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Effectiveness in Advocacy

SIX EASY PRACTICES THAT WILL MAXIMIZE EFFECTIVENESS IN 

ADVOCACY

Kingpins make a difference!

Plan ahead when you are writing an email, or speaking to a legislator to ensure your message is understood.

  1. Always be courteous. Legislators are extremely busy and must work with many diverse interests, creating a need for courtesy and diplomacy. Being courteous leaves the door open for future communications.
  2. Know the issue. Ask yourself if you know the issue well enough to discuss it with a legislator. Prepare talking points, anticipate questions and plan the discussion in advance. Make sure you have the tools needed to make an effective pitch and answer important questions. If there is any doubt, contact CTA staff. We can provide talking points, facts, figures and relevant information.
  3. Identify problems and solutions. Educate the legislator or staffer about your business interests and contributions in the district. Share specific facts and figures about how many employees you have and how your business is affected by legislative or regulatory decisions made in Sacramento.
  4. Make the “ask.” When discussing an issue with a lawmaker or a staffer, be very clear about what you are asking for. For example, if you are calling to support or oppose a specific bill, make sure to ask directly for the legislator’s support or opposition after you’ve made your case.
  5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Legislators may ask for something specific of CTA or you. Don’t make promises you can’t keep or that are not in your purview. Instead, tell your lawmaker that you will follow up on the issue or question in the near future.
  6. Don’t talk about money or fundraising. Talking about campaign contributions and legislation in the same context is illegal. Don’t put yourself in jeopardy by blurring those lines.