Florida League of  Cities     
Advocacy in Action
Legislative Strategies for Success in 2015

It's Time for Your Next Advocacy Checkup

 

For those of you who exercise regularly, you know that challenging yourself to do just a little bit more, or changing your routine helps you become stronger both physically and mentally.

 

The same can be said for your advocacy health. Trying new strategies to engage your legislators and their staff will help you build a stronger, more lasting relationship that gets the results you want. So in this edition we'll address part one of question six of our Advocacy Checkup, which focuses on those relationships.

 

Question #6 - During the interim, do you think you need to:

  1. Work on building a stronger relationship with your legislators and/or their staff?         

When it comes to this question...everyone should answer "yes". Why? Because there are ALWAYS opportunities to strengthen a relationship. And even if you have a very strong relationship with your legislator, perhaps it's time to focus on building/strengthening the relationship with their staff. Below are just a few strategies to help you do both!

 

Legislators

 

Use social media to promote your legislator when appropriate - If they attend local events, are a keynote speaker, participate in the same networking groups as you, are the recipient of an award, etc. sharing photos on social media of you and your legislator is a great way to promote both of you working together for your community.

 

Send them a handwritten note - If your legislator was a recipient of the League's Legislative Appreciation Award, be sure to send them a congratulatory note and thank them for their service on behalf of your shared constituents. This is also a great time to wish them well and let them know you're looking forward to working together towards the preservation of Municipal Home Rule as they begin interim committee week meetings.

 

How can I help you? - Care about their priorities and follow through with any assistance you offer - "What are your goals and how can I help you attain them?" (Blackwell, 2007)

 

Become a matchmaker - Your city manager knows in-depth the inner workings of your city. They can be a great resource of information for your legislator. You can be the conduit that brings them together.

 

Invite them for a Speaking Engagement - As they get ready for the 2016 session, invite them to give a legislative preview at an upcoming council meeting. "Most legislators would give their right arm to be able to consistently be before groups of people." (Blackwell, 2007)

 

Legislative Staff

 

Send them a handwritten note - Just like the legislator, their staff works hard on behalf of your shared constituents. If they've gone above and beyond to help you or a resident, sending them a note that says, "thank you" will go a long way in building your relationship.

 

Invite them to attend events - Often they will accompany the legislator at their request, however a personal invitation to the staff tells them you value your relationship and appreciate their service. And be sure to introduce them when they attend!

 

Become a key contact with the Legislative Aide - Concentrate on getting to know them in addition to the legislator. Invite them to join you for a cup of coffee or lunch (they have to pay for their own) just to get to know them. And when you provide information, make sure to copy the Aide on any request and provide them with a copy of any materials you give to the legislator.

 

Host a Legislative Staff Appreciation Luncheon - This can be done at city hall before or after a council meeting or as part of your regional league monthly meeting. If you do this, be sure to invite ALL staff members from the legislator's office to attend.

 

Introducing a new "exercise" into your advocacy routine will help re-energize you and provide another tool for ensuring a strong relationship with your legislator and their staff that can reap benefits for your city in 2016.

 

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH!

 


Want to talk more about advocacy? 
Contact: Allison Payne, Advocacy Programs Manager or 
 Kathy Till, Advocacy Consultant
Visit our web site at: www.flcities.com