportunity for face-time with the Member and the staffer who handles the issue and can make recommendations. 4) Sharing the facts. - Even with the compelling personal story, the facts are crucial. Explain costs, how many are impacted, economic impacts, etc. This is best done in a ONE-pager. (And we hope you will share your organization's position on the bill on POPVOX.) 5) A concrete ask - "Please co-sponsor this bill." - You can have the greatest story in the world.. but if you go to Washington without an "ask", it was probably a wasted trip. The most common asks are that a Member take one of several actions: --> Introduce a bill --> Become an "original cosponsor" of a bill that will soon be introduced --> Co-sponsor a bill that has already been introduced --> "SIgn-on" to a letter to the Administration, Leadership, a Committee Chairman/woman 6) A rallying call. The outreach from the NJCTR provided others with a way to get involved : "To register your support for H.R. 3760, please visit www.popvox.com/bills/us/112/hr3760." 7) A thank-you. One of the most effective aspects of this press release is that it praises the Member for his support. Very often advocacy campaigns focus on the ask (and hammering people who disagree) without much thought to what comes after. A thank you says "I noticed", "I'm paying attention" (and, quite frankly, that "I will remember this when I go to vote in November."