Organizations vary in their approach to advocacy. Some are just reactive and some are also proactive.
Let’s look at each approach.
Reactive
- Relies on lobbyist to screen Bills for consideration (if they can afford a lobbyist.)
- Gets information on pending state Bills from a national affiliate.
- Joins a collaborative effort with other organizations who have the same position on the issues
- Hires a lobbyist for just a short engagement to fight a Bill.
- Contacts members asking them to contact their representatives.
- Has a methodology in place for quick action without layers of approval.
Proactive
Everything in reactive, PLUS
- Keeps in touch with colleagues in other states about Bills filed in their states.
- Publishes a legislative agenda (a great first step to becoming proactive.)
- Hosts a legislative dinner or reception for members of key committees.
- Looks for templates for model legislation
- Works with other groups with similar interests.
- Has a system in place for reaching out quickly to members with tools to facilitate member input.
- Hosts educational events about complex issues.
Clearly, it is more costly to be proactive than reactive. On the other hand, taking the head-on challenge of getting positive legislation passed is more fulfilling than blocking a Bill one year, to see it come back the following year. Advocacy is a great way for members of all ages to become involved.
